The Irrawaddy Magazine

---

• Gold Price Highest on Record
• Villagers Object to Arakan State Parliament Speaker’s Land Use Project
• Heritage Group Reveals Rangoon Conservation Plan
• Former Political Prisoners Call for Justice Ministry
• Illegal Log Trade Continues on Salween River
• Arakan Lawmaker’s Bid to Restrict Muslim Birth Rate Rejected
• Drug Dealers Repel Police with Knives in Tenasserim
• Death of a Journalist
• Ten Things to Do in Rangoon This Week
• Remembering the Saffron Revolution

Gold Price Highest on Record Posted: 27 Sep 2016 08:57 AM PDT Gold shop at the downtown in Rangoon on June 17 , 2016. ( Photo – Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy ) RANGOON — Gold prices have reached record highs as the value of the kyat falls and the price of the US dollar continues to increase, according to industry observers. The value of gold on the domestic market reached a record high on Tuesday of 894,000 kyats (US$719) per tical—a traditional Burmese measurement of weight equal to16.33 grams (just over half an ounce)—higher than the record $714 per tical logged on Sept. 7. The price on the global gold market was $771 per tical (or $1,333 per ounce). The Rangoon branch of the Gold Entrepreneurs Association said the high prices have convinced people to sell their gold items. "Gold prices have increased because of the dollar's appreciation in the domestic market. There has been no price fluctuation in the world's gold market," said U Win Myint, secretary of the Rangoon branch of the Gold Entrepreneurs Association. U Kyaw Win, owner of U Htone gold smith echoed that Burma's recent high gold price is not related to the global gold price but is a reflection of a high dollar exchange rate. "The dollar exchange rate is increasing, that's why the gold price has reached a record high," he said. The value of US dollars has appreciated over the last few months and on Sept. 27 the exchange rate was 1,270 kyats per dollar on the informal exchange market and 1,245 kyats as traded by private banks. The Central Bank of Burma rate stood at 1,240 kyats to the dollar, up from just 1,210 kyats on Sept. 1. An official at the Central Bank said, "The bank's policy regarding the exchange rate is to adjust it to the market rate. But, it is important that the market does not manipulate the prices, and the Central Bank should monitor and prevent that. Otherwise, the reference rate may even reach 1,300 kyats per dollar." There are reports that private banks and other exchangers have now stopped selling dollars to buyers. "I've asked Yoma Bank, KBZ Bank, Ayeyarwady Bank and CB Bank exchange counters today to sell some dollars, but they all said they do not have enough dollars to sell," Rangoon resident U Than Htike Oo told the Irrawaddy. "I spoke to black marketers and they said the price reached 1,270 kyats per dollar because of high demand," he said. Economists have said that the dollar appreciation is attributable to currency speculators. "Money traders are speculating," economist U Hla Maung, who is also the retired director of the Ministry of Commerce, told The Irrawaddy. "The dollar value has increased since the US signaled that it would end sanctions." The appreciation is also due to a decline in dollar inflow into the country as the country's jade market is sluggish and the government has launched a crackdown on drug dealing, slashing the country's foreign currency income, he said. "The earnings from drug dealing have declined as [the government] has taken a tough line on drugs," said U Hla Maung. "China is buying less jade so the dollar inflow into the country has decreased. Viewing the dollar as a commodity, the supply is low and the demand is high. So, the prices have increased." "Those who previously bought gold as an investment have now started to save dollars instead. And those who traded on the [Yangon] Stock Exchange also started to save dollars after stock prices declined," he added. Economist Dr. Aung Ko Ko said that the value of the kyat has now decreased in relation to both gold and dollars and that it is time for the government to find a solution. "Due to the exchange rate increase, the cost of importing is high. Exporters may be happy for now, but how can they survive when the import value continues to rise," he said. "The exchange rate is changing very quickly, so the government should find out which factors are pushing up exchange rates and then find a solution," he added. The post Gold Price Highest on Record appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Villagers Object to Arakan State Parliament Speaker’s Land Use Project Posted: 27 Sep 2016 08:21 AM PDT Arakan State parliament speaker San Kyaw Hla, pictured within the state legislature on August 10, 2016. (Photo: Rakhine Gazette / Facebook) RANGOON – Speaker of the Arakan State parliament, San Kyaw Hla, has been accused of appropriating 10 acres of land from villagers in Ponnagyun Township in order to fill the area with Buddhist relics. U Oo Hla Maung, the acting village administrator