The Irrawaddy Magazine |
- AA Deputy Leader Says Fighting Could Spread Beyond N. Rakhine
- Thousands March Against Myitsone Dam in Myitkyina
- For Conservation Group Yangon Heritage Trust, the Colonial Past is Prologue
- Unique Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
- Second Group of Activists Arrested, Detained in Loikaw
- NSCN-K Denies Violating Ceasefire
- Yangon Timeout
- NLD Urges Military to Cooperate on Charter Amendment
- Elephants Face ‘Time Bomb’ in Bangladesh Land Clash with Rohingya Refugees
- Indian Political Parties Abuse WhatsApp Service Ahead of Election
- Indonesia Court Jails British Woman for Slapping Bali Immigration Officer
| AA Deputy Leader Says Fighting Could Spread Beyond N. Rakhine Posted: 07 Feb 2019 06:49 AM PST YANGON—In a video message, the Arakan Army (AA)'s deputy chief, Major-General Nyo Tun Aung, told ordinary Arakanese on Wednesday that if the current fighting in northern Rakhine State continues to worsen, it could spread to other places in the state. His message followed a number of actions by the Myanmar military that have seen it send more troops to northern Rakhine State. Additionally, National League for Democracy (NLD)-appointed Chief Minister U Nyi Pu recently gave permission to the Army and state police to conduct household checks to squeeze out AA members in seven townships. The video message was made in the Arakanese language by AA deputy chief Nyo Tun Aung at the AA's headquarters in Laiza, in the Kachin Independence Army (KIA)'s area of control in Kachin State. Maj-Gen. Nyo Tun Aung said that government soldiers and police are forcibly searching suspected homes in the middle of the night without prior warning, referring to an incident that happened on Tuesday in Kyauktaw Township's Pan Hpe Chaung village. About 40 soldiers and police forcibly raided a home where housewife Daw Tin Shwe was alone while her husband, U Kyaw Win, was traveling to a neighboring village to purchase timber. The village is close to Kan Sauk military battalion. Maj-Gen. Nyo Tun Aung's message contained a number of safety recommendations for villagers and a list of dos and don'ts while travelling in conflict zones. He issued four warning statements regarding areas in Rakhine State and said the conflict zone was broadening. He said, "Women and the elderly should not stay alone at home. They should practice living all together with their relatives." He also repeatedly urged villagers to implement such practices in the villages as soon as possible and requested the villagers spread his message. He added that in the ongoing battles in Rakhine, the casualties of the Myanmar military (or Tatmadaw) appeared to be high. In January and early February, the government Army lost hundreds of soldiers in battle, the AA vice chief claimed.  Maj-Gen. Nyo Tun Aung said that in order to prevent dejection in the ranks, the military never publicly announces the death toll for its soldiers. He said that because the Army had been firmly defeated in the clashes, it was being aggressive toward Arakanese civilians. He warned that the Tatmadaw would continue to commit rights abuses, including torture and arbitrary arrests of Arakanese civilians. He promised villagers that if the authorities badly treat the Arakanese people, they will be made to pay an eye for an eye. The AA expected fierce fighting would continue and that the death toll on both sides would likely rise in the near future. Maj-Gen. Nyo Tun Aung said, "My message to those who are away from their homes is please return to protect your own family. Nothing is worth more than a life. You can earn [money] as long as you are alive. Money can't buy life." The AA's deputy chief reiterated that the ultimate goal of the United League for Arakan (ULA/AA), the AA's political wing, is that the AA must be the only army in Rakhine State. Tatmadaw battalions have a heavy presence in Rakhine State, but the AA will drive them out of the Arakanese lands, he said. The AA designates the armed resistance period in 2019 and 2020 as a "transitional period." "We will not give up on our ultimate mission, no matter what the circumstances," he said. Maj-Gen. Nyo Tun Aung told villagers via a live-stream that Tatmadaw soldiers exploit ordinary commuters in the region by offering free rides to their destination. If the troops are ambushed by AA fighters, they denounce the AA as targeting civilians. He suggested the villagers avoid riding in military trucks or private trucks with soldiers. According to Maj-Gen. Nyo Tun Aung, the AA plans to issue more statements to the Arakanese public, keeping community leaders in the villages informed, and issuing warning letters to traitors and so on. He also warned the public to be careful about the authenticity of statements they read, as some fake announcements had been published in the past by supporters