National News

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• Thousands of pregnant women left without healthcare in Rakhine
• Interview: ‘Social inequality is big in Ayeyarwady Region’: minister
• Minimum wage law still not cutting it for garment workers: report
• Ahead of national-level talks, Karen armed groups to meet
• Tea touted as solution to budgetary woes
• Myanmar tells Malaysia not to interfere in internal issues
• Adolescents with HIV struggle with drug regimens, stigma
• Government increases visa fees starting this month
• Government opens hotline to fight child sex abuse
• Scaling up the charm offensive, China extends invitation to ANP

Thousands of pregnant women left without healthcare in Rakhine Posted: 02 Dec 2016 03:56 AM PST An estimated 7600 pregnant women have been left without access to basic or primary healthcare services for almost two months in the northern Rakhine townships of Maungdaw and Buthidaung since the outbreak of violent conflict in early October.

Interview: ‘Social inequality is big in Ayeyarwady Region’: minister Posted: 02 Dec 2016 01:03 AM PST U BA Hein, 72, is the Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources for Ayeyarwady Region. He joined the National League for Democracy (NLD) as an agricultural advisor after retiring from his position as deputy manager at the Agricultural and Irrigation Department of Yangon Region after 28 years of service.

Minimum wage law still not cutting it for garment workers: report Posted: 02 Dec 2016 12:47 AM PST A New report on the state of the garment industry from Progressive Voice found that last year's minimum wage law is causing negative workplace impacts for a majority of labourers and, for many, is still not resulting in a living wage.

Ahead of national-level talks, Karen armed groups to meet Posted: 02 Dec 2016 12:31 AM PST Three Karen armed groups that are signatories to the nationwide ceasefire agreement will hold upcoming national-level political dialogues jointly. The groups will begin a three-day meeting today to prepare for the talks, which they are anticipating will commence later this month.

Tea touted as solution to budgetary woes Posted: 02 Dec 2016 12:29 AM PST As the government has found itself without enough cash to complete development projects scheduled in the current fiscal year, one cabinet member has aired an unusual proposal for financing the shortfall: tea money.

Myanmar tells Malaysia not to interfere in internal issues Posted: 02 Dec 2016 12:26 AM PST Myanmar has warned its ASEAN counterpart Malaysia to respect the principle of non-interference after the leader of the Muslim-majority nation reportedly agreed to attend a protest condemning the ongoing military operations in Rakhine State.

Adolescents with HIV struggle with drug regimens, stigma Posted: 02 Dec 2016 12:24 AM PST Young people with HIV are facing unique challenges, according to a recent report from Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Myanmar released ahead of World AIDS Day on December 1.

Government increases visa fees starting this month Posted: 02 Dec 2016 12:19 AM PST Visa prices have increased, in some cases by 100 percent, as of December 1, the immigration ministry announced. Permanent secretary U Myint Kyaing said Myanmar embassies overseas have already been notified of the tariff changes.

Government opens hotline to fight child sex abuse Posted: 02 Dec 2016 12:14 AM PST In response to increasing levels of reported sexual abuse and violence against children, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement has announced the opening of a special government hotline dedicated to these crimes.

Scaling up the charm offensive, China extends invitation to ANP Posted: 02 Dec 2016 12:12 AM PST China is continuing the outreach program it launched after last year's election by inviting the Arakan National Party to send a delegation, the party has announced. Five members set off for China on November 28 for a 10-day visit, said party secretary U Tun Aung Kyaw. State hluttaw MP U Kyaw Zaw Oo (Independent; Sittwe 2), the party's former secretary, and Amyotha Hluttaw MP U Kyaw Than (ANP; Rakhine 10) are also taking part.

