Sunday, April 30, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Bon Ta La Waterfall: The Pride of Chin State’s Matupi

Posted: 30 Apr 2017 01:40 AM PDT

 

A tour of Matupi, in southern Chin State, is incomplete without a visit to Bon Ta La, a spectacular cascading waterfall standing in majestic isolation.

The nine-tier waterfall is located near the village of Hti Saung, 14 miles southeast of Matupi. The Lemyo River originates from the waterfall and empties into the Bay of Bengal in Sittwe, Arakan State.

Water falls from a mountain more than 4,200 feet high, making Bon Ta La around 3,000 feet tall.

Bon Ta La Waterfall. (Photo: Salai Thant Zin / The Irrawaddy)

The best mode of transport with which to reach the waterfall is a motorbike taxi from Matupi, because there is no bridge for cars to cross Bon Laung creek, which is six miles from the waterfall.

Hti Saung is around ten miles from Matupi—from just beyond the village, the upper tiers of the waterfall are visible.

Two miles past the village, a path leads to the waterfall. Though it would be possible to widen the path so that cars are able to use it, locals are opposed to building a road, and insist on taking a two-mile walk to the waterfall.

"Locals oppose building a motor road to Bon Ta La for fear that it would impact the environment," explained editor U Khin Maung Thein of the Matupi Times news agency.

The path leading to the waterfall is relatively smooth, and lined with shade trees.

One mile into the walk, the sound of water falling becomes apparent—greetings from Bon Ta La, which waits at the end of the woodland path.

On the stone walls beside the falls, there are bee hives as large as two feet in diameter, while rare flowers bloom on the upper tiers. Of its nine tiers, people can only climb to the fifth. Locals say no one has reached the four upper tiers because it is so steep.

Bee hives are seen beside the waterfall. (Photo: Salai Thant Zin / The Irrawaddy)

"In other local waterfalls where I've visited, water flows down from a valley. But in Bon Ta La, water comes down from the top of the mountain. This is unique. Bon Ta La is the most impressive waterfall I've ever seen in Burma," said Ko Zaw Min, a visitor from Rangoon.

Local ethnic Chin communities view Bon Ta La as more than a recreation site, describing it as part of their God-given national heritage, the way those in Chin State's Falam, Hakha, Tedim and Tonzang refer to the heart-shaped Reed Lake. In Matupi, the town hall is even named Bon Ta La, after the waterfall.

However because of poor transportation in the region, the waterfall barely attracted visitors before 2012. It became better known to the outside world in 2013, and the number of tourists from Burma's major cities has increased, say Matupi locals.

Visitors are pictured at the falls. (Photo: Salai Thant Zin / The Irrawaddy)

"The number of visitors to Bon Ta La, mainly local visitors, has increased year by year. They come from Rangoon, Mandalay and other towns. Some tour companies have even introduced it in Bagan-to-Nyaung-U package tours," said Matupi local Salai Kyaw Moe Tun.

Bon Ta La is accessible from two motorways that run to Matupi from Magwe Division.

The road to Bon Ta La is relatively smooth, but there are no eateries or public restrooms along the road from Matupi to the waterfall, and the motorbike path from Hti Saung village to the waterfall is quite rough.

Flowing water at Bon Ta La. (Photo: Salai Thant Zin / The Irrawaddy)

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko

 

 

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Saturday, April 29, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Fifth Meeting Held Between Govt and UNFC Peace Delegations

Posted: 29 Apr 2017 01:59 AM PDT

CHIANG MAI, Thailand – The government held the fifth round of formal peace talks with the United Nationalities Federal Council's (UNFC) delegation for political negotiation (DPN) in northern Thailand on Friday.

The bloc members discussed the signing of the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA), in the follow-up to a March 3 meeting in Rangoon, where the negotiators agreed "in principle" to the DPN's nine-point proposal that would precede the signing of the accord. They also discussed their positions on joining the upcoming session of the Union Peace Conference on May 24.

The government's delegation was led by Peace Commission chairman Dr. Tin Myo Win and accompanied by the commission's secretary U Khin  Zaw Oo, its adviser U Aung Kyi, and member U Aung Soe—who is also a Lower House lawmaker—and supporting staff.

The DPN's delegation was led by its head Khu Oo Reh, who is the secretary of the UNFC, and the vice chair of the Karenni Nationalities Progressive Party (KNPP). He was accompanied by representatives of all of the DPN's six other members organizations, including the Kachin Independence Organization/Army (KIO/KIA) and the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army-North (SSPP/SSA-N).

Leaders of both delegations highlighted in their opening remarks the need to adopt a "people first" approach in order to end decades of civil war and to build trust.

In his opening speech, Dr. Tin Myo Win emphasized the need to reach a solution through negotiation, in order to fulfill the public's expectations in building peace and federalism.

After the meeting, he said, "both sides have built further trust."

"Politically, we made a lot of progress," Dr. Tin Myo Win told The Irrawaddy, adding that they had discussed details concerning the DPN's nine-point proposal.

Friday's meeting is "a step toward the next meetings," said Khu Oo Reh after their talk.

But neither side revealed details of discussions on any changes to the nine-points proposal. Khu Oo Reh had also remarked in his opening speech that morning that the DPN does not have a mandate to decide or agree to any terms during the meeting.
There still needs to be a negotiation in order to reach a common agreement from their previous meeting in March, he explained.

"One must not look for the benefit of an organization, but serve for the sake of the people—for them to live in a peaceful environment," Khu Oo Reh said.

In addition to attending the peace talks under the UNFC bloc, two of its members—the KIO and SSPP—also took part in meetings led by the United Wa State Army (UWSA) twice in February and April in Panghsang, the Wa Self-Administered Division. In the talks, armed groups based in northeastern Burma rejected the NCA and called for it to be replaced with a new pact.

It was not clear whether the active ethnic armed groups based in the region have abandoned the UNFC's position to follow the NCA path, and the UNFC members reaffirmed that they will go along with the DPN's terms.

