Monday, October 24, 2016

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Displaced Southern Maungdaw Township Residents Return Home

Posted: 24 Oct 2016 05:49 AM PDT

Dozens of residents fleeing violence in Arakan State's Maungdaw Township began returning home with the help of government agencies on Monday after sheltering in Danyawaddy sports ground in the state capital of Sittwe.

Seventeen internally displaced persons (IDPs) returned to Maungdaw Township on Monday and a total of 47 people have recently left the Danyawaddy camp, according to Ko Soe Naing, a member of a local civil society organization.

Despite state government transporting dozens of IDPs back to Maungdaw Township, local reports suggest people are still fleeing violence and seeking refuge at Buddhist monasteries in the town of Maungdaw.

Ko Soe Naing said: "All of those [going back] are from the southern part of Maungdaw Township where there are no clashes, unlike the northern part of the township."

He added that the state government provided sufficient rice for two weeks and other aid for people who wanted to return home to Maungdaw Township. Many people, however, were not willing to accept the government's offer because of the uncertain security situation.

The Irrawaddy attempted to contact some of the returning IDPs but was informed by aid workers assisting the returnees that they would not be reachable by phone.

Maungdaw District Administrator U Ye Htut declared that the situation in Maungdaw town had returned to normal; government schools reopened Monday and Bangladesh border gates were now open.

U Ye Htut added that the number of IDPs in the area's monasteries had significantly decreased.

Arakanese social activist Ko Wai Hun Aung corroborated Ko Soe Naing's claims of ongoing violence. He said Kyee Kan Pyin and Kyet Yoe Pyin villages in northern Maungdaw Township had seen occasional fighting as the military and border police continue the search for alleged assailants and looted firearms.

At least 1,000 Buddhist refugees are currently sheltering in Buthidaung Township monasteries, 100 in Maungdaw Township monasteries and another 1000 remain in Danyawaddy sports ground refugee camp, according to local government and civil society groups.

Self-identifying Muslim Rohingya, who form some 90 percent of the population in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships, have also reportedly fled the fighting in rural areas but have been restricted from entering Maungdaw town.

The number of displaced Rohingya remains unknown as access to the area by aid groups and the media is blocked by the military. Muslim community leader Hla Maung told The Irrawaddy last week that Rohingya communities were hiding in jungle areas for fear of being caught up in the security operations.

According to official government statements, 29 suspects have been apprehended from different locations in Maungdaw Township in the last eight days and are being held in police custody in Maungdaw and Sittwe.

On Oct. 19, an army and police combined force detained 11 suspects and confiscated a gun and 11 bullets near Ngakhuya village. The suspects initially confessed their involvement in the Ngakhuya border post attack in October 9.

On the same day, the army shot two alleged attackers wielding machetes near Kyar Kaung village when they refused to surrender to the police.

On Oct. 21, the army captured six suspects in Ngakhuya village and another four suspects were arrested in Zee Pin Chaung village in Maungdaw Township on Oct. 22. The army also detained Maung Maung Sein who lives in Myoma (south) Ward 2 of downtown Maungdaw and confiscated an MA-11 gun with one magazine with 25 rounds of bullets, according to the Ministry of Information.

Including the initial attack on three police border posts on Oct. 9, nine police officers and five soldiers have been killed during the man hunt for the attackers. A total of 30 alleged attackers have also been killed by government forces.

The post Displaced Southern Maungdaw Township Residents Return Home appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Bagan Restoration to Begin in 2017

Posted: 24 Oct 2016 05:35 AM PDT

RANGOON — Renovation and conservation work to nearly 400 earthquake-hit ancient temples and pagodas in Bagan will start on January 1 of next year, officials said.

Officials from Bagan's Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library, said that with the collaboration of local and international experts, they will carry repairs and preserve 389 damaged pagodas in the ancient capital.

Some 400 pagodas and temples—out of a total of 3,252—across the Bagan plain were damaged when a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Burma on August 24.

Following the quake, an emergency response, initial assessment and a detailed assessment have taken place to ascertain the extent of the damage, including harm to murals, all of which have high historical and cultural heritage value.

Aung Aung Kyaw, the director from the department, said the findings of the detailed assessment—which started in September—will be presented at a meeting from Oct. 25-26 where further details and guidelines of the restoration work will be discussed for the next year.