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Shan Herald Agency for News

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• Invitation
• Will tin be the catalyst metal for Myanmar Peace Process?
• Multiple Fronts! – Fighting is Everywhere in Northern Burma

Invitation Posted: 02 Dec 2016 02:59 AM PST Invitation Book launch in Yangon Book title:       Pathway to Peace: The Insider's account of the Myanmar peace process (English version) Author:           Aung Naing Oo Date:               7 December 2016 Time:              14:00 Venue:                        Sedona Hotel Speakers:       U Aung Min, former government chief negotiator                         Mr Roland Kobia, EU Ambassador to Myanmar

Will tin be the catalyst metal for Myanmar Peace Process? Posted: 01 Dec 2016 08:24 PM PST It is not a secret that the tin mines located in the Northeast corner of Myanmar have been the major sources of income for the United Wa State Army (UWSA), the largest non-government army in the world. However, few people had become aware that over 500 listed companies in USA were linked with the UWSA's Tin production until the shocking reveal by a Reuters report published on Nov. 29, 2016. (site:http://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-tin-insight-idUSKBN13N1VV) Those companies and their supply chain partners will probably be forced to change suppliers of tin for avoiding potential sanctions risk. Even though USA has lifted most sanctions on Myanmar, UWSA leaders are still blacklisted by Washington over accusations of drug trafficking. It is highly expected that the looming sanctions will become a US policy weapon against the UWSA which has consistently played a stubborn role in Myanmar Peace Process before and after the NLD government taking office in April 2016. Aung San Suu Kyi has called on ethnic armed groups including UWSA to take "calculated risks" participating the historic Peace Process of Myanmar, and USA has promised to fully support her efforts and ensure her success. Since the UWSA has been heavily dependent on China for many years, the question then arises as what should China do to prevent any potential border crisis and any damage to its national interests? Firstly, China should make use of its unique leverages to persuade UWSA abandoning its undesirable positions of demanding military and diplomatic privileges in the Peace Process. Aung San Suu Kyi's attitude towards UWSA will finally determine the practical implementations of US sanctions. China's constructive support for the Peace Process will definitely be of benefit to development and security of both countries. Secondly, On Nov. 25 the first Myanmar-China (2+2) high level consultation was successfully held in Nay Phi Taw. Likewise China and Myanmar need to form border committees, from township level to much higher ones, similar to those between Thailand and Myanmar. The border committees are required to hold regular meetings and actively solve bilateral problems in early stage. Thirdly, in collaboration with Myanmar government, China could introduce environment-friendly and sustainable projects into UWSA administrative area, most probably in the frame of Belt and Road Initiative. Peace making and economic development are interdependent processes. Last but not least, a long-term and stable national strategy with Myanmar which has been undertaking democratic transition is urgently-needed for China. This policy should clearly answer following question: what kinds of roles the ethnic armed groups residing Sino-Myanmar border will play in the future, the leverage tools and the break-waters for China side, or the friendship bridges linking China and Myanmar? Liu Yun