 

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Dateline Irrawaddy: ‘The Political Landscape on the Ground is Quite Complicated’

Posted: 28 Apr 2017 10:29 PM PDT

Kyaw Kha: Welcome to Dateline Irrawaddy! This week, we'll discuss which ethnic armed groups will be invited and which will join the second 21st Century Panglong Conference to be held on May 24. I'm Irrawaddy reporter Kyaw Kha. Ethnic affairs reporters Ko Lawi Weng and Ma Nan Lwin Hnin Pwint join me for the discussion.

The second Union Peace Conference [21st Century Panglong] organized by the government will be held in Naypyidaw on May 24. It will be interesting to see which groups are invited and which groups attend the conference, as the situation is quite complicated now. Ko Lawi, which groups do you think will attend the conference and under which status will the government invite them?

Lawi Weng: The political landscape on the ground is quite complicated. There are various groups—eight ethnic signatory groups of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement [NCA], the United Nationalities Federal Council [UNFC], the United Wa State Army [UWSA], and the Northern Alliance. The government said the conference would be held on May 24. But it is still unclear which groups will be invited and under which status. It is quite difficult to say.

The UWSA has so far hosted four ethnic armed organization meetings in Pangkham and has tried to hold talks with the government. The UWSA will take steps according to its own political policies. The UWSA delegation walked out of the first Panglong [because of a disagreement over status]. In the upcoming conference, it will demand the political framework it desires. If it does not get what it wants, I am afraid the conference will barely deliver any results.

KK: Ma Nan Lwin, the decision reached at the fourth meeting of seven ethnic armed groups hosted by the UWSA deviates from the government's NCA policy. How will this impact the peace conference?

Nan Lwin Hnin Pwint: The UWSA hosted the fourth summit of ethnic armed organizations from April 15 to 19 in Pangkham. Seven groups including Northern Alliance members the KIA [Kachin Independence Army], Mongla Group [MNDAA] and UWSA attended the summit.

The UWSA put forward 15 detailed points regarding ethnic rights, border affairs, the economy and more at the first Panglong Conference. Other groups have also discussed those 15 points, and formed a committee to discuss these points with the government. They also said they would submit an official letter to the government for discussion. But, the government has not replied. The second Panglong is just weeks away and if the government is as unresponsive as it has been in previous meetings, it will be difficult for the Northern Alliance to join the second Panglong.

At the Joint Implementation Coordination Meeting held on Monday in Naypyidaw, deputy army chief Vice Snr-Gen Soe Win said both signatories and non-signatories had to follow the NCA provisions; and that the army would not change the NCA as demanded by the UWSA. Though Vice Senior General Soe Win did not mention the UWSA in his speech, it was clear he referred to it considering recent developments. If the government does not intervene, it is unlikely that the Wa will attend the Panglong Conference.

KK: So, the military's standpoint is quite important here. The government peace commission under the National Reconciliation and Peace Center (NRPC) has said it would review the UWSA demands and discuss them if necessary. It seems that the government is taking action regarding the Wa's participation in the conference. But we don't know what the military thinks. The military talks about adhering to the NCA and it is not clear if it is willing to listen to the UWSA's demands. If the negotiations between the UWSA and the government fail to work out an agreement before the Panglong Conference, it is unlikely that those seven groups, including the UWSA, will attend the conference. Ko Lawi, what do you think?

LW: Peace negotiator U Aung Min of the former U Thein Sein government was more accessible. He was not reluctant to meet with ethnic armed groups whenever they wanted to meet. This is different from the current National League for Democracy (NLD) government. So far, ethnic groups in northern Burma have met four times and formed a committee. They have talked repeatedly about holding talks with the government. But the government has not yet met with them. The government has nothing to lose from meeting with them. They can simply exchange views but the government still declines a meeting.

KK: Yes, as Ko Lawi has said, although the government said it wanted peace, there still have not been discussions on the ground. As ethnic affairs analysts have pointed out, the government needs to hold talks with diverse groups. Ma Nan Lwin, what do you think?

NLHP: Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has said the door for dialogue is open and urged ethnic armed groups to enter. She also said they could walk out if they did not like it. On the other hand, three groups [the AA, TNLA and MNDAA] from the Northern Alliance have repeatedly said they would like to join the peace process but the military has opposed it.

The military sticks to the NCA and says those three groups must abandon their armed struggle if they want to join the peace process. So, it has been difficult for the government and ethnic armed groups to hold talks because of the military.

They have tried various means of joining the peace process and lately sought help from the UWSA to meet with the government. But clashes were taking place between the military and Kokang troops very recently.

Ethnic armed groups want to join the peace process and the government has invited them to join, but there are clashes with the Burma Army on the ground and ethnic armed groups are still not sure how they can participate.

KK: All of the stakeholders need to compromise. What about the UNFC? I heard that five of the groups would sign the NCA. Ko Lawi, do you think they will be able to attend the Panglong Conference?

LW: The government and the UNFC will meet at the end of this month. And the New Mon State Party (NMSP) will also hold its central executive committee meeting. The UNFC has made 9 demands and we'll have to wait and see to what extent the government will agree to those demands at the coming meeting. If they agree on most of the demands, those five groups—the NMSP, Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), Arakan National Council (ANC), Lahu Democratic Union (LDU) and Wa National Organization (WNO)—are likely to sign the NCA. Then, they will have the chance to attend the Panglong Conference and this will be a good sign for the peace process. It all depends on the meeting between the UNFC and the government at the end of this month.

KK: Considering the example of NCA signatories, non-signatories may doubt the NCA. There have been fresh clashes between the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) and the Burma Army, and the RCSS and ALP still cannot hold national-level political dialogue. The region-based national-level political dialogues were held helter-skelter recently in Shan State. Non-signatories will hear this and consider possible scenarios. Ma Nan Lwin, what do you think?

NLHP: The RCSS proposed holding ethnic-based national-level political dialogue in Taunggyi. But the military did not allow this because it is government-controlled territory and they don't like people gathering there. As the government has said it would not disagree with the military, the RCSS has had difficulty holding the dialogue.