of the government Army. "If it reaches beyond your knowledge, please consult with well-educated people or those who have enough knowledge to judge the authenticity [of the statements]," he said. AA leaders have occasionally conducted such online conferences in the past. Both AA chief Tun Myat Naing and deputy chief Nyo Tun Aung have held such conferences with Arakanese scholars and residents of the U.S. in recent months. Since early January, the AA rebels have been staging attacks on the government Army in five townships in northern Rakhine State, as well as in Chin State's Paletwa. They have clashed with Army troops on more than 100 occasions within 40 days. Aid shipments from international relief agencies to Rakhine State's Kyauktaw Township and Chin State's upper Paletwa are being blocked by frontline commanders despite hundreds of displaced villagers being in need. Local relief groups estimate that armed clashes between the government Army and the AA has resulted in more than 6,000 IDPs in Rakhine State. More than 200 Arakanese and ethnic Chin from Paletwa were driven from their homes to neighboring Bangladesh's Bandarban District last weekend. The Bangladesh authorities summoned Myanmar's ambassador to discuss the new refugee arrivals in recent days. The post AA Deputy Leader Says Fighting Could Spread Beyond N. Rakhine appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Thousands March Against Myitsone Dam in Myitkyina Posted: 07 Feb 2019 05:00 AM PST YANGON—Around 10,000 members of the Kachin community on Thursday morning staged a protest march in Kachin State's Myitkyina calling for termination of dam projects both upstream and downstream on the Irrawaddy River. While Myanmar is bound to suffer serious environmental impacts if the Myitsone Dam project goes ahead, China will take 90 percent of the electricity produced, lead protester Steven Naw Awng said, explaining the reason behind the rally. "The mega dam is not for us. But we will lose our lives and property because of it. So, we are all gathering to express our opposition [to the project] and demand its termination so that the Irrawaddy [River] can flow freely," he told The Irrawaddy, adding that organizers sought approval from the concerned authorities to stage the protest in line with the Peaceful Assembly and Procession Law.  Kachin religious leaders, Buddhist monks, leaders of Kachin political parties, Kachin civil society organizations, activists and locals from Myitkyina and Waingmaw townships joined the protest. Protesters gathered at the Manaw Ground at 8 a.m. and marched around the town after the religious leaders and activists spoke against the dam project. Wearing headbands reading "No Myitsone Dam", protesters held placards written in Burmese, English and Chinese reading, "No dam on the Irrawaddy River, the lifeblood of Myanmar", "Terminate the dam projects upstream and downstream on the Irrawaddy River", "Let the Irrawaddy River flow freely" and "Let those displaced by [the dam project on] the Irrawaddy River go back home." "I have joined the protest not because I hate China. I don't hate it. I just don't want this project," said Lura, a local of Tang Phre village whose house is in the dam project area.  Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Hong Liang visited Kachin State from Dec. 28-29 and met leaders of the Kachin State Democracy Party, Kachin Democratic Party, Unity and Democracy Party Kachin State as well as Kachin religious leaders. Following his visit, the Chinese Embassy released a statement saying that the Kachin people are not opposed to resuming the dam project. The following day, local political parties in Kachin State called the Chinese Embassy's statement "inaccurate and misleading" and said the Kachin community wanted to "permanently" shelve the project. KDP chairman Gumgrawng Awng Hkam said, "[State Counselor] Daw Aung San Suu Kyi promised in her election campaign that she would inform the public about the dam. That was three years ago. She has yet to fulfill her promise." Protesters called on the government to stand by the people.  During the protest, the chief of Myitkyina's Police Station No. 1, Police Major Myint Moe, sent a letter of complaint to the protesters, saying the event was illegal. According to police, protesters used loudspeakers though they were only allowed to use megaphones. They also wore headbands and engaged in other activities without permission, police said. "As they violated Section 10 of Chapter 5 of the Peaceful Assembly and Procession Law, we will take action in line with law," Pol. Maj. Myint Moe said. The multibillion-dollar project was suspended in 2011 under U Thein Sein's administration amid public concerns over its social and environmental impacts.  