for Taung Nar in Ponnagyun, said that last week more than 240 residents signed a letter of objection delivered to the State Counselor's Office, alleging that village administers had "forced [them] to sign" an agreement in front of local authorities. The agreement, he said, was to support a project initiated by San Kyaw Hla, of the Arakan National Party, to create a plantation of revered Bodhi trees on the land and place 1,000 Buddha statues along the nearby railway line. Villagers told The Irrawaddy by phone on Tuesday that the authorities had said that the Bodhi trees would transform the area into a garden-like atmosphere in which they could open shops to sell local products. However, U Oo Hla Maung said he refused to ink the agreement, in accordance with the majority of villagers' wishes, and together they decided to send the letter of complaint to the Union government in order to block the project. The villagers, he added, perceived San Kyaw Hla's position as being comparable to that of Arakan State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu, making them frightened to object to his wishes, and leading them to go directly to the Union-level leadership. He said that San Kyaw Hla inquired as to why he was "rejecting Buddha statues." "'Are you not Buddhist?' he asked me," U Oo Hla Maung said. The Irrawaddy contacted San Kyaw Hla on Tuesday, who was "shocked" by the Taung Nar villagers' allegations. He said that the land had originally been confiscated by the military regime, and that he was returning it to the rightful owners through his project. The Taung Nar villagers, he said, had been manipulated by some person or group behind the scenes. "The time of forcing people to sign over land so that it could be seized is over," San Kyaw Hla said, referring to the period of military rule, during which the practice of land grabbing was commonplace. "We will not force the villagers to collaborate on that project. We will do the project in different locations where other villages will deal with us," he added. The negotiating process regarding such projects has taken place in three villages since 2015: Taung Nar, Kyan Ta Lin and Kyan Khin. San Kyaw Hla said that while he believes the project could be beneficial, he maintained that he would not force it to be carried out. "There is no garden with 1,000 Bodhi trees and 1,000 statues elsewhere in Arakan State. And by growing trees it also environmental conservation. So we would like to implement that project, but we will never continue if they object to us," he explained. The Arakan State parliament would not need financial support from the state in order to complete the project, San Kyaw Hla added, pointing out that many local donors were ready to give Buddha statues and Bodhi trees for the gardens. The post Villagers Object to Arakan State Parliament Speaker's Land Use Project appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Heritage Group Reveals Rangoon Conservation Plan Posted: 27 Sep 2016 06:15 AM PDT Rangoon's landmark Shwedagon Pagoda at night. (Photo: Tin Htet Paing / The Irrawaddy) RANGOON — Burma's prominent heritage conservation body, the Yangon Heritage Trust (YHT), revealed its conservation strategy for the country's former capital as it said Rangoon is "at a tipping point" and that without action there will be a terrible loss of cultural and natural heritage. The "Yangon Heritage Strategy" is a 150-page report that outlines YHT's vision and strategy to combine heritage conservation and sustainable development. Meant for all relevant stakeholders—from national leaders to street vendors, city residents and businesses—it includes 24 “Action Plans” on issues ranging from the expansion of green space to improved streetscapes to transforming downtown Yangon into a future international hub for arts and culture. "For the city's civic and business leaders, it [the strategy] can provide new ideas that might not have been considered before as well as a sense of the huge longer-term economic potential Yangon has to become a regional hub that combines heritage conservation with sustainable development," the report says. "For the general public, this document can provide a sense of how special their home city is and how, together, we can make Yangon Asia's most livable city," it added. Thant Myint-U, YHT chairman and founder, said the strategy was not a master plan.  