Friday, November 4, 2016

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Arakan Delegation Reports Findings of Observation Trip

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 10:00 AM PDT

International delegates encourage the govt to resume aid, conduct an independent investigation, and ensure rule of law in Arakan State's Maungdaw area.

The post Arakan Delegation Reports Findings of Observation Trip appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Police Investigate Explosion at Hpakant Jade Mining Company

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 07:27 AM PDT

The Kachin Independence Army rejects an allegation that its soldiers were involved in a fire that destroyed US$5 million worth of company property.

The post Police Investigate Explosion at Hpakant Jade Mining Company appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

NLD Member Appears in Court for Telecommunications Charges

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 07:10 AM PDT

An NLD member who was charged under the Telecommunications Act for insulting the army chief on Facebook appears in Rangoon's Hlaing Township Court.

The post NLD Member Appears in Court for Telecommunications Charges appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Locals Campaign for Shutdown of Coal-Fired Power Plant

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 06:32 AM PDT

Civil society organizations and locals launch a campaign calling for the complete closure of Shan State's Tigyit coal-fired power plant.

The post Locals Campaign for Shutdown of Coal-Fired Power Plant appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Dr San San Aye: ‘We Want a Law to Prevent Gender-based Violence’

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 06:23 AM PDT

The Irrawaddy talks to director-general of the social welfare department about protecting victims of gender-based violence.

The post Dr San San Aye: 'We Want a Law to Prevent Gender-based Violence' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Arakanese Activist Appeals Sedition, Defamation Case At Sittwe Court

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 05:53 AM PDT

Khaing Myo Htun and his legal team request the charges be dismissed for breaching both legal process and the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement.

The post Arakanese Activist Appeals Sedition, Defamation Case At Sittwe Court appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Trucking Associations Criticize New Regulations

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 05:35 AM PDT

A traffic enforcement committee notice prohibiting trucks on Rangoon roads during the day draws criticism.

The post Trucking Associations Criticize New Regulations appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Aid to Resume in Northern Arakan

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 10:55 PM PDT

Diplomatic mission returns from two-day visit to area under military lockdown, calls for 'independent and credible investigation.'

The post Aid to Resume in Northern Arakan appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

Yangon transport authority mulls playing matchmaker with bus line operators

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 01:39 AM PDT

The Yangon Region Transport Authority (YRTA) is encouraging smaller bus companies to collaborate in their application to form the new public-private partnership firms that will operate a revamped public bus system.

Last Messenger newspaper shutters

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 01:30 AM PDT

The Messenger Weekly Journal will shut down at the end of this month.

Thailand told to consult Kayin on contested parkland

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 01:29 AM PDT

An attempt by Thailand to absorb a large chunk of Myanmar land by having it declared part of a Thai heritage site has apparently suffered a setback. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee, meeting in Paris, has asked Thailand to go back to the drawing board.

Kayin farmers criminalised for fighting land grabs: HRW report

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 01:27 AM PDT

Kayin State villagers are losing their land and are routinely persecuted through threats, arson and arbitrary arrest if they attempt to fight the unlawful seizures, according to a report released by an international rights group yesterday.

Yangon labour department has launched 60 lawsuits against errant factories

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 01:26 AM PDT

After repeated, flagrant violations of the labour laws, 60 recalcitrant factories in Yangon have been slapped with lawsuits so far this year by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population, a government official told The Myanmar Times yesterday.

Ava trial hears of 2014 complaint

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 01:24 AM PDT

As the high-profile Ava Tailoring shop abuse trial enters its sixth week, a local administrator gave testimony yesterday about a 2014 complaint, which appeared to complicate allegations that the child maids were enslaved against their will.

KIA denies involvement in Hpakant jade mine blast

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 01:08 AM PDT

A November 2 attack on a Hpakant gem company site has been pinned on the Kachin Independence Army – an allegation the group vigorously denies.

NLD member charged for defamation

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 01:07 AM PDT

A Senior National League for Democracy official has been charged with defamation in relation to a Facebook post suggesting the Tatmadaw chief resign, according to Hlaing township police.

Civilians injured amid fresh clashes

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 01:06 AM PDT

Four Civilians have been injured in Homein village, Namhsan township, as fresh clashes have erupted in the area.

JMC looks into mass detention case and RCSS clashes

Posted: 04 Nov 2016 01:04 AM PDT

The nation ceasefire agreement's Joint Monitoring Committee has sent a team to investigate clashes between the Tatmadaw and the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) as part of its mandate under the accord.
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Thursday, November 3, 2016

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Police Officer Detained for Alleged Rape in Shan State

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 07:29 AM PDT

A police officer in Shan State's Hsenwi Township who allegedly raped a 16-year-old Kachin girl on Tuesday night is detained as a case is filed.