Over 1,000 locals have been displaced by the project, forced to move into housing built by the Chinese company that was slated to construct the dam. As they do not have work in the new location, they have to rely on food supplies provided by China. The project is currently suspended. At a meeting with Myanmar military chief Senior-General Min Aung Hlaing on Tuesday, Kachin religious leader called for the termination of the dam project. The military chief said a final decision on the Myitsone Dam would depend on the public's wishes and on Parliament. The post Thousands March Against Myitsone Dam in Myitkyina appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| For Conservation Group Yangon Heritage Trust, the Colonial Past is Prologue Posted: 07 Feb 2019 04:50 AM PST YANGON — Known as the home of one of the most complete ensembles of colonial architecture in the world, Yangon today might have been a different place were it not for Yangon Heritage Trust (YHT). Dubbed Asia's “last bastion” of the colonial era, Myanmar's former capital is studded with hundreds of grand and humble buildings from those bygone days amid its multiethnic communities. But when the country opened up to the outside world in 2012 after five decades of self-imposed isolation, Yangon's century-old architectural heritage was put at risk from a new wave of urban development. Enter YHT. Founded by well-known historian and author U Thant Myint-U that year to preserve the city's unique architectural legacy, YHT is now the most authoritative local non-governmental organization in Myanmar on the conservation of urban heritage. It has saved some old buildings, including historic ones, from being demolished to make way for development. The trust has promoted public awareness of the importance of preserving the city's architectural heritage by arranging free walking tours in the [Myanmar] language around downtown Yangon, which is packed with beautiful and historic British colonial buildings. Since 2014 YHT has been installing commemorative blue plaques in [Myanmar] and English around the city to highlight significant historic structures and draw the attention of locals and visitors alike to both the known and forgotten histories of the city. So far the trust has installed 26 of the plaques. And in addition to providing technical assistance on renovation projects, YHT also produced the Yangon Heritage Strategy to help shape the downtown’s future. On the occasion of the trust's seventh anniversary, U Thant Myint-U took questions from The Irrawaddy's Kyaw Phyo Tha on what he thinks of YHT's accomplishments and challenges, about Yangon today and more.  What is your assessment of YHT's accomplishments on the occasion of its seventh anniversary? An enormous amount has been accomplished in an extremely difficult situation. When YHT was set up in 2012, there was no discussion of urban conservation and the government, by its own admission, had no agenda to save the city’s architectural heritage. Over a thousand pre-war buildings had been demolished over the previous 15 years. Since 2012, very few have been demolished. Instead, there is growing awareness of the value of protecting what’s left. I think our blue plaques program has been important for this, as well as our constant outreach, including through free [Myanmar]-language tours. YHT has also provided technical assistance for over a hundred renovation projects. In the environment we created, over $300 million has been invested in renovation. In addition, YHT produced the Yangon Heritage Strategy, which contains, I believe, an excellent set of ideas for downtown [Yangon’s] future. All this has been done in seven years, on a shoestring budget, the result of hard work by an incredibly dedicated team of people. When and how did you get the idea for the formation of the trust? I am neither an architect nor an urban planner. People sometimes approach me for advice on building renovation or conservation, but I no nothing about these things. My starting point was very simple: I remember what [Yangon] looked like in the 1970s and I saw after 1995 not just the destruction of so many beautiful buildings but also their replacement by awful looking structures that would be terrible to live in or work in. I wanted to stop the demolitions. I imagined a restored [Yangon] that would be a great place for both residents and visitors. When the new government in 2012 said they were interested in pursing my very initial ideas, I set up YHT. I didn’t realize it would take up a lot of my time and energy over the next several years.  