But on April 23, the government organized region-based national political dialogue in Taunggyi. It invited representatives from across Shan State to join. More than 400 representatives attended the dialogue. But the government only made phone calls on the evening of April 20 to inform them of the dialogue and ask them to submit papers by 11 p.m. on April 21. So, it was quite hard for political parties to prepare papers and go to Taunggyi in such a short time. They had to hurry and some were not able to submit papers. A Palaung party was unable to submit papers and a Wa party had to prepare the papers overnight. They were not happy about it. Those papers are important, because the points they make in them will be submitted to the Union government and discussed at the Panglong Conference. They were not happy that they were forced to hurry, and have criticized this.

KK: As far as I know, the government is likely to invite all ethnic armed groups to the second 21st Century Panglong on May 24. But how many do you think will attend?

LW: As I've said, the situation is quite complicated. There are three separate groups—the UNFC, Wa, and Northern Alliance. We will wait and see which status the government will invite them under, and if the invited parties are willing to accept. For example, if the UNFC is invited as an observer, I am sure that it will not attend the conference. If the Wa, UNFC and some members of the Northern Alliance do not join the conference, there will be only NCA signatories, political parties and civil society organizations (CSOs), and the result delivered from such a conference will not be good for the internal peace which we aspire to because it is not inclusive. The situation is quite complicated and we have to wait and see.

KK: Everyone knows about the NCA path, and they say the path adopted at the Pangkham Summit is different from the NCA. Ma Nan Lwin, how is it different?

NLHP: As I have said, the seven ethnic groups will discuss and review the UWSA's 15-point policy for political dialogue at a later point. What they want to do first is sign a bilateral agreement with the government, either individually or as a group, like they did with the previous military regimes. They want to sign bilateral agreements at the state level first; continue discussions and sign Union-level agreements; and then sign in Parliament and go directly into political dialogue to discuss their demands. They already made it clear in February that they would not accept the NCA.

KK: The government will hold the second 21st Century Panglong Conference on May 24. But we have to wait and see under which status it invites ethnic armed groups, and how it will enable them to attend the conference. It will be especially interesting to see how it will enable the seven ethnic armed groups from the Pangkham Summit to join the conference. Ko Lawi Weng and Ma Nan Lwin Hnin Pwint, thank you for your contributions.

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The Irrawaddy Business Roundup (April 29)

Posted: 28 Apr 2017 09:07 PM PDT

Ngapali Beach Sees Rise in Visitors

Visitor numbers to Ngapali beach in Arakan State were up 28 percent last year, according to a report by consulting group C9 Hotelworks.

A total of 71,603 passengers arrived in Thandwe Airport near Ngapali via domestic flights from Rangoon, Bagan, Mandalay and Sittwe, according to the report.

Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland and Italy were the leading international originating markets, the report stated.

Overseas travelers accounted for 59 percent of hotel occupancy at Ngapali in 2016, but domestic tourism is rising fast.

"Local travelers in tourist accommodations grew 79 per cent compared to 11 per cent by foreigners for the same period," Bill Barnett, managing director of C9, told the travel news website TTG Asia.

The Thandwe hotel zone experienced a 31 percent increase in visitors and the local government is planning to extend the zone by some 7 kilometers, according to the report.

The local administration is also in discussions to add direct international flights to the airport, the report added.

Current annual hotel occupancy rates in Ngapali exceed 60 percent, with average room rates at top-end hotels ranging from US$150-200, according to the report.

Agriculture Exports Show Slight Rise

Agricultural exports accounted for 25 percent of Burma's total exports during 2016-2017, according to commerce ministry figures reported by the Global New Light of Myanmar.

The total value of agriculture exports reached more than $2.93 billion, up by more than $315 million from the previous year, according to the figures.

Major exports included 1.43 million tonnes of pulses which earned $1.4 billion; 1.75 million tonnes of rice and broken rice earning $554 million, 1.4 million tonnes of rubber worth about $200 million, and more than 1.3 million tonnes of maize worth $253 million.

Total exports of all products for the year was more than $11 billion, with exports of garment products reaching $1.84 billion and fisheries exports valued at $581 million.

Exports of natural gas fell by $1.3 billion on the previous year's figure and exports of jade and minerals decreased by $190 million, according to the ministry statistics.

Taiwan Boosts Support for Investors

Taiwan is to provide support to potential Taiwanese private investors in Burma through a new facility at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Rangoon.

The 'Taiwan Desk' will provide information on legal, tax, labor and environmental protection affairs to assist Taiwanese business people who are interested in conducting operations in Burma, according to the Taiwan News.

The facility is supported by Taiwan's foreign affairs ministry and is part of the government's  "New Southbound Policy," which works to boost Taiwan's trade and economic ties in South and Southeast Asia. There are similar facilities in Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand.

Bilateral trade between Burma and Taiwan totaled $281 million in 2016, up by 4.2 percent from the previous year, according to the report.

ONGO has new investor

The Burma-based online mobile payments platform ONGO has announced a strategic partnership with the National Bank of Canada (NBC).

ONGO is a brand of Ronoc Asia specializing in fintech services such as retail payment solutions, payroll programs and other payment services in emerging markets.

It announced that the NBC, one of Canada's largest banks, has taken a 22 percent stake in the company.

"The addition of National Bank of Canada is an important milestone for our business. We have aggressive growth plans for Myanmar and have set ourselves a goal of providing over one million consumers with access to finance over the next three years," said Michael Madden, founder and chairman of Ronoc and ONGO in the release.

ONGO employs more than 300 people in Rangoon and expects the number to grow to 500 by the end of 2017, according to the statement.

Ooredoo Gets Set For Mobile Money Service

Telecoms provider Ooredoo hopes to launch a new mobile money service titled M-Pitesan by the end of this year, according to DealStreet Asia.

