Thursday, March 30, 2017

National News

National News

Finding recreation at the cool Mann Creek

Posted: 30 Mar 2017 12:15 AM PDT

The Mann Creek, running through the hills, originates from the western mountain ranges. It is clear and cool, always flows and can refresh anyone regardless of age and wealth.

More Japanese visit Myanmar but only on business

Posted: 30 Mar 2017 12:11 AM PDT

Myanmar needs to actively promote its culture, historical heritage, leisure and other features to attract more Japanese tourists as most of the visitors from Japan are business travellers, said U Kyaw Min Htin, executive committee member ofMyanmar Tourism Marketing Committee under the Myanmar Tourism Federation.

Hakha Education College to open in December

Posted: 30 Mar 2017 12:09 AM PDT

The new Hakha Education College in Chin State will be ready in December, according to the Higher Education Department.

6,000 villagers to get first aid, road safety training

Posted: 30 Mar 2017 12:01 AM PDT

Over 6000 people living in villages along the accident-prone Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw highway will be trained in first aid and road safety by the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) and Shell Myanmar.

‘Start With Me’ road safety campaign to be launched

Posted: 29 Mar 2017 11:57 PM PDT

A public campaign on road safety involving the participation of every citizen will be launched on April 4 at Mahabandoola Park in Yangon, in an effort to reduce the number of road accidents and fatalities on Yangon roads.

Letpadaung demonstrators’ camps closed

Posted: 29 Mar 2017 11:56 PM PDT

The authorities shut down demonstrators' camps on March 28, following the suspension of quarry activities in Letpadaung mine site by the General Administration Department.

650 factory workers sacked over strike

Posted: 29 Mar 2017 11:51 PM PDT

About 650 workers in a clothing factory in Hlaing Tharyar were fired after holding a strike to demand for a 10-day break to celebrate the Thingyan water festival.

Voters lacking info about candidates: EEOP survey

Posted: 29 Mar 2017 11:49 PM PDT

More than half of the voters have admitted that they don't know the plans and policies of the candidates competing in the by-election on April 1, 2017, according to the Pre-Election Voter Perception Survey done by the Election Education and Observation Partners (EEOP).

Japanese loan to develop agri businesses

Posted: 29 Mar 2017 11:44 PM PDT

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation intends to provide loans to value-added agricultural businesses through a two-step loan scheme with funds from Japan, said the ministry's deputy permanent secretary U Myo Tint Tun.

Rakhine MPs reject municipal bills

Posted: 29 Mar 2017 11:42 PM PDT

Two bills that propose abolishing municipal laws were opposed by the Rakhine Hluttaw as they were submitted without preliminary discussions with state MPs, said State Hluttaw Legislative Committee's chair U Mya Than.
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Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

SNLD spokesman urges voters to support ‘local party’

Posted: 30 Mar 2017 06:20 AM PDT

Sai Leik, the spokesperson for the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), today urged voters going to the polls in by-elections on Saturday to support "their local party" in Shan State.


Speaking to Shan Herald on Thursday, the final day for campaigning, Sai Leik said, "From now on, our representative should be a citizen of Shan State and should be a person who is working on behalf of our nationality."

He added that people in Mong Hsu, Mong Nong and Kehsi townships had lost their right to vote during the 2015 general election when polls were cancelled due to security concerns.

"That's why this time they must come out and exercise their right to vote. We do not want our people to lose their rights," he said.


Nicknamed the Tiger Head Party, the SNLD won a total of 40 seats in the 2015 election. For this by-election, it is running candidates to contest all seats in Mong Hsu, Mong Nong, Kehsi and Kengtung townships.


Its ethnic rival, the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP), known as the White Tiger Party, will also contest all vacant seats in those same areas.

Apart from the two Shan-based parties, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), which holds a majority of seats in the Shan State Assembly, has also been rallying for its candidates in the final stages of the campaign in Shan State, as have the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) and other ethnic parties such as the Wa National Unity Party (WNUP).