What challenges did you face over seven years? What were the difficulties saving the old downtown especially? Everything was a challenge. There is no ecosystem here around conservation — very few architects or engineers or skilled workers with relevant experience. Just setting up an NGO was an uphill battle. We didn’t even receive our registration until 2016. Fundraising has been a challenge too. The main problem, though, was the uncoordinated nature of government, the weakness of state institutions, and absence of any public awareness of the value of what they had, and the unrestrained and corrupt nature of [Myanmar] capitalism. What is YHT currently doing? To be honest, I distanced myself from YHT’s work over a year ago to focus on my new book (just finished) and a few other commitments. So I’m not familiar with exactly what is happening day to day. But I know YHT [is] working closely with [the] government, responding to [its] almost daily requests for advice and technical assistance. YHT [is] also, under a grant from the government of Italy, completing a series of major surveys and studies that will allow the government to take the next big step towards the proper planning of downtown. The blue plaques program is continuing as well.  To what extent has the government supported the conservation of Yangon's colonial architecture? The regional government was extremely supportive from the start and has made urban conservation part of its core policy agenda. The challenge, though, is getting from where we are to a proper long-term vision and plan. If, over the coming couple of years, the government could build on YHT’s work, and the big renovation projects recently completed, by improving the public spaces around these projects (reducing traffic, improving the pavements, the waterfront, the parks, etc), we can all be proud [of] having achieved something almost no other city in Southeast Asia has achieved. What is still needed for heritage conservation in Yangon? Well, at the end of the day, the government [has] to decide: Does it want downtown Yangon to be one of the world’s top destinations and one of Asia’s most beautiful, multicultural, urban spaces, or not? If it does, it can do it. All the ingredients are there. Many of the ideas needed are in our Yangon Heritage Strategy. But it has to be a priority.  What are YHT’s future plans? I’d like to make sure that YHT can survive well without me. I don’t think any institution should depend on one person or even a group. That means setting up proper governance, management and funding mechanisms. Beyond that, I think YHT’s role will always be [primarily] an advisory one to the government and an advocacy one to the general public. Why is British colonial architecture important for Yangon? Because it’s part of [an] urban fabric that can be woven together with modern infrastructure to create a beautiful new city. The old town is also important because it’s a physical link to the past, to [Myanmar] and global history. If we lose this link, our ability to imagine the past and imagine different futures will be far poorer. Rethinking [Myanmar] history is a key to a better country, and downtown [Yangon] is part of that key.  What do you think of Yangon today? On the one hand, there are many more conveniences, from stable electricity to excellent telecoms. But it’s also a much less livable city than seven years ago, with worsening air pollution, traffic congestion, and noise pollution. A big part of the problem [is] cars. Cars are destroying the city, destroying its tourist potential, destroying daily life for people. Not enough was done since 2011 to restrict cars and instead invest in public transport and walkability. I fear [Yangon] is heading in the same unhealthy direction as cities like Manila, Jakarta and Bangkok, when it could actually be so much better. What would you like to see Yangon look like in the next seven years? A beautiful downtown, open to the waterfront, with many car-free zones, and walking and bicycle paths to the Shwedagon and nearby parks, part of a city with the most modern infrastructure, excellent public transportation, including an underground (not a sky) train, with many more green and public spaces, where people can live healthy lives and enjoy rest, recreation and good food, near their homes and workplaces. The post For Conservation Group Yangon Heritage Trust, the Colonial Past is Prologue appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Unique Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas Posted: 07 Feb 2019 04:12 AM PST YANGON — With Valentine's Day just a week away, time is running out to find that perfect gift for the one you love. Bored of chocolates and roses and fancy dinners? Then ditch the usual and give your loved one goose bumps with some unexpected, unique, creative, do-it-yourself and locally made gifts. Here are a few ideas to make your loved one feel special and that are sure to show him or her how much you care this Valentine's Day. Custom made bouquet When we say bouquet, most people think of flowers. But food, liquor, cosmetics and toys can make for beautiful and unique bouquets too, and you can put them together on your own. You just need to know a few of your loved one’s favorites. If your special one is a foodie, grab some chocolates or chicken nuggets to make a food bouquet. This custom-made food bouquet idea is fun and creative and will leave unforgettable memories for sure. Many local online shopping pages offer the service and you can order online as well. Here are a few options: https://www.facebook.com/Handmadeparadise91/ https://www.facebook.com/FleursDeLysByUs/.  