Multiple Fronts! – Fighting is Everywhere in Northern Burma Posted: 01 Dec 2016 08:16 PM PST Clashes (Incidents of fighting) – 40 Burma Army Jet (Attack) – 9 Burma Army Helo (Attack) – 10 Burma Army Jet (Recon) – 6 Burma Army Helo (Recon/Resupply) – 5 Burma Army Drone (Recon) – 3 Civilians Killed – 7 Civilians Wounded – 2 The statistics above document fighting in Kachin and northern Shan State from November 22nd, 23rd and 24th. Note the frequency of fighting, the use of air power against ethnic groups (who do not have air power) and the civilians caught in the crossfire. The volume of fighting represented here threatens to escalate further and create an even worse humanitarian crisis. *** The figures above are limited to reports from FBR teams and do not represent the totality of military battles, supply, or human rights abuses perpetrated by the Burma Army. Debrief Presently, fighting is everywhere in Kachin State and northern Shan State, Burma. In August 2016 the Burma Army launched a major offensive against Gidon Bum Hill in Waingmaw Township, Kachin State. If the Burma Army controls this area it will effectively cut the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), an ethnic resistance group, territory in half and it will prevent the KIA from distributing aid to IDP camps North of Gidon Mountain. The Burma Army has been using massive troop surges, artillery, tanks, Mil Mi-24 Helicopters and MiG-29 fighter jets in the Gidon offensive and throughout Northern Burma, and all of this is following the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) and Panglong Peace Conference. What the Burma Army is telling the Burma government and the world about peace in Burma is not in accordance with their conduct on the ground. In response to this ongoing oppression four ethnic groups, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA)[Kokang], Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Arakan Army (AA) have formed a 'Northern Alliance' and launched a joint offensive against the Burma Army in Northern Shan State on the 20th of November, 2016. This counter-offensive against the Burma Army is claimed to be a last resort by the ethnic groups. The Northern Alliance states it is no longer able to cope with the occupation and oppression by the Burma Army within ethnic lands. From the start of this new front in Burma, violence has again increased and thousands more people have been displaced. We pray for the Burma Army and ethnic groups to come to a political solution to the fighting as soon as possible. November 24 0100 Burma Army Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) (319) at Manje Base fired three mortar shells to the side of Pa Taw in Mansi Township. 0200 KIA troops from No.6 Brigade clashed with an estimated 100 Burma Army soldiers near Asia World Gate between Pang Sai and Nam Tau in Muse Township. 0200 Burma Army troops with 5 military trucks and 2 tanks were attacked with 2 remote-mines detonating between Pang Sai and Nam Pa Tek. The damaged trucks turned back and the soldiers continued to clash. 0630 TNLA troops counter-attacked Burma Army troops re-positioning at 105mile Base, in Muse Township. 0830 Two Burma Army jet fighters from Myitkyina flew to the east. 0900 Burma Army fired an Anti-Aircraft (AA) gun and the KIA fired back 3 grenade launcher rounds, followed by the Burma Army firing two 81mm shells. 0912-0930 Two Burma Army helicopters from Bhamo flew over Gawk Ngu Yang. 0945 Two Burma Army jet fighters from Bhamo supported Burma Army LIB (602), striking at KIA soldiers from No.27 Battalion during clash at Gawk Ngu Yang. 1005 MNDAA troops and Tatmadaw LIB (418) continuously clashed at the bridge, entrance to Mung Gu. 1030-1130 KIA troops from No.9 Battalion clashed with 30 Burma Army soldiers at Nam Mwi Pa. Burma Army troops retreated to Nam Hpak Ka. 1050 KIA soldiers from No.29 Battalion attacked Burma Army stationed at Nam Um Gawknu Kawng forcing Burma Army soldiers to flee to Nam Um village. 1200 KIA soldiers from No.39 Battalion clashed with Burma Army soldiers around Man Loi near Nam Hpalun. The Burma Army retreated. 1210-1240 One Burma Army drone flew over KIA No.3 Battalion HQ in Sadung Sub-township. 1215 Two Burma Army helicopters struck and dropped bombs again. Another 3 helicopters dropped troop reinforcements at 105mile, Muse township. 1230 KIA and MNDAA troops clashed with an estimated 50 Burma Army soldiers from LIB (14) between Nam Hpye and Shwe Aik. 1230-1300 One Burma Army drone flew over Mu Du, in Waingmaw Township. 1300 Two Burma Army helicopters dropped bombs along Man Jak hill above Mung Gu. 1305 Burma Army troops stationed at Kukang area side fired six shells of 105mm, 120mm to the sides of Man Nyang and Nawng Jang in Muse township. 1630 KIA soldiers from No.27 Battalion clashed with Burma Army combined troops of LIB (319, 521) coming from Mung Hkawng Gashawt. The fighting took place at Shadan, Sama above Mahtek in Mansi township. 1750 Burma Army troops fired three 60mm shells to the side of Gawk Ngu Yang. 1825-1833 Burma Army stationed at Kagam fired four 120mm shells toward Gidon Post. November 23 0530 on 23 November heavy fighting between KIA troops from No.38 Battalion and Burma Army LIB (418) at Hpawng Seng Man Pyin, Muse Township. The fighting stopped at 1535. 0710 KIA troops and Burma Army troops coming from MNDAA controlled areas clashed at the head of Pu Wang village. 0715 KIA troops clashed with an estimated 100 Burma Army soldiers coming from Sap Hkung Hka river near Pu Wang village. 0740 KIA troops from No.27 Battalion attacked Burma Army LIB (602) at Gawk Ngu Yang Post. 0815 The combined forces of KIA soldiers No.36 Battalion and MNDAA clashed with Burma Army LIB (14) near Nam Hpye Village in Muse Township 0845 One drone flew over Hka Da Zup Post in Danai Township. 1020 TNLA troops attacked the Burma Army at Nam Hkam Sihkan Tit Post in Nam Hkam Township. 1100 Burma Army troops operating around Hkrai Run Bum Yi and from Nam Ya Tai Post fired six 60mm shells to the side of Kum Tsai Zup where KIA soldiers were staying in Hpakant township. 1535 KIA troops from No.2 Battalion clashed with 60 Burma Army troops at Nam Pa Tek near Pang Sai. 1730 Burma Army shelled from Balawng Dingsa and Man Dat toward Gawk Ngu Yang. 1730-0600 on 23-24 Nov. Burma Army stationed at Nhkram fired twelve 81mm shells and AA gun toward Gidon Post, Waingmaw Township. November 22 0735 Burma Army troops at Sama Road junction fired two 105mm shells toward Gidon Post, Waingmaw Township. 0820-0940 on 22 November the Burma Army stationed at Nkhram, Kagam, and Dabak fired 57 mortar shells towards Gidon Post and Tsan Lun, Waingmaw Townsship. They also fired sporadic Anti-Air (AA) gun fire toward the posts. 0930 Forty Burma Army troops from IB 298 and KIA troops clashed at Makaw Yang in Hpakant Township. 0950 One hundred Burma Army troops from LID 99 clashed with KIA troops from No. 38 Battalion at Loi Ngu Bum near Sap Hkung Hka in Muse Township. 1155 Burma Army troops clashed with MNDAA troops at Man Jak, near Mung Gu in Muse Township. Two Burma Army helicopters supported with strafing runs against the MNDAA troops. 1510 Two Burma Army jet fighters bombarded Mung Gu, Man Kang, and Byuha Kawng, which the MNDAA captured from the Burma Army. Civilian Casualties On the 22nd of November two civilians, Dau Je Tu and Lahtaw Naw Din, both residents of Mung Hkawng Village, were shot to death by Burma Army soldiers in Mansi Township. Both civilians had carried food for the Kachin Independence Army the previous day. At 1530 on the 22nd of November two civilians, Lahpai Naw Seng and Zahkung Hkun Yawt from Nam Tau village were chased and fired on in front of Pang Sai Police Station by Burma Army troops. Zahkung Hkun Yawt was killed on the spot and Naw Seng was wounded in his shoulder. They were shot after carrying food for KIA soldiers at Nam Ba Tek, in Pang Sai Township.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Relocated Street Vendors Complain of Insufficient Space
• Arakan State Youths Tell Commission They Want Peace
• Authorities Ramp up Security Measures at Tourist Sites
• Nippon Foundation Suspends Vehicle Donations
• Pegu Woman Charged With Defaming State Counselor on Social Media
• Judge Sentences Father to 20 Years for Raping Own Daughter
• Fleeing Shan State Conflict, 400 Villagers Take Refuge in Namtu Town
• Malaysia Cancels Two Soccer Matches Over Arakan State Situation
• Nepal Proposes Constitution Amendment to Meet Ethnic Demands
• Indonesia Protests Awaken Fears for Minority Chinese
• Maintaining Momentum in Myanmar’s Response to AIDS