By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)
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Wednesday, March 29, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Myanmar Now Journalist Demands Authorities Take Action Against U Wirathu

Posted: 29 Mar 2017 07:21 AM PDT

Ko Swe Win is waiting for the authorities to punish the ultranationalist monk who has defied a ban on his silent sermons.

The post Myanmar Now Journalist Demands Authorities Take Action Against U Wirathu appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Police Prepare for Thingyan Festivities

Posted: 29 Mar 2017 07:14 AM PDT

About 6,000 police officers will be deployed in Rangoon, collaborating with 2,000 members of the Red Cross, fire department and health ministry.

The post Police Prepare for Thingyan Festivities appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

One Year On, Has the NLD Failed to Live up to Expectations?

Posted: 29 Mar 2017 05:36 AM PDT

Protracted conflicts in ethnic areas, fragile rule of law, and a stagnant economy are draining the hope behind Burma's first fully civilian-led government.

The post One Year On, Has the NLD Failed to Live up to Expectations? appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

UNFC Members Divided Over NCA

Posted: 29 Mar 2017 05:05 AM PDT

Two UNFC members say they want to replace NCA with a completely new approach, while five aim to eventually sign the ceasefire.

The post UNFC Members Divided Over NCA appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

USDP Hopes to Win Mon State By-Election

Posted: 29 Mar 2017 03:35 AM PDT

A USDP candidate contesting a by-election in Mon State says the former ruling party has a chance of winning if it can obtain at least 25,000 votes.

The post USDP Hopes to Win Mon State By-Election appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Waiting for Grid to Arrive, Burma Villages Switch on Solar

Posted: 29 Mar 2017 03:04 AM PDT

Access to electricity from clean sources is changing the centuries-old way of life in thousands of rural communities across Burma.

The post Waiting for Grid to Arrive, Burma Villages Switch on Solar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Treating Burma’s Drug Problem

Posted: 29 Mar 2017 02:42 AM PDT

As drug convictions grow alongside cases of addiction in Burma, some in government are campaigning to help rather than punish addicts.

The post Treating Burma's Drug Problem appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

EU Delegation to Visit Arakan State’s Maungdaw Township

Posted: 29 Mar 2017 02:26 AM PDT

Delegation set to visit the locations of alleged human rights violations including the villages of Da Gyi Za and Kyee Kan Pyin.

The post EU Delegation to Visit Arakan State's Maungdaw Township appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Sagaing Chief Minister Shuts Quarries Around Letpadaung Copper Mine

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 11:50 PM PDT

Operations at quarries around controversial copper mine in Sagaing Division halt after clashes between protesters and police.

The post Sagaing Chief Minister Shuts Quarries Around Letpadaung Copper Mine appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

UN Investigation Can Help Move Myanmar Down the Path of Democracy

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 09:49 PM PDT

Aung San Suu Kyi and her government can show they are committed to the rule of law by cooperating and giving access to investigators.

The post UN Investigation Can Help Move Myanmar Down the Path of Democracy appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

Hydropower plant for Homalin’s energy needs

Posted: 29 Mar 2017 12:13 AM PDT

To meet the electricity needs of Homalin township and nearby villages in Sagaing Region, a small hydroelectric power plant will be built under the budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year, a spokesperson for the region's Chief Minister said.

Traders appeal against rental fee hike

Posted: 29 Mar 2017 12:10 AM PDT

Business owners at the Yadanarbon (F) Market in Mandalay's Pyigyitagun township are baffled over a 750 percent hike in shop rental fees that will come into effect starting April 1.

Myanmar to export bamboo charcoal

Posted: 29 Mar 2017 12:06 AM PDT

Bamboo charcoal, which contains many beneficial chemical compounds, may soon reap export revenue for Myanmar.

No more toll collection on Yangon bridges

Posted: 29 Mar 2017 12:05 AM PDT

Toll collection on nine bridges in Yangon Region – linking the city and townships in the outskirt – will cease starting April 1.