The company is partnering with the Co-operative Bank (CB Bank) for the service and is awaiting license approval from the Central Bank of Myanmar.

Testing for the new service has been complete, according to the report.

Rival telecom provider Telenor has teamed up with Yoma Bank to offer the Wave Money mobile money service.

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Friday, April 28, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Breaking: Nationalist Mob Closes Two Islamic Schools in Rangoon

Posted: 28 Apr 2017 08:45 AM PDT

RANGOON — Two madrasas near downtown Rangoon were sealed off by an alleged Buddhist nationalist group on Friday evening, making the accusation that the Islamic schools were operating as mosques, without official permission.

Residents in the area, which includes Anawmar 11 and 12 streets in Thaketa Township, said the religious buildings were shut down without any official decree. They claimed that police and city officials were also present on-site when the madrasas were locked down by a mob of nearly 50 nationalists.

Crowds gathered in the area on late Friday afternoon, leading to a public brawl as the buildings were locked. A videographer working for the Associated Press—Ko Min Kyi Thein—was reportedly attacked by the nationalists while filming the incident.

At the time of reporting, the police did not allow representatives of the media within the vicinity of the buildings as they were being sealed off, stating that they intended to prevent further conflict. However, others appeared to be let in. Streets leading to the madrasas were blocked with barricades manned by security forces—more than 100 police were deployed to the scene.

Dr. Wai Phyo Aung, the National League for Democracy lawmaker who represents the township, was present at the site of the incident. He appeared reluctant to comment on the situation, only stating that an official announcement would be made soon, but not clarifying when this might occur.

The area is home to one large mosque and three madrasas, including the two sealed off on Friday. Muslims in the neighborhood said they were worried that the remaining madrasa and the mosque would also soon be locked down by nationalists.

The Irrawaddy reporter on the ground was threatened when he tried to get comments from the nationalists, and was forced to leave the area.

Maung Hla Win, a local Muslim, said, "there are Buddhists who stayed on our street. We accepted them, and they accepted us. We did not have a problem."

"But the men who came here [today] just did as they liked," he added.

Another Muslim, Ko Ye Kyaw, said that the group of nationalists arrived at around 2 p.m.

"We did not act violent toward them, because we knew if we did, we would face violence," he explained.

The Irrawaddy was told that Muslims in the area were informed beforehand to close the religious schools right after the Thingyan water festival in mid-April, but the claim could not be independently verified.

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Rangoon Regional Minister Reveals Ambassador’s Role in Bus Purchases from China

Posted: 28 Apr 2017 08:12 AM PDT

RANGOON – In Friday's divisional parliament session, Rangoon's regional minister of planning and finance U Myint Thaung told the legislature that the Yangon Public Bus Company had purchased 1,000 new buses from China at a total cost of US$56 million.

The purchase was made with the help of the Chinese ambassador, from Chinese automotive companies Yutong and Ankai, he said, providing the information in response to a question posed by lawmaker Daw Sandar Min about the new vehicles.

The divisional government has requested 70 billion kyats in the 2016-2017 fiscal year's re-budgeting process, mentioning to the regional parliament a large sum to be spent on public transportation services in the commercial capital.

Lawmakers have complained that they lack details of the divisional government's plans to invest the money. Some of the confusion among lawmakers stems from the practice of importing second-hand buses from border areas, and then installing GPS devices on them so that they can be used for city routes.

Daw Sandar Min asked minister U Myint Thaung whether the government would replace the old model vehicles that have been operating for decades with new buses.

While not mentioning a removal of older buses, U Myint Thaung highlighted how, with the assistance of the Chinese ambassador, the regional government signed off on MOUs with Anhui Province-based Ankai and Yutong automotive companies last month.

"The ambassador guarantees the quality of products and the price of vehicles are reasonable," he said.

Yangon Region Transport Authority secretary Dr. Maung Aung told The Irrawaddy that they would do away with outdated city buses and reinforce the Yangon Bus System YBS with brand new vehicles, scheduled to arrive in Rangoon from China at the end of May.

About 3,700 city buses—most of them outdated—are tasked with carrying 2.5 million commuters in Rangoon daily. Dr. Maung Aung estimates that that city needs at least 4,500 city buses to meet its transportation needs.

Some businesspeople criticized the large purchase of buses from China, saying that the amount would have been better spent on vehicles from Japan.

Myanmar Motor Vehicle Producers and Distributor Association's chairman Dr. Soe Tun said that is difficult to judge whether the prices quoted to the government were reasonable without knowing the specifications of the buses.

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Preparing Southeast Asian Snakehead

Posted: 28 Apr 2017 07:08 AM PDT

As in other parts of Southeast Asia, snakehead (Nga Yant in Burmese) is a popular freshwater fish known for its sweet and tender meat. It can be eaten in various ways, from curried with seed pods to stir-fried. The dried snakehead slow-roasted in a charcoal stove over a small fire and then pounded and soaked in peanut oil is a traditional food consumed with white rice across the nation. It can be enjoyed with simply a pot of green tea as well.

On the beach of Satkalay Village in Kyimyindaing Township across the river from Rangon, the whole process of preparing these snakeheads unfolds. Women slice the fish that come from fish farms and rivers in neighboring Bago and Irrawaddy divisions. They remove the offal (the intestines of Nga Yant is another popular delicacy) and spines before the meat is dried in the sun. Afterwards, slices of meat are roasted, pounded, packed and delivered to supermarkets.

 

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Lawyer in U Ko Ni Murder Calls for Naypyidaw Arrest Warrant in Search for Fugitive

Posted: 28 Apr 2017 06:57 AM PDT

RANGOON — The lawyer representing the family of the National League for Democracy's (NLD) assassinated legal adviser U Ko Ni presented a criminal revision petition to the Rangoon Division High Court on Friday, requesting that the judge issue an arrest warrant in Naypyidaw for fugitive Aung Win Khaing.

The man is suspected of involvement in the case but remains at large: Naypyidaw is where he was last seen.