Handmade photo scrapbook A handmade photo scrapbook could be the perfect gifts for both of you. While you make it, you will definitely recall all the memories you have made together, and your special one will feel your love while perusing the pages. First, you need to select some photos of the two of you and have them printed at a photo studio. Then look for a brightly colored book or a simple but pretty book and add some decorative elements like hearts, stars and flowers for an extra special touch. It all depending on your creativity skills. Then, jot down a few memories you have of the photos in the pages of the notebook. At first glance, he or she will think it’s just a letter book or notebook but will get a shock after seeing a beautiful, detailed portrayal of your love story inside. Trust me, they will think that having you as their special one is a blessing.  Watch When we talk about Valentine's Day gifts, we can include watches. You can show your loved one that you value your relationship by giving something of value. People say that watches symbolize the passage of time, and that lovebirds are together every second of the day. It sounds so romantic. But forget about the high-end brands and think of a handmade watch or one made locally. For example, there is a local vintage design brand called Mandalay Watch available now in Yangon. The designs are unique and creative and the prices are worth the product. You can find them at any Yangoods shop or on the Mandalay Watch Company’s Facebook page.  CD wallet If your loved one is a music lover, a do-it-yourself CD wallet is the perfect way to show your love this Valentine’s Day. Turn your favorite playlist into some CDs. Then added some photos of your special moments in each page with the CDs. You can also add some small decorative elements like paper hearts, flower and stars and some glitter. You can add as much as you like, but not too much. Surprise gift box Buy a pretty gift box and fill it up with small gifts that will surprise your partner. Pick out a few small skincare products, for example, and add some candy. Just think of some small things that will make your loved one happy, then put them together in an attractive way. Make sure to add a personal touch. This one can also show how much you care about your loved one.  Letter jar Many gift shops and marts sell small, empty glass jars. Pick one out and decorate it with ribbons and other items like felt hearts. Grab some plain colored paper and write down the reasons you love your loved one or what you love about your loved one. Then fold the sheets and put them into the jar until it’s full. This unique and customized gift will definitely bring a smile to your special one's face.  We hope you like these six unique gift ideas for both women and men. But remembered, Valentine's Day is not only for lovers, and most of the do-it-yourself ideas in this lists can also be given to your mom or dad. The Irrawaddy wishes you the happiest Valentine's Day. The post Unique Valentine's Day Gift Ideas appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Second Group of Activists Arrested, Detained in Loikaw Posted: 07 Feb 2019 03:57 AM PST Police have detained 36 right activists after a crackdown on a protest camp in front of the NLD's local office in the Karenni state capital of Loikaw this evening according to sources at the scene. Police took away and arrested the protesters one-by-one from where they were sitting on the ground with arms linked. They were loaded into awaiting police trucks and taken away and those remaining at the camp location were ordered to leave. The group were protesting the installation of a bronze statue of Gen. Aung San in the town park, and have said the ethnic communities deserve to have statues of their own politicians and freedom fighters instead. Khun Thomas, a leading member of the group and one of those detained told The Irrawaddy over the phone soon after their arrest that all 36 activists were being detained at Loikaw Police Station. "We all are at the police station. They have not yet told us which article they will charge us under," said Khun Thomas. This is the same action as previously when the state government and police brought in bad people to work together to crack down on our protest, he added. “We did not do anything wrong based on the law. We just practiced our right to protest. It was wrong for them to