It is a collection of YHT ideas, based on four years of work on these issues and meant as a contribution to government and public debate at this critical moment in Rangoon's development. The plan comes at a time when the city of 5.16 million people is now under stress from traffic congestion, little to no urban planning, and poor infrastructure—while the city's century-old architecture faces a threat from unregulated development. The YHT strategy includes interim, awareness and long-term regulation measures to protect the city's unique heritage. YHT proposes the creation of a coordinating body to oversee urban planning, promote public awareness of the importance of heritage conservation, and tailor a mix of immediate actions with a comprehensive urban plan within a solid regulatory framework based on a revised heritage law—which would include mandatory height control regulations across the city to protect heritage areas and free up space for high-rises. In the Action Plans, YHS suggestions encircling Shwedagon Pagoda with a series of public parks; reusing government buildings as public libraries, hotels and retail outlets; and upgrading the circle-line train and bus system and utilizing the city's waterway to address transportation challenges. It also recommends using the waterfront for public recreation and opening a view of heritage buildings along Strand Road for tourism purposes. It states that the point where Shwedagon Pagoda Road meets the waterfront could be designated as a public park, forming a river gateway to the pagoda as it did for Burmese royalty hundreds of years ago. Thant Myint-U told The Irrawaddy that YHT provided an advanced copy and discussed many aspects of its plan with the Rangoon chief minister and members of the regional government over recent months. "We have been extremely pleased with the chief minister and government’s support for Yangon conservation and urban planning and believe we have a very close working relationship across a range of issues—from the revitalization of the downtown area to the reuse of the waterfront to the protection of the city’s green and other public spaces," he said. When asked to what extent the recommendations could materialize, the historian said, "The YHS plan is extremely realistic and what we have suggested over the next 4-5 years is doable." "It’s not a cookie-cutter plan that can only be implemented in Sydney or Seattle.  It’s a plan for Yangon, based on all we’ve learned these past few years about Yangon’s political, legal, economic, and social environment," he said. "It’s based on hundreds of conversations not just with experts, government and business people, but also with people who live and work in the historic city.  It will make all the difference in setting Yangon on the right path for the rest of the 21st century." The post Heritage Group Reveals Rangoon Conservation Plan appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Former Political Prisoners Call for Justice Ministry Posted: 27 Sep 2016 06:01 AM PDT Chairman and members of the Constitutional Tribunal of the Union. (Photo: Tribunal Website) Former political prisoners have called on the Union government to establish a justice ministry to ensure judicial independence. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) released a study on Burma's prisons on Monday, detailing prison conditions and the prospect of prison reform. "If a prisoner complains about human rights abuse, there should be a credible body not related to the home affairs ministry—like a ministry of justice," said Ko Ko Gyi, a prominent leader of the 88 Generation Peace and Open Society. Ko Ko Gyi admits that it would be a daunting task to establish a new ministry and stressed the need for detailed discussion between the government, Parliament, civil society organizations, and international experts. The study suggests forming a Ministry of Justice and passing the responsibility of administering prisons from the Ministry of Home Affairs to the newly proposed ministry. It took AAPP two years to finish the report, which provides several recommendations to the new government—including reviewing all legislation pertaining to the prison sector in order to align it with international standards, signing relevant international conventions, and ensuring all prison staff are adequately trained, especially in human rights standards and the use of force. The AAPP has vowed to take an active part in prison reform and plans to conduct more studies and release more reports, said U Bo Kyi of the AAPP. Government cooperation was weak in compiling the report and greater collaboration is required to compile new reports, he added. "The report is not comprehensive. We made it with as much information as we could gather. We still need many facts about prisons and strong cooperation from the government," said U Bo Kyi. The new government should not treat prison facts and figures as state secrets, but instead maintain official websites to inform the public about the number of prisons, detention camps and inmates as a fundamental requirement for prison reform, he said. Activists engaged in helping prisoners of conscience have called on the government to carry out an independent and unbiased investigation into torture against existing and former political prisoners and to ratify the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT). This story was translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko. The post Former Political Prisoners Call for Justice Ministry appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Illegal Log Trade Continues on Salween River Posted: 27 Sep 2016 05:57 AM PDT Thai border guard soldiers and