Prominent lawyer U Ko Ni was shot by gunman Kyi Lin outside Rangoon International Airport on the afternoon of Jan. 29. Police have put forward four suspects: Kyi Lin, and alleged co-conspirators Zeya Phyo, Aung Win Zaw and Aung Win Tun.

Lawyer U Nay La initially requested that the northern district court issue the warrant in Naypyidaw in March, but it ruled against the move. He also claimed that the district court has been handling the case "carelessly" and is "weak" in examining the case surrounding the fugitive in accordance with designated procedures.

On Friday's plea at the High Court, U Nay La explained the purpose of his filing: the police order dated Feb. 15 calling for the arrest of Aung Win Khaing was sent to only six of the force's stations—in Dawbon, Tharketa, Bahan, Mingalardon, Gyobinkaut and Meikhtila townships. The first warrant issued by the district court on Mar. 3—before the trial—only covered Aung Win Khaing's home address in Rangoon's Dawbon Township.

An arrest warrant that only allows for a fugitive to be apprehended at his permanent address is unfitting for the situation, U Nay La said at the High Court.

According to police reports, there is no record that Aung Win Khaing has passed through the country's border gates since the assassination, U Nay La said, and therefore it is assumed that he is still in the country. The lawyer then emphasized the need to issue an arrest warrant in Naypyidaw.

In early April, police chief Maj-Gen Zaw Win told reporters at a press conference in Naypyidaw that the police had combed through all eight townships and villages in the administrative capital for the fugitive, promising that they "would go to the ends of the earth to find him."

U Nay La told The Irrawaddy on Friday that police announcements describing their search efforts are separate from the court proceedings and "will not be considered" until the police make statements on the matter in court.

"The court has to do its job, no matter what the police are doing," he said.

He also said he would withdraw his plea for a criminal revision of the case if there is a law restricting the issuance of a second warrant with a new address. U Nay La said it was possible that issuing another warrant could delay the trial, but noted that a delay leading to a thorough examination would be better than rushing the case and glossing over important details.

"Examining the case without trying to bring all suspects to the court is not beneficial for anyone," he said, highlighting how U Ko Ni's murder is a high-profile case being closely monitored by the local and international community.

The Rangoon Division High Court did not provide a date by which a decision would be made regarding U Nay La's proposal.

Shooter Kyi Lin and three alleged co-perpetrators—Aung Win Zaw, Aung Win Khaing and Zeya Phyo—are being charged under Article 302 of Burma's Penal Code for murder. Zeya Phyo, a former military intelligence officer, is also charged under Article 67 of the Telecommunications Law for the possession of restricted telecommunications equipment and Article 468 of the Penal Code for the forgery of national identity cards.

Two of the suspects—gunman Kyi Lin and alleged co-conspirator Aung Win Zaw—are being charged under Article 19(d) and (f) of the country's 1878 Arms Act for illegal arms possession and transportation, in addition to the murder charge.

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Burma Turns Down Chinese Assistance in Addressing Refugee Crisis in Bangladesh

Posted: 28 Apr 2017 04:52 AM PDT

NAYPYIDAW – The Burmese government will not accept China's offer to help mediate affairs in restive Arakan State, but "will collaborate" with Bangladesh, according to the President's Office spokesperson U Zaw Htay.

According to Bangladeshi foreign ministry officials, China has offered to help tackle a diplomatic row between the two countries over the plight of tens of thousands of Muslim minority Rohingya who fled violence in Arakan State and sought refuge in Bangladesh since late 2016.

U Zaw Htay told reporters during a press conference on the National League for Democracy government's first-year performance on Friday that the NLD administration "understands China's concerns." He noted China's development project in Kyaukphyu, a special economic zone in Arakan State, but said that the government would opt to take a more standard path in obtaining assistance in dealing with conflict in the region.

Chinese Special Envoy of Asian Affairs Sun Guoxiang was quoted as saying during his four-day trip to Bangladesh this week that they "were ready to help if necessary."

China has also been offering its assistance in conflicts in northeastern Burma, where fighting has been ongoing between government troops and ethnic armed groups.

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Free Clinic for Political Prisoners Closes Temporarily

Posted: 28 Apr 2017 03:46 AM PDT

RANGOON — The Hanthawaddy U Win Tin Foundation clinic, which provides free medical services to former political prisoners, has closed temporarily due to financial constraints, said foundation chairman U Kyaw Aung.

The Hanthawaddy U Win Tin Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by the late prominent journalist U Win Tin in early 2012 with the aim of supporting current and former political prisoners and their family members with access to healthcare, education and rehabilitation.

"We plan to reopen next month but we're short on medicine. This is the only free clinic for political prisoners, and I don't want to see it permanently shutdown," U Kyaw Aung told The Irrawaddy.

In its early days, the foundation funded political prisoners and their families to receive healthcare at Green Cross Hospital in Rangoon. But after the death of U Win Tin in April 2014, the number of donors declined and the financial situation forced the foundation to open its own free clinic in October of the same year.

Since its establishment, the free clinic has provided care to thousands of political prisoners and their families. It receives some 300 patients monthly, and is open six days a week.

"We plan to stay open until September. It will be difficult for us to provide free medicine if there are no donors," said U Kyaw Aung.

U Win Tin was imprisoned by the military regime for 19 years from 1989 to 2008 for his writings, which were critical of the junta, and his role in the NLD, which he co-founded after the 1988 pro-democracy uprising.

On his release, he wore his blue prison shirt and pledged to wear blue shirts everyday until all political prisoners were released. He continued to do so until his death.

In 2001, U Win Tin was awarded the UNESCO Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize for his efforts to defend and promote the right to freedom of expression.

This article was translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.

The post Free Clinic for Political Prisoners Closes Temporarily appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ethnic Party Accuses KIA of Killing Lisu People

Posted: 28 Apr 2017 01:32 AM PDT

RANGOON — The Lisu National Development Party (LNDP) has released a statement dated April 21 accusing the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) of killing Lisu people living in Kachin State and demanding the return of their bodies.

