Democratic Voice of Burma

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• Police seize land, cut down toddy trees
• BURMA BUSINESS WEEKLY
• Irrawaddy farmers gain ground in land grab case
• Defamation case on hold: Thais urged to probe Rohingya smuggling
• Zarganar to take on Than Shwe through Hollywood
• Activist groups to register political prisoners past and present
• Mt Victoria, Indawgyi Lake nominated for UNESCO status

Police seize land, cut down toddy trees Posted: 07 Mar 2014 04:16 AM PST Police and local villagers were reportedly injured this morning in Sagaing Division's Yinmarbin Township, when police arrived with bulldozers to uproot toddy palm trees on 100 acres of confiscated land. The land has been designated as a building ground for the 28th Police Battalion, and villagers say no compensation has been disbursed. Residents of Ohntonbin village said around 200-300 policemen with three bulldozers began uprooting their toddy plantations on Thursday. Kyi Lay, a local villager, said four were arrested on Friday morning after a violent scuffle with the police. Both civilians and officers sustained injuries, she said. "Policemen showed up and started bulldozing our toddy plantations, so we went to stop them and they bashed us with batons," said Kyi Lay. "A lot of us were beat up and hurt by the police today." Kyi Lay said her 70 toddy trees were all bulldozed, uprooted from her two acres of land. Police pledged to compensate the villagers during negotiations in October 2013, but some villagers refused to take the proposed settlement. Construction began on plots where villagers accepted the offer, with Police saying that they would continue to work with the other landowners to reach an agreement, according to Myint Zaw, another villager. "But after repeatedly failing in the negotiations, they decided to come in and start bulldozing toddy tress," he said. Police in Yinmarbin were unavailable for comment. Related Stories Irrawaddy farmers gain ground in land grab case Lower House proposes softening Peaceful Assembly Law 50 arrested in raid on Moehti Moemi camp

BURMA BUSINESS WEEKLY Posted: 07 Mar 2014 03:51 AM PST   Ups and downs The Burmese currency gained again this week – buying at 970 kyat to the US dollar (981 last week) and selling at 980 kyat (from 983 last week). Gold rose minutely to 684,900 kyat per tical. Fuel prices remain: petrol 820 kyat, octane 950 kyat and diesel 920 kyat per litre. High-quality Pawhsanmwe rice is still selling at 1,200-1,300 kyat per basket while low-quality Emata rice remains at 850-900 kyat.   Burmese rice exports down by nearly a third Rice exports have dropped by 30 percent in the 2013-14 fiscal year, compared to the year before, Trade and Commerce Minister Win Myint announced on Wednesday. According to the Myanmar Rice Association, 1 million tons of rice has been exported in 2013-14, down from 1.4 million tons in 2012-13. The Association believes this is due to both a low yield and a decrease in demand from China. Burma was the world's largest rice exporter from 1961 to 1963. The Burmese financial year ends on 31 March.   Government to lift booze ban 7 Day Daily reported on 3 March that the Burmese Trade Ministry is in talks to lift a ban on the import of alcoholic drinks. Introduced in 1995, the ban was designed to protect local producers such as Myanmar Brewery, in which the military-linked Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd hold a 45 percent stake. Myanmar Brewery, Burma's biggest corporate taxpayer, enjoys an 83 percent market share. Lifting the import ban could stem endemic smuggling; last year hundreds of thousands of bottles of alcohol were confiscated in a crackdown ahead of the SEA games.   Indonesian firm cements deal in Burma Two state-owned Indonesian cement manufacturers are set to begin operations in Burma, the Jakarta Globe reported on Saturday. Semen Indonesia aims to secure the deal by April 2014, with ambitions of supplying concrete produced in Burma to neighbouring ASEAN countries. A concrete factory owned by Wijaya Karya is expected to be complete within a year, the report said.   Burma says 'gam bei!' to Asahi Asahi Group Holdings Ltd announced on Friday that it has agreed to establish a joint venture with Burmese beverage maker Loi Hein Co to produce and sell carbonated soft drinks, according to Japan's Jiji Press. Asahi will reportedly invest 2.3 billion yen (US$22 million) to acquire a 51 percent stake in the joint venture. Tokyo-based Asahi Breweries is best known as the manufacturer of Asahi beer. As of 2009, the company had a 40 percent share of the Japanese beer market.   MAI is independent, says transport minister Burma's national carrier, Myanmar Airways International, or MAI, was transformed into a financially independent corporation at the beginning of the 2013-14 fiscal year and no longer requires state funds, according to Transport Minister Nyan Tun Aung, addressing Parliament on 6 March upon submission of the Aviation Law. MAI currently operates daily flights to Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Guangzhou, Gaya, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and last week announced a new route to Pusan in South Korea.   Rice storage scheme starts 15 March A rice storage scheme, which will allow farmers to stock surplus rice instead of selling it at low prices during the harvest season, will launch on 15 March, according to the Myanmar Rice Federation's general-secretary Ye Min Aung. Speaking at an MRF conference in Rangoon on 6 March, the official said that farmers who stock their rice under the scheme – which has UNFAO backing – will be issued insurance documents which can be mortgaged for bank loans.   Japan's Mizuho Bank ready for Rangoon Japanese Mizuho Bank is ready to open its Rangoon branch as soon as the government grants permission for foreign banking operations, the bank's Rangoon Chief Officer Tetsuro Nonaka said on Thursday. Nonaka said the bank will primarily focus on serving Japanese companies investing in Burma. With 80 branches in over 30 countries, Mizuho serves as advisor to the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Thilawa Special Economic Zone Project, as well as a gas-fired power plant in Tharkayta.   US$2b real estate value on Burma's embassies abroad Real estate value for Burmese embassies and consulates in 40 cities worldwide amounts to an estimated two billion USD, said Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Tint Lwin Oo in a 6 March parliamentary session, though he added that the value could be much higher. Of those, 18 plots of land are owned and 22 leased. The minister declined to answer a query by MP Aung Maung about Japanese consular land sold by the military regime after 1988.   10,000 Burmese companies evading taxes, says Ministry The Ministry of Finance's Internal Revenue Department (IRD) announced that over 10,000 companies have not paid their taxes since April 2012, neither have they had any contact with the department to request deferral. The IRD said they have a 20 March deadline to report inability to pay. The announcement did not specify which taxes were being evaded. According to a new Taxation Bill, currently awaiting parliamentary approval, the IRD looks to double its tax profits in the upcoming 2014-15 fiscal year to around 5 trillion kyat (US$5 billion) from 2.7 trillion (US$2.7 billion) the previous year. Related Stories US accuses Burma of continuing military ties to N Korea BURMA BUSINESS WEEKLY – 28 February 2014 ASEAN Rice Federation in the works