KNLA soldiers examine logs seized in KNLA Brigade 5 territory on the Salween River. (Photo: Mutraw Mobile Team) CHIANG MAI, Thailand — The 25 tons of teak logs recently seized on the Salween River in Karen State show that the illegal trade persists despite a nationwide logging ban. The teak logs were seized by an armed wing of the Karen National Union (KNU) along with Thai military after they were found floating down the river in the Thai border village of Ban Tha Ta Fang in Mae Hong Son Province. Speaking with The Irrawaddy from a military camp on the border, Lt-Col Kyaw Mue of Brigade 5 of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) said that the logs were intended to be delivered to a company in Hpa-an, capital of Karen State, passing territory of the KNLA Brigade 5 on the Salween River. "As the government has banned logging nationwide, we seized the logs as they passed through our area," said Lt-Col Kyaw Mue. "If we let them pass freely, we worry that people will accuse us of taking bribes—we don’t want our image damaged." Lt-Col Kyaw Mue said that the logs were escorted by a number of workers including ethnic Karenni and Karen with Thai documents. After seizing the logs the KNLA Brigade 5 let these men return in their boat. Thai border guard soldiers also said they went to examine the logs but later held no responsibility as the logs came from Karenni State, eastern Burma. A document dated Sept. 21 obtained by The Irrawaddy showed that the logs were authorized by a Karenni armed organization known as the Karenni Nationalities People's Liberation Front (KNPLF). The document, signed by the KNPLF’s vice-chairman Tun Shwe, gives permission to trader U Myint Thein to transport 112 logs from Hpasawng in Karenni state, though no destination was recorded. Lt-Col Kyaw Mue said that he had contacted U Myint Thein and detained him at the KNLA Brigade 5 base. He said he is waiting to hear from KNU on what to do with U Myint Thein and the seized logs. Illegal logging has been regularly reported in Karen and Karenni states, which border Thailand’s Mae Hong Son Province. The Thai military and police often crack down on illegal trade on their northern border with patrols by boat and helicopter. In June, Minister for Resources and Environmental Conservation U Ohn Win announced a complete suspension of logging to stem rapid deforestation in Burma. The ministry also imposed a ban on teak logging in areas without young teak growth. According to the minister, from the start of the 2016-17 fiscal year in April, a total of 1,940 tons of smuggled logs and 104 units of heavy machinery were seized, along with 117 smugglers arrested in Kachin State. Over the past five years, a total of 26,233 tons of smuggled logs and 1,598 units of machinery were seized, while 861 Burmese smugglers and 176 foreign smugglers were arrested. Saw Alex Htoo, deputy director of the Karen Environmental and Social Action Network (KESAN), criticized persistent illegal logging on the Salween River despite the nationwide ban. "The logging trade must not continue as Parliament has banned it nationwide," said Saw Alex Htoo. "Illegal logging not only affects the environment but could lead to conflict between local armed groups." Founded in 1978, the KNPLF split from its main organization the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP)—an ethnic armed organization that signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement with the former government. With backing from the Burma Army, the KNPLF also serve as border guard force (BGF). Sources close to the KNPP said that some KNPLF leaders were logging illegally together with leaders of the KNU's Brigade 7, although they could not be pushed for more detail. The post Illegal Log Trade Continues on Salween River appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Arakan Lawmaker’s Bid to Restrict Muslim Birth Rate Rejected Posted: 27 Sep 2016 05:52 AM PDT A group of Muslim women and girls are pictured in a village in Maungdaw Township in 2014. (Photo: Lawi Weng / The Irrawaddy) RANGOON — A Lower House lawmaker has asked that the government restrict birth rates within the Muslim community in two Arakan State townships: Maungdaw and Buthidaung—a move that was rejected by the Union health minister and described as "disturbing" by an international rights group. Aung Taung Shwe of the Arakan National Party (ANP), representing Buthidaung Township, brought up the topic in Parliament on Sept. 22. Citing statistics on population—which The Irrawaddy could not verify—he suggested that Muslim Rohingya were having proportionally more children than the Buddhist Arakanese in these two townships. "We need to restrict the birthrate in these areas. These are appropriate areas in which to enforce the law," he said, referring to the highly controversial "Protection of Race and Religion" laws, put forward by ultranationalist Buddhist organization Ma Ba Tha and passed in 2015 under ex-President Thein Sein's government. One statute, the Population Control Law, says