The post Police Officer Detained for Alleged Rape in Shan State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

NLD Member Detained Under Telecommunications Law

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 05:50 AM PDT

U Myo Yan Naung Thein's colleague suspects the arrest may be due to a Facebook post critical of Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

The post NLD Member Detained Under Telecommunications Law appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Thai Supreme Court Dismisses Case Against Migrant Rights Defender Andy Hall

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 05:39 AM PDT

The court dismisses a criminal defamation case brought by the Natural Fruit Co., although Andy Hall's three-year suspended sentence remains in place.

The post Thai Supreme Court Dismisses Case Against Migrant Rights Defender Andy Hall appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Gems Emporium Expected to Attract US and EU Traders

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 05:33 AM PDT

After the lifting of US sanctions, more western jade traders have been invited to the upcoming Naypyidaw Gems Emporium.

The post Gems Emporium Expected to Attract US and EU Traders appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma Business Delegation Heads to Japan

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 05:22 AM PDT

Representatives from a number of sectors will meet with their Japanese counterparts and attend the Myanmar Business Forum in Tokyo.

The post Burma Business Delegation Heads to Japan appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

State Counselor’s Glass Table Designs an Overnight Hit

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 04:55 AM PDT

The Ministry of Industry will produce and sell three types of glass tables designed by State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to the public.

The post State Counselor's Glass Table Designs an Overnight Hit appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Upcoming Karen Congress Elections Uncertain

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 04:17 AM PDT

Top Karen leaders discuss postponing the 16th KNU Congress slated to take place in November over concerns new leadership could disrupt peace process.

The post Upcoming Karen Congress Elections Uncertain appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

International Delegation Set to Wrap Up Arakan State Visit

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 03:42 AM PDT

State official said first-day visit showed 'reality not consistent' with rights abuses; US official repeated call for thorough investigation.

The post International Delegation Set to Wrap Up Arakan State Visit appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

HRW: Peace Process Exposes Farmers to New Glut of Land Seizures

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 01:19 AM PDT

Burma's peace process opens up access to ethnic areas and leaves farmers vulnerable to powerful interests 'gaining land through questionable means.'

The post HRW: Peace Process Exposes Farmers to New Glut of Land Seizures appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

Draft museum law sent to Attorney General

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 12:59 AM PDT

A Draft law that would govern the establishment and practices of private museums is under discussion by officials in the Ministry of Religion and Culture and the Office of the Attorney General, the latest stage in a long-drawn out process that began under the previous government.

MDY bus compounds ban moto-taxi drivers

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 12:57 AM PDT

IN a move to curb passenger harassment, motorcycle taxis and private cars have been banned from entering highway bus stations near Mandalay, the head of the municipal taxi department has told The Myanmar Times.

Theft rife at Pyinmana Hospital in Nay Pyi Taw

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 12:54 AM PDT

Patients and staff need to safeguard their belongings at the 200-bed Pyinmana Hospital in Nay Pyi Taw, according to its administrator, following a spate of recent thefts.

After years of enslavement, abused child maids look to the future

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 12:53 AM PDT

The teenager stares at her crippled hands, broken after torture techniques endured over five years of life as a slave.

Departure terminal of sunken ferry closed

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 12:42 AM PDT

The Sagaing Region government has temporarily closed the ferry terminal that the ill-fated Aung Soe Moe Kyaw 2 ferry departed from in mid-October.

Accreditation available for April by-election observers

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 12:40 AM PDT

International and local polling place watchdogs can now apply to be accredited by the Union Election Commission as observers for the 2017 by-election, scheduled to be held on April 1, the UEC announced on October 31.

Air pollution a ‘leading danger’ to child health

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 12:39 AM PDT

Toxic levels of air pollution in developing countries like Myanmar have begun to cause miscarriages, increase infant deaths and stunt children's cognitive and physical development, according to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Vendors banned from Chaung Tha beachfront

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 12:36 AM PDT

Aiming to counter litterbugs and preserve a more picturesque beachfront, the Ayeyarwady Region government has banned vendors from selling their wares on Chaung Tha beach.

Govt team to negotiate Panda garment dispute settlement

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 12:34 AM PDT

Employees and the owners of Panda Textile Factory in Mandalay Region say they will accept the decision of a negotiating team formed yesterday to settle a drawn-out dispute between the workers and factory management.

Japan announces a nearly $8 billion package for Myanmar

Posted: 03 Nov 2016 12:27 AM PDT

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe yesterday announced nearly US$8 billion in aid, loans and investment to promote development and reconciliation in Myanmar after talks with its de facto leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
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Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

Commentary on "The UWSA needs to change"

Posted: 02 Nov 2016 08:58 PM PDT

Si Thu Aung Myint's conclusion that the United Wa State Army (UWSA) needs to adjust it policies according to the changing realities is a correct assessment, but too early to say that its days might be numbered.