Relocated Street Vendors Complain of Insufficient Space Posted: 01 Dec 2016 07:00 AM PST YCDC relocates 1,600 street vendors to a night market and orders thousands more to only occupy downtown streets outside of major roads. The post Relocated Street Vendors Complain of Insufficient Space appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Arakan State Youths Tell Commission They Want Peace Posted: 01 Dec 2016 06:19 AM PST Six Buddhist and Muslim youths from the Arakan capital of Sittwe meet with Kofi Annan and the Arakan State Advisory Commission in Rangoon. The post Arakan State Youths Tell Commission They Want Peace appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Authorities Ramp up Security Measures at Tourist Sites Posted: 01 Dec 2016 06:13 AM PST 'We are working to prevent a similar attack at the pagoda, like what happened in the bombing at the Rangoon divisional government,' says a trustee. The post Authorities Ramp up Security Measures at Tourist Sites appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Nippon Foundation Suspends Vehicle Donations Posted: 01 Dec 2016 05:22 AM PST The Nippon Foundation suspends further vehicle donations until all of the cars currently unattended in a Rangoon hospital are deployed. The post Nippon Foundation Suspends Vehicle Donations appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Pegu Woman Charged With Defaming State Counselor on Social Media Posted: 01 Dec 2016 05:03 AM PST Ma Sandi Myint Aung, is arrested after reportedly sharing Facebook posts said to include foul language against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The post Pegu Woman Charged With Defaming State Counselor on Social Media appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Judge Sentences Father to 20 Years for Raping Own Daughter Posted: 01 Dec 2016 03:15 AM PST The crime comes to light when a sister discovers the victim is five months pregnant. The post Judge Sentences Father to 20 Years for Raping Own Daughter appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Fleeing Shan State Conflict, 400 Villagers Take Refuge in Namtu Town Posted: 01 Dec 2016 01:42 AM PST 'The local Namtu people donated food for the IDPs when they arrived the first day. But these donations have not been enough,' says a SNLD lawmaker. The post Fleeing Shan State Conflict, 400 Villagers Take Refuge in Namtu Town appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Malaysia Cancels Two Soccer Matches Over Arakan State Situation Posted: 01 Dec 2016 12:11 AM PST Malaysia says cancellation of two friendly under-22 matches is a 'political decision because of the Rohingya issue.' The post Malaysia Cancels Two Soccer Matches Over Arakan State Situation appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Nepal Proposes Constitution Amendment to Meet Ethnic Demands Posted: 30 Nov 2016 08:45 PM PST Nepal's government proposed amending its new constitution to carve out a new state to meet the demands of the Madhesi ethnic community. The post Nepal Proposes Constitution Amendment to Meet Ethnic Demands appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Indonesia Protests Awaken Fears for Minority Chinese Posted: 30 Nov 2016 08:39 PM PST The capital of Muslim-majority Indonesia is on edge ahead of a potential second huge protest by conservative Muslims against its Christian governor. The post Indonesia Protests Awaken Fears for Minority Chinese appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Maintaining Momentum in Myanmar’s Response to AIDS Posted: 30 Nov 2016 05:30 PM PST On World AIDS Day, the spotlight will be on Myanmar—a model of how to implement strategies to end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030. The post Maintaining Momentum in Myanmar's Response to AIDS appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