LNDP chairman U Shwe Min accused the KIA, the armed wing of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), of abducting and killing six Lisu people in the townships of Waingmaw and Myitkyina, capital of Kachin State, and burying their bodies in 2016 and 2017.

U Shwe Min stated that KIA troops were responsible because they were at the crime scenes and some even confessed, according to him.

"The KIA killed local Lisu farmers for no reason and buried them," U Shwe Min told The Irrawaddy. "Six were killed in a year. We want to know why they did that, and we want to get the bodies back."

The statement said 36-year-old Zaw Lay of Khaxi village in Waingmaw Township was kidnapped and killed by the KIA on April 12 this year. The LNDP asked the KIA for the body, but KIA soldiers had already buried it, according to the statement, which also accused the KIA of planting landmines to kill Lisu people.

Over the past two years, five other Lisu people have been killed and buried by the KIA, said U Shwe Min: one in Kapiketi sub-township last January, three in Sadone sub-township last March, and one in March this year.

The Irrawaddy was unable to contact the KIA/KIO for comment.

The KIA accidentally shot the Lisu people while trying to prevent them from burning the bush to make space for farming and is not targeting the ethnic groups, surmised Lamai Guang Jia of the Kachin Peace-talk Creation Group (PCG).

"We questioned them about the deaths in 2016 and they said they tried to stop them from bush burning," he said. "But they didn't listen, so they made warning shots and accidentally hit them. [The KIA troops] said they were not aware if the victims were Lisu, Kachin or Bamar.

"They didn't do it out of racial hatred. In fact, the commander of the outpost [near where the Lisu victims were killed] is also a Lisu man."

Lamai Guang Jia was "saddened" that the LNDP statement focused on racial antagonism, and said the allegation that the KIA was planting landmines to kill Lisu people was wrong, adding that they triggered the mines when bush burning.

The PCG has urged civil society organizations (CSOs) to intervene and for the LNDP to hold direct talks with the KIA/KIO, he said.

"We have asked CSOs to mediate, but the statement that was issued recently includes harsh words," he added.

There are about 400,000 Lisu people, the majority of whom live in Kachin State as well as Shan and Karenni states and Mandalay and Sagaing divisions, said U Shwe Min.

The post Ethnic Party Accuses KIA of Killing Lisu People appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Malaysia PM Warns Uneven Growth Could Fuel Extremism, Instability in SE Asia

Posted: 27 Apr 2017 10:29 PM PDT

MANILA, Philippines — Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Friday warned that Southeast Asian countries needed to ensure their economic growth was inclusive, or risk marginalized populations turning to violent extremism or even overturning political systems.

Speaking at an event for entrepreneurs during the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Manila, Najib said the region was posting strong growth that could see ASEAN become the world's fourth-largest economy, but that growth needed to be equitable.

"We do not want our citizens to be marginalized in the age of extremism and radicalization," he said.

"We know that those who see no hope in their own societies are more prone to the siren calls of terrorists who can and exploit their vulnerability and fill them with their lies."

Islamist extremism is expected to be high on the agenda during this week's meetings, with fears for Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines about piracy and the rising threat of Islamic State.

Of particular concern is the ease in which militants can acquire weapons, seek refuge with existing rebel groups and move between the many islands between the three countries.

Najib lauded the success of ASEAN, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, in expanding its collective GDP to about US$2.7 trillion now, from $87 billion four decades ago.

ASEAN has 10 members: Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

He warned that economic disparity was dangerous at a political level too, fueling anger and populism that was causing problems in Western Europe.

"The neglected underclass of those who felt left behind by economic growth, prosperity and globalization can overturn elections and political systems," he said.

Economists frequently point out huge income gaps among the 620 million people of Southeast Asia, a region that has one of the world's largest concentrations of billionaires, according to Forbes Magazine.

Najib said awareness of ASEAN needed to be better promoted among its citizens to "make it feel real, relevant and tangible." Trade integration was lagging, he said, with too many trade tariffs still in existence.

Their removal, and harmonized customs standards, needed to be "vigorously pursued," he said.

Philippines Vice President Leni Robredo echoed Najib's call for leaders to pay more attention to their poor.

"For many years, many thought income inequality was alright. But the voiceless and the powerless are now raring to be heard, and with technology and social media, their frustrations are being felt on a global scale," she said in a speech.

"They are rejecting globalization, democracy, traditional media."

The post Malaysia PM Warns Uneven Growth Could Fuel Extremism, Instability in SE Asia appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

UN Criticizes Plan to Resettle Arakan State Displaced Persons in ‘Camp-like’ Villages

Posted: 27 Apr 2017 10:15 PM PDT

RANGOON — The United Nations' refugee agency has criticized a Burma government plan to resettle Rohingya Muslims displaced by recent violence in "camp-like" villages, saying it risks stoking tensions, according to a document seen by Reuters.

The plan—confirmed by a senior state-level official—has sparked fear among residents that they would end up penned into de facto refugee camps, the document produced by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Burma said.

Attacks on border guard posts in northwestern Burma in October last year by a Rohingya insurgent group ignited the biggest crisis of national leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's year in power. Security forces stand accused of mass killings and gang rapes during the counterinsurgency operation that followed.

About 75,000 Rohingya fled across the border to Bangladesh to escape the violence, during which at least 1,500 houses across several villages were burned, while thousands more hid in forests and fields.

Some of those who fled have now returned and built temporary shelters, but the authorities have barred them from rebuilding their homes permanently citing "security restrictions", according to residents who spoke to Reuters and the UN document.

Instead, authorities have devised a plan to relocate some 1,152 households from 13 scattered hamlets into larger, more manageable "model villages."

In a three-page "advocacy note" dated April 25 and circulated among humanitarian agencies on Wednesday, the UNHCR warned the plan could "create further tensions" in villages recently scarred by the violence.

"Based on the information available on the model villages and concerns brought to our attention by affected villagers, UNHCR stressed the importance to allow displaced communities to return to their place of origin and have access to their previous source of livelihoods," UNHCR Burma spokesman Andrew Dusek said by email when reached for comment on the document.