37 villages to get enough water

Posted: 29 Mar 2017 12:00 AM PDT

Thirty-seven villages from eight townships, which are among the townships in the Mandalay Region that face water shortage every year, will get access to water supply within a month, according to the region's Rural Development Department.

Factories told to close on polling day

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 11:57 PM PDT

Factories in Hlaing Tharyar have been told to close on polling day to allow their employees to cast their votes in the township's by-election.

National Blood Centre ready for Thingyan

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 11:56 PM PDT

The National Blood Centre's blood supply is ready for the Thingyan celebration, its deputy director-general Dr Thida Aung said.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi visits Kachin IDP camps

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 11:53 PM PDT

State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi made a rare visit to Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, and camps of internally displaced persons (IDP) on March 28.

Yangon regional bill approved

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 11:49 PM PDT

The regional planning bill on the development of 33 townships in the Yangon municipality area and 12 other townships outside it as part of an urbanisation of Yangon, was yesterday approved by the regional Hluttaw.

Five more groups likely to sign NCA with government

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 11:48 PM PDT

Five more non-signatory groups to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) are likely to join the peace process under the civilian administration.
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Tuesday, March 28, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

MPs Criticize YCDC’s Proposed Budget

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 09:07 AM PDT

Regional lawmakers questioned gaps between income and expenditure, spending on technology, and funds requested for golf course maintenance.

The post MPs Criticize YCDC's Proposed Budget appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

China Army Carries Out Drills on Burma Border Amid Tensions

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 07:04 AM PDT

State news agency Xinhua said it was a show of force highlighting China's resolve to protect its people.

The post China Army Carries Out Drills on Burma Border Amid Tensions appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

State Counselor Visits IDP Camps in Kachin State

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 06:57 AM PDT

The plight of IDPs is highlighted during Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's visit to Myitkyina where she meets with Kachin leaders and visits camps.

The post State Counselor Visits IDP Camps in Kachin State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Authorities Urge Repatriation of Karen Refugees

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 04:39 AM PDT

Thai military general says area for 70,000 refugees to safely return to Karen State has been prepared.

The post Authorities Urge Repatriation of Karen Refugees appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Photos of Than Shwe’s Ex-Generals Gathering Taken Last Year

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 04:01 AM PDT

One former general's son says he posted the photo in order to generate well wishes that he could read to his ailing father.

The post Photos of Than Shwe's Ex-Generals Gathering Taken Last Year appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Farmer Killed by Wild Elephant in Irrawaddy Division

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 01:33 AM PDT

Locals who say the animals have killed four people in four months are requesting help from the divisional government.

The post Farmer Killed by Wild Elephant in Irrawaddy Division appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Bhamo Sayadaw: U Wirathu Could Be Imprisoned

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 01:04 AM PDT

As ultra-nationalist monk U Wirathu continues to conduct 'silent sermons' despite ban, head of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee says he could be imprisoned.

The post Bhamo Sayadaw: U Wirathu Could Be Imprisoned appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ten Things to Do in Rangoon This Week

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 12:40 AM PDT

A Thingyan boat party, cartoon exhibition, orchid show, concerts and more – all in Rangoon this week, as picked by The Irrawaddy.

The post Ten Things to Do in Rangoon This Week appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Malaysia Says Kim Jong Nam’s Body Still in Kuala Lumpur

Posted: 27 Mar 2017 10:53 PM PDT

Media reports say the body of estranged half brother of the North Korean leader is being prepared at a funeral home to go on a flight to Beijing.

The post Malaysia Says Kim Jong Nam's Body Still in Kuala Lumpur appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Understanding the UWSA’s Perspective on the Peace Process

Posted: 27 Mar 2017 10:16 PM PDT

After the recent UWSA-hosted Pangkham summit, analyst Liu Yun gives an update on the Wa's part in Myanmar's peace process.