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National News

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• Bail denied for Eleven Media defendants
• Reporter in Nay Pyi Taw slapped with defamation suit
• Internet, phone lines down in Muse after bomb blast hits cable
• Talk of heritage status application brings fresh fears for Bagan locals
• Govt rejects report of massive detention in Mong Koe
• Mandalay’s Maha Myat Muni Pagoda gets security upgrade
• Small shifts in Myanmar’s war on drugs
• Donors asked to come forward to help foot cost of post-quake repairs
• Parliamentary commission advises overhaul of national land use policy
• MP calls for sex ed to start in primary school

Bail denied for Eleven Media defendants Posted: 01 Dec 2016 12:54 AM PST The Tarmwe Township Court has rejected a bail application from the CEO and editor-in-chief of Eleven Media Group, who are facing defamation charges brought by the Yangon Region government.

Reporter in Nay Pyi Taw slapped with defamation suit Posted: 01 Dec 2016 12:51 AM PST A Nay Pyi Taw-based reporter is the latest to fall victim to the Telecommunications Law's defamation clause after News Watch journal's U Maung Maung Tun was charged under article 66(d) this week.

Internet, phone lines down in Muse after bomb blast hits cable Posted: 01 Dec 2016 12:50 AM PST Local internet and phone connections were disrupted in the town of Muse yesterday after an explosion rocked the Swonlon Bridge in Muse township.