The 36 pagodas which are at risk for further damage and collapse will take first priority for repairs, and the 53 temples which need urgent restoration work will be second priority. Other structures which suffered minor damages will be the third priority in the reconstruction process.

"We will work carefully and make sure not to restore the modified parts which caused a burden for the ancient temples," he said, adding that the work would take two to five years.

The post Bagan Restoration to Begin in 2017 appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Aung San Suu Kyi Woos Tycoons in Naypyidaw Meet-Up

Posted: 24 Oct 2016 05:30 AM PDT

NAYPYIDAW — State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi reassured some of Burma's most prominent tycoons that their place in Burma's economy and society was secure, so long as they backed government policy, left themselves open to scrutiny, and "worked for others."

She stressed that her intention was not to dwell on the past, expressing optimism that past behaviors could be forgiven and reformed.

The State Counselor's comments were made during a meeting with the country's top listed taxpayers—many of whom have been labeled "cronies" due to their cozy relationship with the former military junta—at the Myanmar National Convention Center-2 in Naypyidaw on Saturday.

The governor of the Central Bank and the minister of national planning and finance, among other dignitaries, also addressed the meeting, in order to rally support among Burma's business elite behind the government's thus far vaguely defined economic agenda.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said she was not against some citizens getting rich, as long as they did so "fairly." Regarding tycoons who made fortunes exploiting links with Burma's repressive military rulers—helping to finance their rule in turn—she said, "We can't mend the past. But I would like to request that they act fairly at present."

Acknowledging the recklessness and disregard for common welfare with which certain business empires were built—but appealing to the better natures of those responsible—she asked, "Can't those who have previously worked for their own self-interest work for others in the future? Don't they have the necessary attributes to work for others? I believe it is possible."

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also broached the topic of corruption, stressing that each citizen was enjoined to do his or her bit in the fight against it. She encouraged anyone to file a complaint with the State Counselor's Office regarding any instance of corruption.

U Khin Shwe, the owner of the Zaykabar conglomerate—who, among others, has recently been removed from America's list of targeted sanctions—told The Irrawaddy that tycoons had previously found it difficult to operate responsibly because of the economic sanctions; but now, thanks to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, they were able to cooperate more with international partners, and reduce their formerly heavy reliance on China.

U Ko Ko Htwe, chairman of Taw Win Family Co. Ltd, welcomed the state counselor's words. He said that businessmen who only care for their self-interest should meet the full force of the law.

Former parliamentarian U Ye Htun, reflecting on a history of land and asset grabs in an environment of little to no transparency, remarked that the popularly elected National League for Democracy government was in a difficult place: unable to ignore or bypass the cronies, but aware of the moral pitfalls of cooperating too closely with them.

He said the cronies would continue their harmful practices if they could still profit from them, meaning the government needs to send a strong message that "under the table practices" would no longer be tolerated, and that cronies would be expected to "pay tax and abide by the law."

However, U Ko Ko Htwe of Taw Win Family Co. countered that is was the government, rather than business tycoons, that has been chiefly responsible for corruption in the country.

"Cronies are blamed for giving big bribes in a give-and-take system," he said, noting that the problem lay in members of the government demanding such bribes in the first place: "we would be quite happy if we didn't have to give them."

Not everyone at the event was enthused. Businessmen Dr. Soe Tun complained to reporters that only bankers and cronies were allowed to speak at the event; other entrepreneurs and tradesmen were left out in the cold. He claimed that the government's sole motivation in hosting the event was to solicit the help and cooperation of top cronies in furthering their policies.

During the meeting, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi admitted that economic growth over the first six months of her government's term beginning in April had fallen below expectations.

A sense of urgency that democratic reforms be matched with an economic dividend for the Burmese people may have spurred her overtures to Burma's top tycoons—who, although reviled by much of the public, have a stranglehold over large portions of Burma's economy.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko

The post Aung San Suu Kyi Woos Tycoons in Naypyidaw Meet-Up appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Tensions Rise as UWSA Refuses to Abandon Mongla Posts

Posted: 24 Oct 2016 05:20 AM PDT

RANGOON — The Burmese government has asked United Wa State Army (UWSA) members to withdraw their troops, citing a push for greater stability in the Mongla region of eastern Shan State, according to a senior officer from the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), which controls the enclave on the Chinese border.