crack down on our protest,” he said. "The crackdown would hurt the image of the government, and there will be more problems for the government over the poor handling of the issue," he said. When more problems come in the future, the chief minister of Karenni State L Paung Sho has to take responsibility, he said. A group of members of the authorities, including police officers and township officials, had earlier announced to the group, that they would be charged under Article 19 of the Peacefully Assembly Act if they did not disband, according to sources at the scene. U Kyaw Moe, a Loikaw Township government official, and police officer U Win Naing, came to the camp earlier in the day to convince the activists to disband the camp, saying the police would take action against them if they didn't leave the site. The authorities and right activists held an hour-long discussion, during which U Kyaw Moe described himself as a negotiator rather than a representative of the government. He told the activists, "Your group's actions are unlawful. I came to negotiate for your group not to have a problem." He said that he wasn't going to be the person to lead the crackdown on the protest camp, but that he came forward as negotiator in order to avoid the action that the authorities said they would take soon. Police officer U Win Naing told the group of activists that they would be charged under Article 19 for holding the protest without permission, as stipulated in Article 19. "Your group has not acted within the law. You have stayed here long enough already. We have to take action. We have to disband the camp," said U Win Naing. Khu Kyu Thae Kay, a leader of the protesting group replied to the authorities that, based on the 2008 Constitution, everyone has the right to protest and that no one may take action against them unless the protest becomes violent. He added that the group had requested permission to set up a protest camp, but that the township authorities, including the police, rejected their request. "Has there ever been a time when ethnic minorities were given permission by you to protest for their rights?" Khu Kyu Thae Kay asked U Win Naing during the discussion. Township authorities rejected the group's permission to hold a protest on two occasions, according to the right activists. Their first request was to protest at the park where Gen. Aung San's statue has been erected. "We knew what they would tell us when they came. But we refuse to go home. We will keep protesting," said Khun Thomas, just hours before the group was dragged into awaiting police trucks by a large group of police officers. "No one has come from the NLD to negotiate with us, so why should we go home?" he added. The protest camp was established on Sunday by a group of youths who rejected the installation of the statue. On Friday, a group of 20 rights activists were arrested and charged under Article 19 for holding a protest at the park where the statue has been erected. Those who were charged on Friday were part of the group who reestablished the protest camp in front NLD office two days later. The post Second Group of Activists Arrested, Detained in Loikaw appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| NSCN-K Denies Violating Ceasefire Posted: 07 Feb 2019 03:50 AM PST CHIANG MAI, Thailand—The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) has denied the Myanmar military's accusation that it violated their bilateral ceasefire agreement and said it expects government troops to withdraw from its headquarters in the Naga Self-Administered Zone of Sagaing Region peacefully. The group's headquarters in Taga village were occupied by Myanmar military (or Tatmadaw) troops last week, after the Tatmadaw began an operation against Indian rebel groups disguised as NSCN-K fighters in the area. From Jan. 29 to Feb. 5 the Tatmadaw seized three outposts and two military training schools run by rebel groups fighting the Indian government in Assam and Manipur. It also seized small weapons and ammunition, according to press releases from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services on Feb. 3 and 6. It accused the NSCN-K of allowing rebels against the Indian government to shelter in its areas and said it arrested six NSCN-K members and two Kathae rebels. It claimed to have “evidence that Kathae and Assam insurgents resided [in the area] and relevant documents on [their] links with [the] NSCN-K.” The military therefore said the NSCN-K violated the first article of the bilateral ceasefire agreement signed with the Sagaing Region government on April 9, 2012 and said necessary actions would be taken. Article 1 of the bilateral ceasefire agreement between the government and the NSCN-K stipulates that the Tatmadaw and NSCN-K were "to stop fighting" on the signed date. U Kyaw Wan Sein, a member of the NSCN-K's