Talk of heritage status application brings fresh fears for Bagan locals Posted: 01 Dec 2016 12:34 AM PST Bagan residents who were previously forced from their homes to allow the development of a heritage site are living in fear of a fresh attempt to evict them.

Govt rejects report of massive detention in Mong Koe Posted: 01 Dec 2016 12:31 AM PST The President's Office has denied claims from a civil society group that dozens of civilians in Mong Koe town, northern Shan State, were being detained arbitrarily.

Mandalay’s Maha Myat Muni Pagoda gets security upgrade Posted: 01 Dec 2016 12:29 AM PST Amid a spate of bomb scares in recent weeks, Mandalay's Maha Myat Muni Pagoda has added nine new members to its security team and trained 11 members of the crew in methods for detecting potential explosive devices, pagoda chair U Soe Lin said on November 29.

Small shifts in Myanmar’s war on drugs Posted: 01 Dec 2016 12:25 AM PST Myanmar has taken another tentative step away from draconian punishments for drug offences. The country joined several ASEAN nations and China in Bangkok yesterday in a joint commitment to strengthen "community-based health services" for people who use drugs around the region.

Donors asked to come forward to help foot cost of post-quake repairs Posted: 01 Dec 2016 12:23 AM PST Donors willing to fund the repair of more than 200 pagodas in Bagan damaged by last August's earthquake are still being identified, officials say. U Aung Kaw, director of the Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library in Bagan, called on donors who have funded the upkeep of the ancient religious buildings to come forward by December 15.

Parliamentary commission advises overhaul of national land use policy Posted: 01 Dec 2016 12:22 AM PST The National Land Use Policy is in line for redress, after being highlighted by a parliamentary commission charged with targeting legislation for reform.

MP calls for sex ed to start in primary school Posted: 01 Dec 2016 12:20 AM PST In a demand likely to cause controversy in more traditional quarters, a ruling-party MP is lobbying for sex education to be taught in schools as early as the primary grades.

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Shan Herald Agency for News

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• Commentary on “KNU delays leadership vote as schism emerges”
• Civilians continue to flee military offensive in Kyaukme
• 60 villagers captured by Burmese army in Muse

Commentary on “KNU delays leadership vote as schism emerges” Posted: 01 Dec 2016 07:40 AM PST I was inquiring a close friend from within the Karen resistance movement on the postponement of the KNU Congress until next year and what he thought about the leadership. He came back to me with an answer full of frustration and disappointment, where he spelled them out clearly and precisely. He wrote: The current KNU leadership follows the line of appeasement, capitulation, peace and engagement in development. They bought vote and cheated at the previous KNU Congress. Please see the incisive and blunt comment below. The KNU is doing all of this with their eyes wide open. I blame them and only them for where they are now and where they are headed. It is not that the Tatmadaw, international governments, INGOs, or the devil made them do it: they did it and or doing it themselves. The international Karen community complains about it, but keeps the funding flowing. The KNU/KNLA hardliners complain, but don't offer an attractive competing vision or objectives, have an internal revolution, or form their own political and military organization. The KNU/KNLA foreign supporters/advisers like us complain, but keep supporting them with training and advice. No wonder nothing changes. Simple math: 8-3=5 and.............Talk-Action=0. The KIO/KIA learned their lesson and changed leadership and strategy. The Northern Alliance - Burma, including the Wa, are the ones sticking their necks and lives out now for their principles and now have learn to "go to them to get them away from us". Even the Bengali are fighting back - soon ISIS and other Islamic fundamentalist will join them. All of them said, ENOUGH is ENOUGH!". When is Enough Enough for the Karen? Maybe the Karen need to suffer more like a drunk who looses everything - wife, house, job and still drinks. Then maybe they then will rise up and say "ENOUGH is ENOUGH!!!" They shouldn't have to wait long for more suffering..they are on the Tatmadaw's list once they settle the North with their "Keep the South quiet while fighting in the North" Strategy. Same as the 1994 with their "Keep the North quiet while fighting in the South" Strategy. They will be coming after the Karens sooner than later as they did the Kachins and most recently the Shan State Army-North. But with the continuous weaken military capabilities and lack of political will, the Karens will be easier pickings this time..when the Tatmadaw is ready. Sure no surrender, General Custer did not surrender and we see what happen to him and his soldiers. The military gains over the years by the KNLA/KNDO are being lost,explicitly and implicitly, by the KNU central and district leadership, and those KNLA/KNDO soldiers, who have been killed and maimed for these gains, are being dishonored.

