National News

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• Palaung groups accuse military, militia of abuses
• China protests after landmine injures official
• Man lights fire in bank robbery attempt
• USDP leadership dispute disrupts conference plans
• No time to consider defence council bill: Speaker
• Masked man at Koh Tao rally demands meet with Interpol
• Authorities move to clear squatters from town water supply
• NLD pledges no more political prisoners
• Reggae singer takes out peace prize
• CSOs call for political dialogue halt

Palaung groups accuse military, militia of abuses Posted: 05 Jan 2016 02:30 PM PST Palaung activists are accusing armed militias and the Tatmadaw of torturing civilians in northern Shan State in a recent raid, fuelling a racial conflict.

China protests after landmine injures official Posted: 05 Jan 2016 02:30 PM PST China said yesterday it had lodged a protest with Myanmar after one of its border officials was blown up by a landmine after going to investigate an earlier explosion close to the frontier with the Kokang region of Shan State.

Man lights fire in bank robbery attempt Posted: 05 Jan 2016 02:30 PM PST A man has been arrested for allegedly trying to swipe cash from a bank in Pakokku, Magwe Region, after lighting a fire in a toilet to create a diversion.

USDP leadership dispute disrupts conference plans Posted: 05 Jan 2016 02:30 PM PST Plans to relaunch the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) this month following its crushing election defeat appear to have been put on hold because of unresolved leadership issues, according to former senior members.

No time to consider defence council bill: Speaker Posted: 05 Jan 2016 02:30 PM PST Upper house Speaker U Khin Aung Myint has ruled out approving a controversial bill that would give the military stronger powers over the civilian administration on security affairs. However, he also defended the draft law, describing it as both necessary and reasonable.

Masked man at Koh Tao rally demands meet with Interpol Posted: 05 Jan 2016 02:30 PM PST A masked vigilante yesterday stood up in a swell of protesters and said he has evidence that can prove the innocence of two Myanmar men sentenced to death in Thailand.

Authorities move to clear squatters from town water supply Posted: 05 Jan 2016 02:30 PM PST Pyin Oo Lwin officials are cracking down on forest dwellers squatting near a road construction site alongside the city's only water supply.

NLD pledges no more political prisoners Posted: 05 Jan 2016 02:30 PM PST A senior official says the incoming administration will respond to rights groups' lobbying and formally define the term "political prisoner", while also refraining from arresting anyone for political activities.

Reggae singer takes out peace prize Posted: 05 Jan 2016 02:30 PM PST The K2 million Lawka Tharra peace award for 2015 has been awarded to reggae singer Saw Phoe Khwar for his contribution to harmony in inter-communal relations. The award was presented by the Asia Light Foundation and Green Pyin Oo Lwin on December 31.

CSOs call for political dialogue halt Posted: 05 Jan 2016 02:30 PM PST Civil society groups have come out swinging against next week's political dialogue meeting, warning of "bad consequences" if negotiations begin without all armed ethnic groups and calling for talks to be halted.

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