More than 1 million Rohingya live in apartheid-like conditions in Burma's Arakan State, where many in the Buddhist majority consider them interlopers from Bangladesh.

While Dusek said the UNHCR understood the plan was still at draft stage and may not have been finalised, Arakan State government secretary Tin Maung Swe said the local administration had already started implementing it.

Tin Maung Swe said relocation was in the residents' interests as the "model villages" would be closer to government services. Rohingya villages in rural northern Arakan were arranged "randomly" at present, he said.

"If these villages are not systematic, they will not develop and it will be hard to build hospitals, schools and police stations," said Tin Maung Swe. "Also we will have difficulties to take care of security in the region."

"Model Villages"

According to the UNHCR document and residents, the government has begun clearing land for the "model villages", in which households would each get a 220-square-metre (2,400 sq ft) plot and about $150 to build a home.

Residents told UN staff they feared losing access to their farmland and fishing grounds, and becoming stuck in what would become "like IDP camps," the UNHCR document said.

"A forced relocation to the 'model villages' would not progress stabilization in these areas," the UNHCR document said.

About 120,000 Rohingya have lived in "internally displaced persons" camps in Arakan State, dependent of international aid, since communal violence in 2012. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has pledged to begin closing the camps, following recommendations from a commission led by former UN chief Kofi Annan.

Five people whose homes were destroyed in November told Reuters by telephone about the living conditions since the violence subsided, expressing their worries about the government's plans.

"The village here has completely changed because all of the houses were burned down," said a 32-year-old in Yae Khat Chaung Gwa Son village, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Reuters has previously interviewed dozens of refugees, residents and Burma security officials about the military operation in Arakan State. Witnesses said troops raped Rohingya women, killed civilians, and burned homes in a sweep through several villages in November.

Satellite imagery analyzed by New York-based Human Rights Watch showed massive fires that destroyed hundreds of homes.

Officials have denied most of the allegations and blamed insurgents and villagers themselves for the fires.

Burma has blocked independent media and observers from the area.

Residents said that, while the area is now relatively peaceful, checkpoints and a 9 p.m.-5 a.m. curfew remain in place and soldiers regularly patrol near villages, making it hard for them to reach their fields and shrimp farms or the area's basic health clinics.

Villagers also told Reuters they feared the plots in the new settlements would be too small for many households, which often comprise extended family groups of 30 people or more.

"The government told us their plan is for all of the villagers to huddle in one place, in one village near the main road," said a school teacher in Dar Gyi Zar village, who also spoke anonymously. "We want to live in our original place as before."

The post UN Criticizes Plan to Resettle Arakan State Displaced Persons in 'Camp-like' Villages appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Left Behind: Karen Refugees at Mae La Camp

Posted: 27 Apr 2017 07:51 PM PDT

MAE LA, Thailand — Eighty-year-old Karen refugee Naw Pe lies near the cooking area in her bamboo hut, surrounded by pans, pots, baskets, and rotting foods.

She has a fever, coupled with the stifling midday heat, and her hands shake as she moves out of her mosquito net.

"I'm supposed to feed the pigs," she whispers, pausing for breath. "But I can't stand up. I'm too sick."

Naw Pe lives alone in Mae La, the largest refugee camp on the Thai-Burma border, home to more than 30,000 people, according to estimates. Her family have stopped visiting her and she refuses to seek help at the camp's clinic.

"I don't want to go," she says. "They only give me Paracetamol."

Humanitarian assistance including food and health is dwindling at the camp, as international governments and donors cut their funding to reflect gradual movement in Burma's peace process.

For Mae Le's refugees, it means a tougher existence. Some have moved to other countries with a UN resettlement program, others find their own way to safer nations.

But returning to Burma seems pointless—perhaps dangerous—for many as they no longer have property or relatives in their homeland, and fear for their safety despite ongoing peace talks between the Burma Army and ethnic Karen armed organizations.

"I won't go back there, no matter what," says Naw Pe, shaking her head. "I have no reason to return. I left nothing."

Military offensives in eastern Burma's Karen State from the 1970s to the 1990s forced Karen civilians and other ethnicities from their home. Many fled into neighboring Thailand and have been living there for decades.

Since the launch of Burma's peace programs in 2011, many international donors and NGOs supporting nine refugee camps along the Thai-Burma border have shifted their focus from humanitarian assistance to repatriating the refugees with the help of the Thai and Burmese governments.

Ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) such as the Karen National Union (KNU) and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) have signed ceasefires and the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) with the Burmese government.

"Most of the refugees are moving to third countries," says Saw Honesty, the chairman of Mae La camp. "Some went to visit their hometowns but we do not know how many because they don't all inform us."

Some refugees only want to check the situation in Burma, and so don't contact the camps' "volunteer repatriation centers," which help those who want to return home.

"I don't know if other people trust the ceasefire and peace process, but I don't," says Pleh Gaw, 30, a slight man sitting in his hut.

Refugee Pleh Gaw, his mother and his son in their hut at Mae La. (Photo: Saw Yan Naing / The Irrawaddy)

Several armed groups have split from the KNU since 1994, including the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), the Border Guard Force (BGF) and a smaller group called the KNU/KNLA Peace Council.

With support from the Burma Army, the DKBA launched an offensive against the KNU that displaced thousands of civilians. Even after the ceasefire, sporadic battles between the Karen armed groups have been reported.

"I don't know which group I should trust," frets Pleh Gaw, cradling his son.

"We even heard there was fighting recently," added his mother, Mu Kyu Lar, 59, in reference to a clash in KNU-controlled territory between the KNU and Burma Army troops in Tenasserim Division on April 22.

"When we fled, Pleh Gaw was seven years old, too young to know anything. I had to carry him all the way," says the mother-of-four, drawing on her hand-rolled cheroot.

"It was a very hard time. We had to hide in the jungle and some nights we couldn't sleep."