Civilians continue to flee military offensive in Kyaukme Posted: 01 Dec 2016 03:55 AM PST Civilians in Kyaukme District's Mantong Township continue to flee their homes due to the ongoing conflict between Burmese government forces and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), according to an MP from the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD). Photo SHAN- one of the displaced camps in Namtu Township Nang Kham Aye, a Shan State Assembly representative of Namtu Township, told Shan Herald today that some 200 people from Mantong and Mong Maw had this week arrived in Namtu Township – 30 miles southeast of Mantong. She said that they have been provided shelter at local temples and churches. "Fighting has erupted in the town of Mong Maw," she said. "Gunfire was aimed toward the market early in the morning, causing villagers to run. They subsequently fled their homes. "As of yesterday [November 30], some 170 people had arrived in Namtu. Most of them are children, women and elderly people. The menfolk have mostly stayed behind to look after their property. "The number of displaced people [in Kyaukme] has now increased to nearly 800 since fighting between the Burmese army and the TNLA broke out on November 23," she added. Today, the TNLA's News and Information Department posted on its website a report, saying its troops had clashed with Burmese government forces between the villages of Kongmong and Kongngaung in Mantong Township. On November 20, the TNLA, a non-signatory to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement, launched a joint military operation alongside its allies – Arankan Army (AA), Kachin Independence Army (KIA), and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) – against Burmese military outposts and police stationsin Muse, Namkham and Kutkai townships.  As of December 1, fighting was reported to be continuing. By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)

60 villagers captured by Burmese army in Muse Posted: 01 Dec 2016 12:54 AM PST Around sixty residents of Mong Koe sub-township in northern Shan State's Muse Township were last week captured and detrained by Burmese government forces, according to the Kachin Peace Network (KPN).  Some 70 people were arrested when they were traveling from Mong Koe to a wedding ceremony in Paw Joone Par village on November 20, when they were ordered to stop by Burmese troops. Twelve persons, identified as Chinese individuals, were subsequently released the following day after intervention from Chinese authorities. On November 25, another two ethnic Burmese wedding guests were released; the rest remain in detention. Speaking to Shan Herald, Gum Sha Aung, a spokesperson for the KPN, said, "The Tatmadaw [Burmese government troops] arrested them while they were en route to a wedding ceremony. We therefore demand they all be released immediately." He said that many other villagers from Mong Koe have already fled across the China border to avoid armed clashes in the area between the Tatmadaw and an ethnic alliance comprising the Arakan Army (AA), the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). The ethnic militias, which have since branded themselves the "Northern Alliance," launched coordinated military offensives on November 20against Burmese units in northern Shan State, including the Muse Township villages of Mong Koe and Parng Zai, the 105-Mile border trade zone, and areas of Namkham and Kutkai tonwships. In a statement on November 29, KPN accused the Burmese military of violating the Geneva Convention by arresting civilians. "We call for an immediate end to the conflict," said KPN. "We must all work together to bring peace to the country for the betterment of the people." According to a Myanmar Times report on November 28,some 2,000 civilians have been trapped in the crossfire in the Hai Kaung area between the towns of Pang Zai and Mong Koe. Clashes remain intense in the areas of Muse, Namkham and Kutkai townships. Northern Alliance attacks have targeted Burma military outposts and police stations. Less than two weeks since fighting broke out on November 20, more than ten civilians have reportedly been killed and other 40 injured, while thousands have abandoned their homes to seek refuge elsewhere. By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)

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