that state or regional governments can ask that the government "organize" women to space births 36 months apart, a law that critics say could be used against Burma's Muslim population, who, according to the 2014 census, make up just 4.3 percent of the country. "The authorities did not carry out their duties based on the law, and the population of the people has increased greatly," Aung Taung Shwe alleged. Union Minister for Health and Sport Dr. Myint Htwe called the ANP lawmaker's suggestion a violation of "medical ethics" to sterilize women against their will. His ministry, he added, could not take action to restrict birth rates without an order from the President and the Union government. David Scott Mathieson, a senior researcher on Burma in the Asia Division of Human Rights Watch, told The Irrawaddy that Aung Taung Shwe's idea was "disturbing" and that there was "no evidence" of a rise in birth rates of the Rohingya Muslims. A call to reduce their population, he pointed out, was "tantamount to racial culling." Arakan State's Rohingya community, who are locally labeled as "Bengali," a term which implies that they are interlopers from Bangladesh, are widely stateless and face restrictions on their freedom of movement, access to medical care and education. Mathieson added that the Population Control Law should be immediately repealed by the National League for Democracy-led (NLD) government. Furthermore, the NLD should respond by "stand[ing] firm" against racism and "commit to providing healthcare for all people living in these townships, based on real needs, not religion or citizenship." This, Mathieson said, would be "the best way to silence the voices of xenophobia." The post Arakan Lawmaker's Bid to Restrict Muslim Birth Rate Rejected appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Drug Dealers Repel Police with Knives in Tenasserim Posted: 27 Sep 2016 04:45 AM PDT Things seized from the suspects in Myeik. (Photo: Myat Htut / Myeik Facebook) Police raided a house suspected of drug dealing only to be forced back by knife-wielding residents in Tenasserim's Myeik Township on Monday morning, according to the Myeik Township Police Force. Policemen, along with witnesses, went to a house suspected of drug dealing in Myoma Ward (2) in Myeik Township, but the female homeowner and her two sons attacked them with knives. A firefighter suffered cuts on his hand and a policeman cut himself on broken bottle pieces as he jumped over a fence to chase the suspects, said police major Aye Min, head of the township police force. "They got away in a car. We are in hot pursuit of them," said police major Aye Min. Police seized 12 yaba tablets and knives from the house and have opened a case against the suspects for drug abuse and assaulting police. "[Police] need to use force to arrest drug dealers. In a drug case in Dawei two months ago, a policeman was shot dead by the dealers during a raid," said U Phyo Win Htun, a lawmaker with Tenasserim's divisional parliament. On September 19, about 20 people led by the son of a detainee suspected of drug dealing grabbed the detainee from the hands of police in Kachin State's Indawgyi area. A police lieutenant was injured in the incident. Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko. The post Drug Dealers Repel Police with Knives in Tenasserim appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Death of a Journalist Posted: 27 Sep 2016 04:07 AM PDT Japanese video journalist Kenji Nagai, 50, of APF lies fatally injured on the street of Rangoon after Burmese soldiers fired upon and then charged at protesters on Sept. 27, 2007. (Photo: Reuters) Known as the Saffron Revolution, the monk-led antigovernment protests of August and September 2007 were, for many people outside the country, their first exposure to the brutality of Burma's former military regime. The domestic upheaval became an increasingly international affair nine years ago, when a Burmese Army soldier shot dead the Japanese journalist Kenji Nagai, a killing that was captured on video and broadcast worldwide. This story, originally published in December 2007, offers another Japanese photojournalist's take on the death of a colleague and countryman. JAPAN — It was painful to witness the images broadcast worldwide on Sept. 27, 2007. Japanese cameraman Kenji Nagai was lying on his back on a street in Rangoon. Then there was the piercing sound of a bullet fired from the rifle of a soldier. Kenji Nagai, a man I considered a colleague, was dead. Immediately, I thought: It could have been me. As a photojournalist, I also report on conflicts. I have covered many Asian countries, including Burma, and I imagined myself in Kenji Nagai's place, lying dead on a street in Rangoon. But, I was in Japan, and he was in Rangoon. However, I knew the streets where the pro-democracy demonstrations occurred—the scene was very familiar to me. For me, the shooting confirmed the true mentality of the Burmese junta, which has been killing and imprisoning the Burmese people with impunity