Some 1,000 members of the UWSA took some key mountains posts from the NDAA earlier in October, reportedly a preventative measure against a potential offensive from the Burma Army; previously, the NDAA controlled all roadside posts in the area, which is designated Shan State Special Region 4. Now, some of these posts are blocked—locals recently reported not being able to pass from Mongla to the eastern Shan State administrative capital of Kengtung.

Amid high tension in the region, Kyi Myint, a leader within the NDAA (more popularly known as the Mongla Group) told The Irrawaddy on Monday that the National Reconciliation and Peace Centre (NRPC)'s Dr. Tin Myo Win asked the UWSA—by letter—to consider withdrawing their troops from the area and even requested a meeting with the group in Mongla to discuss the issue. The UWSA, however, refused the meeting, Kyi Myint said.

"We have welcomed the NRPC to come for any amount of time to our Mongla area. But, the Wa told them in their letter not to come," said Kyi Myint.

Leaders from the NDAA have also asked the UWSA to withdraw their troops from the area as there are worries that fighting could break out in the region with the Burma Army. Members of the UWSA said that they would only withdraw their troops after receiving orders to do so from their own senior officers, said the Kyi Myint.

Rumors have spread locally that the Burma Army might launch an offensive in the Mongla region if UWSA members refuse to leave.

"A lot of our people are scared. They should withdraw their troops in order to have stability in our region. Their action was a mistake. We do not want to have a military offensive, gunfire and artillery. We just wanted our people to have peace and be happy," said Kyi Myint.

The UWSA and NDAA are longtime allies; both groups sprang out of units of the Communist Party of Burma when it imploded in 1989, and signed ceasefires with the Burmese government more than 25 years ago. Relations with the Burma Army have been peaceful ever since.

A divide between the two groups became visible concerning the 21st Century Panglong peace conference hosted in Napyidaw in late August and early September. The NDAA agreed to continue to engage in the peace process led by State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, but the UWSA delegation left the conference early, citing unequal treatment.

"For us, we will keep supporting the peace process. This is our stand," said Kyi Myint of the NDAA.

The UWSA commands 30,000 troops by some estimates, making it the largest non-state armed group in Burma. The group's territory borders that of the Burma Army in three eastern and southern Shan State locations: Tang Yan, Chin Shwe Hall, and Loi Tak.

Large UWSA bases near these "borders" could contribute to the severity of fighting, were it to break out, explained ethnic affairs commentator U Maung Maung Soe.

"It would be a lot better if they could avoid fighting breaking out," he said, in reference to the Burmese government forces. "If they let it break out, it would quickly spread."

The post Tensions Rise as UWSA Refuses to Abandon Mongla Posts appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Investment Law Rules and Regulations Released by March

Posted: 24 Oct 2016 02:53 AM PDT

NAYPYIDAW — Rules and regulations for the newly enacted Myanmar Investment Law will be released in three months at the earliest and by the end of March next year at the latest, according to U Maung Maung Win, deputy minister of national planning and finance.

The law, enacted by President U Htin Kyaw last week, combines the Myanmar Citizens Investment Law and the Foreign Investment Law.

"Normally it takes at least three months to release rules and regulations following a law," U Maung Maung Win Said.  "If there is a delay, we will finish by the end of this fiscal year, at the end of March."

The rules and regulations are now being drawn up by the Directorate of Investment and Companies Administration (DICA) under the Ministry of National Planning and Finance and they are trying to complete them as soon as possible, the minister said.

U Aung Naing Oo, director general of DICA and secretary of the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) confirmed this but could not provide precise details of what they would cover.

The business community expect that the rules and regulations will include information on which industries to invest in, government incentives, and which areas the government or the MIC will be overseeing.

"The MIC will continue to handle some investment but state and divisional governments will also manage some areas," U Aung Naing Oo said. "It will allow business people to work more easily."

U Aung Naing Oo acknowledged that during the new government's first six months (April to September) foreign direct investment (FDI) significantly declined compared to last year.

According to DICA figures, pledged foreign direct investment from April to September this year was US$1.4 billion while the same period of 2015 was $3 billion.

He blamed a global economic slowdown and foreign investors waiting for policy announcements.

"The next six months have the potential to see much more FDI volume," he said. DICA is hoping that the total FDI volume for this fiscal year will reach the same amount as last year.