Irrawaddy farmers gain ground in land grab case Posted: 07 Mar 2014 02:11 AM PST Over 200 acres of land seized by the military was given back to villagers in a ceremony in Irrawaddy Division's Myanaung township on Thursday. Thirty-nine farmers, from Daungkya, Thayettaw, Shwegyin and Htu village-tracts were handed back land they used to own, along with papers cited them as the new owners. "The army's 551st Infantry Battalion is returning 206 acres of land in Daungkya, six acres in Shwepyithar, as well as around 336 acres of forest land and 56.5 acres of vacant land," said Myanaung township's administrator, Min Min Tun. He went on to say that any remaining land would be handed over to the township's Land Utility Department. Farmers, township officials, and regional parliament members attended the ceremony in Myanaung township. Related Stories Police seize land, cut down toddy trees ASEAN military chiefs plan Malacca Strait exercise 50 arrested in raid on Moehti Moemi camp In Myanaung township alone, over 2000 acres of land was taken by the military after 1988. Often villagers were forced to work the land for the army and their crops were taken as well. Although over 200 acres of land has been returned, 1600 acres of confiscated is still owned by the military in the area. For villager Khar Khin it was a day of mixed emotions. "The army forced us to provide one basket of beans per family and also labour. I went with my husband to do the labour and he passed away there," she said. "I am gratified but sad at the same time. But I'm happy to have the land returned." The issue of land confiscation is one of the largest problems facing Burma. In many cases, villagers have lost their livelihoods, have been forcibly relocated and have received no compensation. Protests have erupted all over the country and villagers are demanding the return of hundreds of thousands of acres of their land from the military, government, or private companies who are using it for investment projects. Last week four farmers were charged with trespassing and vandalism after staging a plough protest on their confiscated land. In 2012 the government enacted the Farm Land Law and the Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Land Law but both have proved to be inadequate at stopping continued land confiscation, and have even aided further land grabs.