for decades: 3,000 or more people died in 1988 alone, the year I started covering events in Burma. On the day Kenji Nagai was murdered, I was taking photographs of exiled Burmese activists who were demonstrating in front of the Burmese Embassy in Tokyo, demanding the Japanese government stop supporting the State Peace and Development Council financially. Later that day, my mobile phone started ringing, one call after another without a break. News agencies and newspapers were calling me to check if the unidentified Japanese journalist killed in Rangoon was me or not. One call was from Australia, from my Burmese friend who had worked as my interpreter when I made trips to Burma. He explained that he was worried about me when he heard the news. Before long, the Japanese media confirmed the dead journalist was Kenji Nagai. His name was new to me, and we had never met. The TV news showed video of the shooting of Kenji Nagai over and over again for several days. The Japanese public was horrified and angry. The Japanese government seemed shocked. Perhaps for the first time, the government realized the SPDC is truly an evil government. When the funeral service was held on Oct. 8 in Tokyo, hundreds of Burmese exiles attended the service to honor Kenji Nagai. They apologized for his death on behalf of the SPDC government, which they hate. It was a natural feeling for the Burmese people who live in Japan to express their sorrow for Kenji Nagai, who was now a martyr in the Burmese struggle for democracy. Media coverage on Kenji Nagai focused on his personality, his professional work in Iraq and elsewhere, but neglected any factual background on what had been happening in Burma under the military regime for the past 20 years. There were almost no critical questions about Japan's foreign policy toward the military junta—whether it was trying to help the country move toward democracy or helping the SPDC. As a photojournalist, I have been critical of Japan's foreign policy, which has favored the SPDC generals rather than the democratic forces and the ethnic minorities. You can get a sense of Japan's policy toward the SPDC through various comments made by top Japanese diplomats. For instance, the then Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi made an ignorant comment in May 2003, when she was asked about the murderous attack on Aung San Suu Kyi's motorcade at Depayin. She said, "There is no deterioration of environment for dialogue between the SPDC and Aung San Suu Kyi." She retracted her comment the next day. In May 2006, Japanese ambassador to the United Nations, Kenzo Oshima, said, "Burma does not constitute a regional threat yet," and along with China and Russia, Japan opposed efforts by the United States and European Union to put Burma on the Security Council agenda. The latest and most shameless comment was made by Yoichi Yamaguchi, the former Japanese ambassador to Burma (1995-97). After the killing of Nagai, he was quoted in the Japanese media as saying several offensive comments: "Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy gave money to the demonstrators." "There is not a single so-called political prisoner there [in Burma] in the true sense." "The regime has succeeded in maintaining economic growth of over 5 percent annually, earning it the widespread trust of the people." After Kenji Nagai's death, the Japanese government took a seemingly strong stance. In New York, Foreign Minister Komura demanded an apology from the SPDC. But as time passed and the crackdown by security forces continued, the Japanese government remained quiet, simply waiting for the UN Security Council to act. "The government will coordinate efforts with the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to make progress in the democratization of Myanmar [Burma]," Komura said after the UNSC's presidential statement was announced. Later, Japan cancelled a grant of up to 552 million yen (US $4.7 million). The grant had been intended to finance the construction of a human resources center. On Oct. 28, the People's Forum on Burma, an NGO formed in Tokyo in 1996 to support the Burmese people's struggle for democracy, made a plea for the Japanese government to fundamentally change its foreign policy toward the SPDC by giving full-scale humanitarian support to the 160,000 displaced people in refugee camps in Thailand. The group also asked for a halt in grants to the Union Solidarity and Development Association, which was accused of taking part in the suppression of the demonstrators. In 2006, the USDA received a Japanese grant of nearly 24 million yen ($209,000) for construction of three grade school buildings. It also demanded that Japan stop humanitarian aid to subsidize Burma's health care and education budgets while the military regime allocates more than 50 percent of its national budget on the military. The group wants to pressure the Japanese government to support the Burmese people and the pro-democracy groups, instead of helping to keep the generals in power. A Burmese citizen