Mu Kyu Lar and her family, who come from KNU's Brigade 7 territory, have been living in Mae La for more than 20 years.

"I have no plans to go home," says Pleh Gaw, who is waiting for his resettlement in the United States. "I have no land, house, or relatives there."

NGOs estimate that more than 80,000 refugees—mostly ethnic Karen—fled the civil war. The population of the nine refugee camps has been steadily declining—reduced from more than 140,000 in 2011 to about 98,000 now, according to The Border Consortium (TBC), a group comprising nine NGOs that supports refugees who have fled conflict in Burma.

TBC is reducing its staff and lowering their salaries because of funding shortages. Its annual staff budget is about US$1.7 million but funding for the coming years has not been secured, says TBC executive director Sally Thompson.

"Inevitably there will be difficulties, but this is the reality we have to face as funding support for camps continues to decline," she said.

Refugees receive food at the community store in Mae La. (Photo: Saw Yan Naing / The Irrawaddy)

About 10,000 community workers in the nine refugee camps on Thai-Burma border will be affected by the cuts.

"We are also feeling the pressure," said Saw Tu Tu, a head of the Karen Refugee Committee (KRC).

Refugees in Mae La say local authorities, such as the Thai security guards and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), restrict their movements. Community leaders are asked not to speak to media due to pressure from the authorities.

"The population in Mae La has been decreasing yearly—sometimes by several hundred," says Saw Tu Tu.

"We have had over 40,000 in the past. Now, there are 38,000 people in our camp," he adds.

Home is not the United States or even Burma for some long-term refugees like Naw Pe, the sick, elderly woman.

"Mae La is my home," she says. "I will be here until I die."

The post Left Behind: Karen Refugees at Mae La Camp appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

Nansibon Jade Mine – a battlefield for scavengers and companies

Posted: 28 Apr 2017 12:33 AM PDT

Mountains of earth and a long queue of jade scavengers waiting in the dusty hills are a common sight in the areas surrounding Nansibon jade mine.

First national law students conference to be held

Posted: 28 Apr 2017 12:30 AM PDT

The first national law students conference of Myanmar will be hosted for law students from all universities in Myanmar on April 28, according to organiser Ko Kaung Myat Arkar from the Dagon university law students association.

State-owned digital paper to be published

Posted: 28 Apr 2017 12:27 AM PDT

The Ministry of Information will publish a digital newspaper soon, according to Union Minister Dr Pe Myint on Wednesday.

Environment-friendly development projects

Posted: 28 Apr 2017 12:21 AM PDT

With Myanmar being one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, all development projects must take climate change into account, the union government said.

No special reporters in media: MoI

Posted: 28 Apr 2017 12:19 AM PDT

There are no special reporters assigned in Myanmar's news media, said U Kyaw Soe, managing director of News and Periodicals Enterprise, Ministry of Information (MoI) on April 26.

Rent hike proposed for National Kandawgyi Gardens

Posted: 28 Apr 2017 12:13 AM PDT

A proposal had been submitted to the government to set the annual rent at the famous National Kandawgyi Gardens in Pyin Oo Lwin township, Mandalay at the market value of K700,000 per acre.

Police to crackdown on illegal gaming shops

Posted: 28 Apr 2017 12:08 AM PDT

Action will be taken against illegal gaming shops in Yangon, said Yangon Mayor U Maung Maung Soe at the Yangon Region Hluttaw Session held on Monday.

Replanting trees axed during road expansion

Posted: 28 Apr 2017 12:07 AM PDT

More than 12,000 shady trees will be planted to replace the trees that were felled for the Mandalay-Pyin Oo Lwin road expansion, said Sein Lan Pyin Oo Lwin environmental group.

Garbage collection services losing money

Posted: 28 Apr 2017 12:04 AM PDT

The Mandalay City Development Committee (MCDC) garbage collection system, which serves municipal groups in 22 townships, lost more than K570 million during the 2016-17 fiscal year, according to MCDC.

Bogyoke Aung San Bridge opens amidst controversy over name

Posted: 27 Apr 2017 11:59 PM PDT

After much ado over its name, the Bogyoke Aung San Bridge in Mon State opened to the public yesterday morning.
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Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

Hsipaw residents demand their land back

Posted: 28 Apr 2017 07:14 AM PDT

Some 30 local residents of Hsipaw Township in northern Shan State marched through the streets on Thursday, demanding the return of lands which were seized by the previous military government.

About 30 villagers from Kha Laing in Hsipaw Township marched on the street on April 27, demanding their lands back.
According to a locally based Shan Herald reporter: "There were about 30 villagers from Kha Laing protesting in the street. They were calling for the Shan State chief minister to review the case, saying that their lands were confiscated by the army more than 30 years ago."

The villagers claim their land collectively covered about 11 acres, and that the military used it to house a sawmill.

"The sawmill ceased operating about seven years ago, and now about 15 villagers are claiming their lands back," the reporter said. "In 2014, they also lodged a complaint, urging the authorities to allow them to grow crops on the land."
During the era of the military junta, arbitrary seizures of farmers' lands were common across the country, particularly in Shan State. By the 2000s, much of the seized land had been rented out to agri-business firms, and a massive government campaign was initiated to encourage investment in the harvesting of jatropha oil. Ultimately, the scheme failed; investors lost great sums of money, while farmers lost land and livelihoods.
Many aggrieved farmers have taken steps to reclaim their lands since the National League for Democracy came to power a little over a year ago. However, almost all report that they have been unsuccessful in their quest and that little has changed under Aung San Suu Kyi.
On December 15, Shan Herald reported that a 74-year-old villager in southern Shan State's Mongpan Township collapsed and died after a construction company refused to pay compensation for land it had seized from him.

Nang Kaysi of the Ethnic Peace and Resources Project (EPRP), an organization that works to support the peace process in Burma, told Shan Herald that, according to their survey, a total of about 11,000 acres of farmland have been seized from within 18 townships across Shan State.
By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)
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