Defamation case on hold: Thais urged to probe Rohingya smuggling Posted: 07 Mar 2014 02:03 AM PST The arraignment of two journalists based in southern Thailand has been postponed following pleas from rights advocates that charges be dropped. Alan Morison, founder and editor of Phuketwan online news, and staff reporter Chutima Sidasathian, still face potential charges of defamation and violation of Thailand's Computer Crimes Act for reporting on a Reuters feature that implicated Thai authorities in the smuggling of Rohingya Muslims from Burma. Morison confirmed that the Australian Embassy informed them on Friday morning that the 10 March hearing has been rescheduled for some time in April. Just before being alerted of the postponement, an international advocacy group, Human Rights Watch (HRW), publicly urged the Royal Thai government to abandon the case and instead investigate the Thai Navy, emphasising that journalists are being unfairly targeted while serious accusations against officials remain wholly overlooked. "Prosecutors should be investigating the poor treatment of Rohingya boatpeople instead of targeting journalists," read the public statement issued Friday morning. Thai authorities have not offered any further information about why the hearing was rescheduled, but Phil Robertson, Deputy Director for HRW Asia Division, told DVB on Friday afternoon that a combination of factors could have influenced the decision. Thai authorities, he said, probably did not expect the issue to garner so much attention; the case has even sparked demonstrations in Australia, Morison's country of origin. "We don't know why, exactly, the date was postponed," he said, "but buying time, in our view, is a good thing." Robertson explained that while the charges were being brought by the Royal Thai Navy, the decision to proceed to trial is "fortunately not up to them". HRW has urged caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to take up the issue directly and completely drop the case. In its stead, HRW suggests, serious allegations against naval crimes should be independently investigated. Related Stories Slavery persists in Thai fishing industry: report BIMSTEC leaders convene in Burma MSF operations set to resume, but not in Arakan Morison and Sidasathian first presented themselves to the Phuket Police after a captain of the Royal Thai Navy accused them of defamation in December 2013, five months after Phuketwan published an article titled, "Thai Military profiting from trade in boatpeople, says special report". The article cited an investigative report claiming that Thai naval officers abetted a long-operational people-smuggling scheme for the sale and extortion of Rohingya Muslims, who in recent years have fled by the thousands to escape communal violence in Burma. The Rohingya have been described as among the world's most persecuted peoples by the UN and others. Last month the Burmese government was implicated in crimes against humanity for decades of targeted policies that deny Rohingya citizenship and limit their basic freedoms. While disputes between Burmese nationals and the stateless Muslim minority date back to the era of British colonialism, conflict has intensified since June 2012, when a succession of riots began that has to date left an estimated 200 dead and about 200,000 displaced, mostly Muslims. Earlier this week Thailand faced serious criticisms over the country's human trafficking record, which without a swift remedy could result in sanctions from the US, according to the Environmental Justice Foundation. Allegations of Thailand’s severe and endemic mistreatment of migrants is not limited to Burma’s Rohingya; migrants from various parts of Burma, Laos and Cambodia are routinely abused, the group said. While it's "good news" that Morison and Sidasathian are not immediately facing prison terms for their reporting, the issue of government accountability remains, said Robertson, reiterating HRW's position that an independent investigation should be carried out by relevant experts, and results made public. Robertson said that if the Thai government wishes to maintain a reputation as a democratic nation, they need to show that the Navy can be reigned in. To dismiss with a wave of the hand, he said, the findings of serious, "potentially Pulitzer-winning investigative journalism" would be "absolutely shameful".

Zarganar to take on Than Shwe through Hollywood Posted: 07 Mar 2014 01:10 AM PST Renowned Burmese comedian and vocal regime critic Zarganar is to be involved in discussions towards the making of a film about the life of Snr-Gen Than Shwe, Burma's infamous former military dictator, according to an interview he held with Burmese newspaper the Tomorrow News Journal. Oscar-winning Hollywood film director Steven Soderbergh has already been contacted to direct the movie, the report said. Zarganar is quoted saying he wants to take the role of assistant-director. The former political prisoner is due to travel to the United States in April to discuss the plan with Soderbergh who has previously directed hits such as Traffic, Ocean's Eleven, Erin Brockovich, and Sex, Lies and Videotape. The Burmese satirist said it should not be difficult to find an actor to play Than Shwe "as many people in Burma, perhaps unfortunately, bare his likeness". Outspoken and controversial, Zarganar was arrested in June 2008 for speaking to foreign media about the situation of millions of people left homeless after Cyclone Nargis devastated the Irrawaddy Delta. In November that year he was sentenced to 59 years in prison, but was released on 11 October 2011 in a presidential amnesty. * The original version of this story stated that the film would be based on a political biography written by journalist Benedict Rogers titled, Than Shwe: Unmasking Burma’s Tyrant. Mr Rogers has since informed DVB that he has no knowledge of such a plan and that he did not speak to Zarganar or anyone else about making such a film.  Related Stories Comedians enjoy new-found freedom Renowned 'Moustache Brother' Par Par Lay passes away Humour still weapon of protest in Burma