in Tokyo, a former political prisoner, said Burmese exiles remember two Japanese citizens: one with hate, and one with great respect. One is former ambassador Yoichi Yamaguchi; the other is journalist Kenji Nagai. Yamamoto Munesuke's books include "Burma's Children" and "Burma's Great Illusions." He was deported from Burma in 1998 "for gathering news," following his exclusive interview with Aung San Suu Kyi. The post Death of a Journalist appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ten Things to Do in Rangoon This Week Posted: 27 Sep 2016 03:00 AM PDT The Irrawaddy picks 10 interesting events happening in Rangoon this week. International Watercolor Society Myanmar A group exhibition of work from more than 20 artists will be showcased at New Treasure Gallery. Where: New Treasure Art Gallery, No. 84/A, Thanlwin Street, Golden Hill Avenue, Bahan Tsp. Tel: 01-526776, 503712 When: Wednesday, September 14 to Thursday, September 29 Maung Thiha Solo Exhibition Local watercolor artist Maung Thiha displays his depictions of Bagan's Ananda Temple in this solo exhibition at Lokanat Art Gallery. Where: Lokanat Galleries, No.62, First Floor, Pansodan Street, Kyauktada Tsp. Tel: 095-1382-269 When: Sunday, October 2 to Friday, October 7 North Okkalapa Township Exhibition A group art exhibition titled "North Okkalapa Township" will be held at Myanmar Artist & Artisan Association (Central). Where: Myanmar Artists and Artisans Association (Central), Bogyoke Market When: Wednesday, September 28 to Sunday, October 2 EGOS An art exhibition of five female artists will showcase over 50 paintings at Gallery 65. Where: Gallery 65, Yaw Min Gyi Street, Dagon Tsp. When: Saturday, October 1 to Monday, October 3 Orchestra for Myanmar As part of the Monsoon Art Festival 2016, Yangon Gallery will host the Orchestra for Myanmar joined by special guest musicians from the Taipei University of Education in Taiwan. Where: Yangon Gallery, People's Square, Pyay Road, Sanchaung Tsp. Tel: 09-73827777 When: Thursday, September 29 Golden Land Music Festival International DJs will headline this all-day music festival. Tickets are available at Balance Fitness 1, 2 & Frolick at Taw Win Centre, Junction Square and People’s Park. Where: Shwe Htut Tin Compound, beside Sky Star Hotel, East Horse Racing Course Road, Tamwe Tsp. Tel: 09-451010789; 09-965010789  When: Saturday, October 1, 4 pm  Chit and Eaint Kaung Duet Show Celebrated Burmese singer Chit Kaung and his talented daughter Eaint Chit will perform duets at the National Theater. Tickets, priced between 10,000 kyats and 100,000 kyats, are available at Mann Thiri Recording Studio and SNW Stores at Myanmar Plaza and Junction Square. Where: National Theater, Myoma Kyaung Street, Dagon Tsp. Tel: 09-451010789; 09-965010789; 09-782097436 When: Saturday, October 1, 6 pm Iron Cross Iron Cross, the rock band formed by some of Burma's most successful musicians including Lay Phyu, Ah Nge, Myo Gyi and Y Wine, will entertain crowds at People's Park on Saturday. Tickets are available for 10,000 kyats at Mann Thiri Recording Studio and Nobody Fashion Shop at Yankin Center, Dagon Center, Junction Mawtin, and City Mart in Yankin and Myae Ni Gone Where: Garden 1, People's Park & Square, Sanchaung Tsp. When: Saturday October 1, 7 pm Book Fair Several publishing houses, including Seikku Cho Cho, Kankaw Wut Yi, Today, Quality, Myat Pwint, will be offering their publications with a ten percent discount at Myae Ni Gone City Mart Supermarket. Where: City Mart Supermarket, No. 231 Pyay Road, Sanchaung Tsp. When: Friday, September 30 to Wednesday, October 5 The Four at Harry's Bar Local band The Four perform live at Harry's Bar Myanmar every Friday. Where: Harry’s Bar, Ground Floor, Myanmar Plaza, No. 192 Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan Tsp. When: Every Friday, 7:30pm to 10:30pm The post Ten Things to Do in Rangoon This Week appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Remembering the Saffron Revolution Posted: 26 Sep 2016 09:24 PM PDT Remembering the Saffron Revolution Nine years ago, Buddhist monks in Rangoon led street protests in what came to be known as the "Saffron Revolution." Burma's security forces lost all sense of Metta (loving kindness) during the revolution, which happened in August and September 2007. Although there were reports that some soldiers had refused to open fire on or attack the monks, several thuggish assaults did take place on monks protesting on the streets. Additionally, told by their commanding officers that anarchists had shaved their heads and were pretending to be monks, troops marched into monasteries in the dead of night and dragged many monks away. This year, as the nineth anniversary of the revolution is marked, The Irrawaddy posts a cartoon by Harn Lay that we first published in 2007. The post Remembering the Saffron Revolution appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

You are subscribed to email updates from The Irrawaddy. To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States