He added that the government had some development investment plans including: technology in the agricultural sector, new payment cards to be issued by banks, inviting the local business community to invest in health care, and new infrastructure projects.

The rules and regulations will provide greater detail on how investors can engage with these sectors, he said.

U Nyo Myint, senior managing director of KBZ Group, told the Irrawaddy that some business people are waiting for the government's "dos and don'ts" before investing.

"It's better for us if those rules and regulations come out as soon as possible. I expect that they will attract people to invest in Burma," he said.

Saturday's meeting in Naypyidaw was hosted by State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and attended by ministers, top members of Burma's business community, and global economic development partners.

Minister of National Planning and Finance U Kyaw Win stated that agriculture, banking and finance, small and medium enterprises, health care, and infrastructure development sectors would be promoted by the government for investment.

The post Investment Law Rules and Regulations Released by March appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Police Arrest Witch Doctor who Beat Three Children to Death in ‘Exorcism’

Posted: 23 Oct 2016 11:52 PM PDT

Police have arrested a "witch doctor" after a purported exorcism ritual resulted in the deaths of three young children in a village in Twante Township outside of Rangoon.

Witch doctor Ko Tun Naing has been charged with murder, grievous bodily harm and destroying evidence, after the 30-year-old confessed to beating the three children to death.

A police investigation has revealed that three residents of Twante's 20th Mile East village met with the witch doctor while working in Maubin Township in the Irrawaddy Delta, Burma's premier rice-growing region. The witch doctor reportedly accompanied them on a visit back home on Tuesday of last week.

On arrival, the witch doctor declared that the house belonging to one of the residents, U Soe Min, was inhabited by evil spirits and in need of exorcism. The witch doctor proceeded to draw a circle and made the family members stand within it. He began to beat and kick a three-year-old boy belonging to the family, claiming the boy was possessed by one of the evil spirits.

"The child was beaten to death and his body was set adrift [in Twante canal]," a police officer at the Twante Township police station told The Irrawaddy.

The police officer said that U Soe Min, who eventually filed a police case against the witch doctor, and his family were too frightened to step outside of the circle during the ordeal, having been threatened by the witch doctor.

The following day, the witch doctor beat to death two girls, aged eight months and two months respectively, in a similar ritual, after which their bodies were buried, the police officer said.

While the witch doctor was beating another girl, aged four years, the girl's father could "no longer bear the sight" and rushed in to retrieve the girl and brought her to a hospital, where a nurse advised filing a case with the police, the police officer said.

The post Police Arrest Witch Doctor who Beat Three Children to Death in 'Exorcism' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Top US Diplomat to Meet Philippine Foreign Minister Amid ‘Separation’ Concerns

Posted: 23 Oct 2016 09:53 PM PDT

MANILA, Philippines — The most senior US diplomat for Asia has arrived in the Philippines and will meet the country's foreign minister on Monday amid confusion over the status of ties between the two long-time allies, said the US embassy in Manila.

The visit by US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel is part of a three-nation swing through Southeast Asia that also includes Thailand and Cambodia, the US State Department announced on its website.

Russel arrives as confusion lingers over Manila's ties with Washington, with President Rodrigo Duterte saying on Saturday the United States remains the Philippine's "closest friend," after earlier provoking alarm by announcing his country's "separation" from the United States and realignment with China.

The United States is one of the Philippine's largest trading partners and has been its closest security ally for about 70 years.

Russel was to meet with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, US embassy press attache Molly Koscina told Reuters, without giving details about issues to be discussed.

A Philippine foreign affairs official said Russel and Yasay would discuss the overall bilateral relations of the two allies following Duterte's "separation" statement in China last week.

"The US wants a clarification from the Philippines and what direction the alliance will take," the official told Reuters.

"I think the US is confused. It is getting mixed signals from Manila," the Philippine official said, requesting anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

Russel is expected to stay in Manila until Tuesday to meet with government officials and have lunch with Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) participants, before leaving for Thailand.

He will be in Thailand until Wednesday to convey his condolences on the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and meet with Thai officials to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues.

From Thailand, he will fly to Cambodia to meet with government and opposition party officials, civil society organizations, and address a group of YSEALI members.

The post Top US Diplomat to Meet Philippine Foreign Minister Amid 'Separation' Concerns appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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