The post Understanding the UWSA's Perspective on the Peace Process appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

One conjoined twin dies after separation

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 12:35 AM PDT

One of the 14-month-old twin brothers conjoined at the pelvis has died after a surgery separating them at Mandalay Hospital.

Wanted: Thingyan contestants in Mandalay

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 12:33 AM PDT

Registrations are now open for the Mr Thingyan, Miss Thingyan and choral dancing contests in the upcoming "Revelling together with Myoma, this is Mingalar Mandalay Thingyan Festival" event.

High biddings for Thingyan pandal permit auction

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 12:32 AM PDT

Sis permits for the construction of pandals for next month's Thingyan festival around the Mandalay palace moat were auctioned by Mandalay City Development Committee (MCDC) for a total of over K236 million, with one fetching as high as K54 million, said committee member U Kyaw Zaw Aung.

Vendors, beggars banned from pedestrian-only zone

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 12:30 AM PDT

Vendors and beggars will not be allowed on 26th Street to the south of the Mandalay palace moat during the Thingyan festival next month and will face action if they are caught, warned Police Major U Nyein Chan Aung from Mandalay City Development Committee (MCDC) Police Force.

Actor Kyaw Thu to lead Thangyat group

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 12:29 AM PDT

Award-winning actor, director and well-know philanthropist Kyaw Thu will be leading a Thangyat (traditional satirical chanting) group formed by groups in Mandalay to entertain and raise money for his charity network.

Rice husk power plant opens in Myanmar

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 12:23 AM PDT

A biomass gasification power plant which uses rice husks to generate electricity was opened by the Myanmar Agribusiness Public Corporation (MAPCO) in Nay Pyi Taw, said the company's chairman, U Chit Khine.

Authorities find grenade launcher in car

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 12:20 AM PDT

Authorities in Mandalay's Patheingyi township found weapons, including a grenade launcher, in a car driven by a member of the Pansay Militia, at the township's 16-mile check point.

Demand to stop dam projects

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 12:17 AM PDT

About 400 villagers gathered on the banks of the Namtu River in Hsipaw township, Shan State last week to protest the construction of a dam which they said will submerge their homes and lands.

Govt will assist, not protect, local banks

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 12:16 AM PDT

The government prefers to help than protect local bank services, Union Minister of Finance and Planning U Kyaw Win said.

NLD calls for peace, end armed conflicts

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 12:10 AM PDT

National League for Democracy (NLD) patron U Tin Oo urged all parties in Myanmar to end conflicts and move towards peace as the country celebrates the 72nd anniversary of the Anti-Fascist Revolutionary Day.
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Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

NLD fails in bid to close polling stations in Mong Hsu

Posted: 28 Mar 2017 06:30 AM PDT

A request by the National League for Democracy (NLD) to cancel by-election voting at three polling stations in Mong Hsu Township, southern Shan State, has been denied by the Union Election Commission.


On March 21, the Mong Hsu branch of the NLD submitted a letter to the state election commission, calling for the closure of polling stations in Wanloi, Mawmea and Kunkyaung village tracts due to what it called security issues. The cancellation of polls at these three village tracts in Loilem District would have affected more than 4,000 registered voters.

The state commission in turn forwarded the letter to the Union Election Commission in Naypyidaw for a decision.

Reached for comment by Shan Herald, Than Thin, the head of the Loilem District Election Commission, said, "We will not cancel voting at these three polling stations. However, we will move the polling stations closer towards the main towns."

He added: "In order for this by-election to go smoothly, we all have to work together. That's why we will not close down these polling facilities. We have not yet announced where the new polling station sites will be, because the time is not right to make that announcement. We will wait until security is assured before we make the move."

The polling stations will not be relocated to sites more than four miles from their respective village tracts, according to sources from the state election commission.
"It is better that these polling stations are not closed down completely," said Sai Leik, the spokesperson for the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD). "Actually, there is no fighting in these areas. The situation is calm. However, the villagers will have to travel to polling stations about four or five miles from their homes. That is an inconvenience.