Two delegates from the United Wa State Army at the 21st Century Panglong Conference on August 31. (Romeo Gacad / AFP)
The UWSA aspiring for a separate statehood within the union, is a tall order, especially when Burma, a multi-ethnic state is not made up of a neatly demarcated ethnic settlement but a mixed habitation pattern. The area that the UWSA likes to claim is nearly all of the eastern Shan State, which are inhabited by majority Shan/Tai and other sub-ethnic groups.

Other than that, if the UWSA aspiration is entertained, there will be ethnic friction and even open conflict between the Shan and the Wa, which have co-habited harmoniously before the set up of the UWSA, after the disintegration of the Communist Party of Burma (CPB).

During the British era, the Wa had their own Saohpa or Sawbwa with its own administrative unit, harmoniously interacting with the some 33 units Federated Shan States. Actually this could still be the modal of decentralization in a bigger Federal Union context, even for all other states and units within the present day Burma.

Finally, the UWSA or the Wa ethno-nationalism upsurge is understandable, as it is a global trend and also a phenomenon, but has to be adjusted in a different way and not edging out other ethnic groups, with force or military might. As mentioned, the Federated Shan States modal might be a better way out for all ethnicity within Shan State and beyond, like for example, the Pa-O, Palaung and lately the Tai Leng or Shan-ni aspirations for separate ethnic state.

But the biggest challenge the UWSA facing now is the "image problem" or its "narco-army image". In reality and to be fair, every ethnic army, including the Burma Army, has at one time or the other involved in drugs trafficking, either directly or indirectly. And it is true even today.

A comment, this writer would like to recall written in SHAN's "Drugs Report" somewhere, is that something like: "Everyone is involved in drugs, the more guns one owns, the more drugs trafficking is the result."

The US accusation is just a temporary inconvenience, the UWSA could take consolation and look at the example of US lifting of sanctions on the Burma Army top brass and its cronies, on how political realities and interest has changed everything in no time; that is "from enemies to friends".

And as such, like Si Thu Aung Myint suggested, the UWSA would be well advised to practice "realpolitik", where its statehood aspiration is concerned and strive for the doable reality and not that might be hard to achieve.

Link to the story: http://frontiermyanmar.net/en/the-uwsa-needs-to-change
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Wednesday, November 2, 2016

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Govt Team Investigates Cause of Conflict in Shan State

Posted: 02 Nov 2016 07:47 AM PDT

The Joint Monitoring Committee begins field visits to investigate fighting in Shan State between the Burma Army and the Restoration Council of Shan State.

The post Govt Team Investigates Cause of Conflict in Shan State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

After Burma’s Supply Spike, Tin Looks for a Brighter Future

Posted: 02 Nov 2016 07:40 AM PDT

Burma's tin production has surged at a time when output from other major producers has slipped, writes Clyde Russell for Reuters.

The post After Burma's Supply Spike, Tin Looks for a Brighter Future appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

State Counselor Meets Burmese Exiles in Japan

Posted: 02 Nov 2016 05:35 AM PDT

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi meets over one thousand Burmese expatriates, many of whom desire to return to their homeland but face passport difficulties.

The post State Counselor Meets Burmese Exiles in Japan appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

State Counselor Calls For Corruption Complaints

Posted: 02 Nov 2016 05:28 AM PDT

The State Counselor's Office calls for the public to submit complaints against corrupt government officials and ensures confidentiality.

The post State Counselor Calls For Corruption Complaints appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Swiss Govt to Launch Vocational Trainings in Burma

Posted: 02 Nov 2016 05:18 AM PDT

The Swiss Embassy announces a plan to promote vocational training as a 'business opportunity.'

The post Swiss Govt to Launch Vocational Trainings in Burma appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Pyin Oo Lwin Township Administrator Arrested for Abuse of Power

Posted: 02 Nov 2016 04:04 AM PDT

U Tin Naing Soe and his staff are accused of extorting 40 million kyats from the township's residents to register a village after they were relocated.

The post Pyin Oo Lwin Township Administrator Arrested for Abuse of Power appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Life in a New Jungle: Burmese Refugees in an American City

Posted: 02 Nov 2016 12:09 AM PDT

Burmese refugees in the American city of Buffalo struggle mightily with language and culture disparities.

The post Life in a New Jungle: Burmese Refugees in an American City appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

Refugees rue return amid housing woes

Posted: 02 Nov 2016 12:01 AM PDT

Myanmar refugees repatriated from Thailand last week say they already have regrets about their return following a disagreement with the government over the cost of their living quarters.

NLD convenes plenary with sights on by-election success

Posted: 02 Nov 2016 12:00 AM PDT

Leaders of the ruling National League for Democracy gathered yesterday seeking to forge a "stronger relationship" among its members as the party prepares to contest all 19 seats up for a vote in the upcoming by-election on April 1.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi arrives in Japan

Posted: 01 Nov 2016 11:58 PM PDT

Foreign Minister Daw Aung San Suu Kyi arrived in Tokyo yesterday for talks with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This visit is her first trip to Japan since becoming her country's de facto leader earlier this year.