Activist groups to register political prisoners past and present Posted: 06 Mar 2014 10:47 PM PST In the month in which the Burmese national census is set to begin, another count is taking place. A list comprising every political prisoner arrested in Burma since the 1962 military takeover is being compiled by three NGOs – the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners-Burma (AAPP-B), Former Political Prisoners Society (FPPS) and the 88 Generation Peace and Open Society (88GPOS). Ye Aung, a member of the FPPS, said the list would take half a year to put together. The group began their task in January. Ye Aung told DVB that the NGOs would be compiling evidence to confirm that each entrant to the list had indeed been imprisoned for political activity. Related Stories US lauds Burma's improving human rights record Amending 59(f) will allow foreigners to exploit 'simple' Burmese, says Wirathu Cross-country march to protest Myitsone Kyaw Naing Oo is an activist collecting political prisoner profiles in Pegu Division. He said he has encountered many individuals who have been unwilling to recount their experiences — many due to trauma suffered in detention. For others unwilling to discuss their past, the fear of resurrecting the scrutiny of officials remains too great. "Some former political prisoners were not willing to give their information due to concerns from the families, wanting to leave those memories behind, saying it will lead to nothing. Some were worried that appearing on the list would bring them suffering again if things were turned around," said Kyaw Naing Oo. The three organisations say they have uncovered numerous cases of suffering. They say the majority of political prisoners tallied have been affected by poor health and many have found it difficult to find work. Faced with these hardships, a large number of former political prisoners cannot now support their families. Win Tin, patron of the National League for Democracy (NLD) and a former political prisoner, said that on completing the list, a major political force would be born in Burma. "All political prisoners have their own political history," he said. "Some may be NLD members, some may believe in political parties, and some may be from ethnic minorities – but nonetheless, bringing them together to some extent will help create a political force in the country which can provide a great deal of assistance for public interest works, the country's politics and achieving political goals."

Mt Victoria, Indawgyi Lake nominated for UNESCO status Posted: 06 Mar 2014 10:03 PM PST Mount Victoria in Chin State has been recommended as one of the two priority candidates to be nominated for UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The highest mountain in Burma’s western state, together with the Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary in Kachin State, was chosen during the National Consultation Meeting organized by the Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry and UNESCO in Naypyidaw late last month. In a statement released yesterday [5 March], Dr Nyi Nyi Kyaw, Director-General of the Forestry Department, said that Burma has several sites with high potential but none of them has received World Heritage status, adding: “The designation of World Heritage would provide opportunities for practicing the effective protection and management of these irreplaceable sites.” Related Stories ICRC office opens in Myitkyina Census begins in Burma's Kachin State Chin rebels supply rice for opium eradicators Standing at the height of 3,053 metres (10,016 ft) above sea level, the third highest mountain in Burma was named the 32nd ASEAN Heritage Park, and has been protected as one of the national parks in the country. Dr Tim Curtis, Chief of UNESCO Bangkok's Culture Unit, said: “World Heritage provides a framework for the highest level of international commitment to the protection of sites which are considered of Outstanding Universal Value. Myanmar is now taking an important step forward in protecting its natural heritage in accordance with World Heritage standards.” Mount Victoria, an "unspoiled" area and a natural habitat for several endemic bird species and home to over 800 plant species, is renowned for its extreme elevation gradient and great beauty, the statement added. Flanked by the two townships of Mindat and Kanpetlet in southern Chin State, Mt. Victoria is locally called by names with some slight variations in spelling including Khonumsung and Khonumtung, both describing the same meaning as a great mountain. Local communities have expressed disapproval over the use of "Nat-Ma-Taung", a distorted translation into Burmese, saying that its original name should be used. The two sites, selected from among the seven recently proposed for Burma’s World Heritage Tentative List, will now be put forward for future World Heritage listing.   This article was first published in Chinland Guardian on 6 March 2014.

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