"Whenever it comes to voting, many people in Shan State have little interest in participating," he added. "Therefore, in situations like this, we have to put in some extra effort to encourage them."

There are 17 village tracts in Mong Hsu. The three village tracts in question are located in areas recognized as territory of the Shan State Progess Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA).

The SSPP/SSA made an announcement on February 25, saying that they welcomed the by-election and were ready to support any political party that was campaigning in its territory.

Voting was cancelled in Mong Hsu Township, as well as Mong Nong and Kehsi townships, during the 2015 general election due to the commencement of heavy offensives by Burmese government forces on positions of SSPP/SSA troops in those three areas.

By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)
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Monday, March 27, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Mong Hsu Polling Stations Relocated for By-Election

Posted: 27 Mar 2017 03:11 AM PDT

The stations will be moved, rather than shut down, due to security concerns.

The post Mong Hsu Polling Stations Relocated for By-Election appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Army Chief: Tatmadaw Will Prevent Political Intervention on Rohingyas’ Behalf

Posted: 27 Mar 2017 02:05 AM PDT

Days after the UN announces a fact-finding mission to Burma, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing says any intervention threatens the country's sovereignty.

The post Army Chief: Tatmadaw Will Prevent Political Intervention on Rohingyas' Behalf appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

Myanmar-Russia ties reviewed

Posted: 27 Mar 2017 12:30 AM PDT

Myanmar and Russia are commemorating their 70th anniversary of relations next year with strong military, rather than economic, cooperation. But their relationship is evolving and diversifying to cover other non-military areas – such as science and technology, education and tourism.

10 villagers injured in standoff over copper projects

Posted: 27 Mar 2017 12:23 AM PDT

About 10 villagers were injured when police fired rubber bullets at a mob of protesters who blocked trucks on the road to a controversial Chinese-run mine in Salingyi township in Sagaing Region on Friday.

Primary school curriculum to include human rights subject

Posted: 27 Mar 2017 12:22 AM PDT

Education on human rights will be included in the new school curriculum for Grade 2 students next year, said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Education.

Workers want 10-day Thingyan holiday

Posted: 27 Mar 2017 12:17 AM PDT

More than 5000 workers representing the Confederation of Trade Unions of Myanmar (CTUM) marched to the city centre yesterday to demand 10 days of holidays during the Thingyan water festival.

Bagan’s sunset viewing towers not ready

Posted: 27 Mar 2017 12:13 AM PDT

The ban on sunset viewing from ancient pagodas in Bagan in the coming tourist season is still uncertain, pending the completion of new viewing sites, a Mandalay Hluttaw representative said.

Most MDR-TB cases in Yangon last year

Posted: 27 Mar 2017 12:12 AM PDT

Nearly 60 percent of Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases recorded in the country last year were in Yangon Region, according to the National Tuberculosis Program.

Another warm summer expected: DMH experts

Posted: 27 Mar 2017 12:05 AM PDT

Temperatures are forecast to rise this summer although weather conditions this year are expected to be neutral, say meteorologists.

USDP hopes to create balance in government

Posted: 26 Mar 2017 11:50 PM PDT

The Union and Solidarity Party (USDP) has said it hopes to win seats in the coming by-election in order to create "balance" of representation in the current government, said party chair U Than Htay.

Four alleged suspects in U Ko Ni murder to go on trial

Posted: 26 Mar 2017 11:46 PM PDT

The Northern District Court announced on March 24 that four alleged leading suspects in the murder of U Ko Ni, legal advisor to the ruling National League of Democracy Party, will face interrogation soon, but did not disclose a timeline for the hearing.

India donates ambulances to children’s hospital

Posted: 26 Mar 2017 11:45 PM PDT

The Indian government donated two ambulances equipped with modern medical equipment to the Yangon Children's Hospital on Saturday.
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