Peace process discussed as Tatmadaw chief visits China

Posted: 01 Nov 2016 11:55 PM PDT

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of Myanmar's Defence Services, discussed the country's current peace process at a meeting with the Chinese foreign ministry's special envoy on Asian affairs, Sun Guo Xiang, yesterday in Beijing.

Legal team hopeful in Koh Tao murder appeal

Posted: 01 Nov 2016 11:53 PM PDT

Lawyers for two Myanmar nationals sentenced to death in Thailand are optimistic about a favourable appeal following a recent announcement from the presiding Thai court.

Four migrants found dead in Malaysia

Posted: 01 Nov 2016 11:50 PM PDT

Four Myanmar citizens working at a construction site in northern Malaysia were killed by a group of masked attackers on October 25, according to an official at the Myanmar embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

Developer, Sagaing govt agree to nix hydropower project

Posted: 01 Nov 2016 11:49 PM PDT

A hydropower project that had been under construction in Sa­gaing Region's Homalin township was scrapped after the regional government and the dam's developer, International Power Generation (IPG), came to an agreement on October 28.

Thai oil firm ordered to rehire dismissed Myanmar workers

Posted: 01 Nov 2016 11:46 PM PDT

The Yangon Region Arbitration Council (YARC) has ordered Thai firm PTT Exploration and Production to rehire 18 Myanmar workers who were found to have been dismissed without cause.

Mandalay gets tough on poor parking

Posted: 01 Nov 2016 11:45 PM PDT

Armed with wheel clamps and fixed-penalty notices, Mandalay tax officials are trying to rid the city's streets of illegally parked vehicles.

Magwe residents allege abandoned mine still polluting

Posted: 01 Nov 2016 11:44 PM PDT

Slag and coal dust from an abandoned mine is fouling rivers and blighting fields, say farmers in Magwe Region. They say the environmental damage caused by the mine continues to wreak havoc even after it was closed.
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Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

‘Ethnic people will not be cheated again’: SSPP/SSA patron

Posted: 02 Nov 2016 05:04 AM PDT

Ethnic people will not tolerate being cheated again, and they must see the signs of a true federal union before the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) is signed.


That's according to Gen. Sao Hso Ten, the patron of the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA), speaking during a meeting of the Committee for Shan State Unity (CSSU) held in Yangon on Sunday.

"The ethnic people [of Burma] have faced so many issues in the past," he said. "We have learned bitter lessons, both in politics and in war.

"We [SSPP/SSA] signed a ceasefire in 1989 and were offered special [self-administered] zone. We also joined the national conference in 1993. But these were all fake. We have been cheated for a long time. In order for us not to be cheated again, we have to protect ourselves. We have to work on the peace process first. We have to have an ownership in this peace process and decide by ourselves whether to sign the agreement or not. If we cannot decide this by ourselves, we should not sign the agreement."

"If we do not have ownership of the peace process, we will be bullied again," he added. "If we do not want to be bullied, we have to own it."

On October 28, Burma's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi said at the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC), a bloc which includes representatives from the government, military and ethnic armed groups, that she wanted all ethnic armed groups to sign the NCA before the next Panglong Conference which is slated for February 2017.

Shan leader Gen. Sao Hso Ten also said that after the signing the NCA, two further conferences were held, but which contained no political talks, just a revision of notes.
He said that the SSPP/SSA and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) are members of the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), an organization comprising 12 armed groups that refused to sign the NCA with the Thein Sein government in October 2015. He noted the bloc had joined the national conference as well as participating in peace dialogue during the era of the military junta. He insisted that, in order to avoid repeating past mistakes, they had drafted a 'Federal Union Constitution.'

"At the Mai Ja Yang meeting [conference including both NCA and non-NCA signatory groups], we have drafted an 8-point plan of principles in a draft of a Federal Union Constitution," he said. "If they [the government] agreed with these eight points, the UNFC members would sign the NCA."

The eight points were related to: sovereignty; equality; rights of self-determination; genuine federalism; protecting the rights of minorities; democratic rights; universal human rights and gender equality, and establishing a multi-party system-based secular form of governance.

Sao Hso Ten concluded on Sunday that in order to solve the civil war and build peace in the country, the 2008 constitution must be amended and steps must be taken to establish a federal union.


The CSSU comprises the Shan State Joint Action Committee (SSJAC), which represents the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP), the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), the the Seng Kiao's People Militia, the New Generation Group (Shan State), Shan Youth Association, Shan Nationality Organization-Thailand, the Shan community-based organizations, and a team of legal consultants.
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