Central Executive Committee, told The Irrawaddy on Thursday that, "There has been no violation. We have tried our best to maintain peace and the ceasefire agreement. We don't want to see the destruction of the trust that we have taken so long to build up. So we don't understand what the Tatmadaw means." He declined to comment on the activities of the Assam and Manipur (known locally as ethnic Kathae/Meitei) rebels, but would not deny that there are some groups trying to operate in the area, given its geographical proximity to India's northeastern states. He added that the Tatmadaw's move had not resulted in any armed clashes, as the NSCN-K's troops had retreated from the headquarters in order to avoid a gun battle. He said some members of the NSCN-K Peace Committee are still in Taga, but Tatmadaw troops have control of the area. "We are trying not to engage as we value the ceasefire in order to maintain peace. We expect the [Tatmadaw] leaders will understand this and withdraw their troops," he said. Regarding news reports that the Tatmadaw planned to move NSCN-K personnel to a designated area after dismantling its headquarters, U Kyaw Wan Sein said there was no such arrangement and there had been no talks on the matter. The Tatmadaw said it would take action to uphold its policy not to allow Myanmar territory to be used by any rebel group to attack a neighboring country (in this case India). According to a report issued by the Army chief's office on Feb. 3, the operation followed reports in early December that Indian security forces had arrested nine members of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland-Sangbijit at the border between India's Assam and Arunachal Pradesh states. It said the fighters were returning from receiving military training in Myanmar. The Tatmadaw said they also seized MPA (Manipur People's Army) camps in Tunzang Township, Chin State in late October. The MPA—the armed wing of the United National Liberation Front—is one of eight groups banned by New Delhi after declaring independence for Manipur. According to India's Northeast Now news service, the Tatmadaw this week cracked down on camps of the Indian rebel group the United Liberation Front of Assam-Independent (ULFA-I), killing one of its members. The post NSCN-K Denies Violating Ceasefire appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Posted: 07 Feb 2019 03:01 AM PST
The Handlebards This is a lively comedy performance of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night by a traveling troupe of four on their third visit to Yangon. The high-energy performers are not afraid to swap characters or genders and use bicycles and instruments during the act too. The first performance takes place at The American Club on Friday and the second at the great venue of Pansodan Scene Rooftop on Saturday. Feb 8. and 9 | 7:30 p.m. | The American Club / Pansodan Scene Rooftop | Tickets 18,000 kyat (adult), 8,000 kyat (child)
Yangon Chinatown Storytelling x Placemaking Organized by iDiscover and Doh Eain, this is the launch of a neighborhood exhibition which tells the stories of 18 Chinatown residents. The morning will have a storytelling session and discussions with some well-known Chinatown residents. In the afternoon, a series of placemaking activities as organized by Doh Eain will take place and participants will be invited to share their vision of the future of Yangon's Chinatown. At 4 p.m., a tour of Chinatown using iDiscover's map and app will give participants a deeper insight into the neighborhood and its secrets. Feb. 9 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | JoSaZo Sustainable Tourism Hub | 97 Bo Ywe Street, Latha Township
The Grand Balcony Organized by The New Yangon Theater Institute and Myanm/art, this work of contemporary Myanmar theater is inspired by The Balcony by Jean Genet. The performance "confronts the illusion of certainty" and is directed by Ruth Pongstaphone with May Thet Zaw. Note, this performance contains mature content and is for over 16s only. Feb. 9 | 6:30 p.m. | Myanm/art | 3FL, 98 Bogalayzay Street, Botahtaung Township
Soundwave Chinese New Year Style In the Chinese New Year special edition of Atlas' regular Soundwave DJ night, a troupe of lion dancers have been invited to perform. Themed cocktails to ring in The Year of the Pig are also available on the night at this great rooftop venue. Feb. 9 | 8 p.m. | Atlas Rooftop Bar & Lounge | Uniteam Building, 84 Pan Hlaing Street, Sanchaung Township
DJ Night with Yu KT Team a couple of rounds of Gekko's incredibly delicious cocktails with the groovy beats of DJ YU KT, one of Yangon's best loved DJs and dance away your Saturday night with friends. Yu KT plays an eclectic variety of music ranging from minimal, electronic, deep, tech house to techno and 80's Chicago house. Feb. 9 | 10 p.m. | Gekko Restaurant | 535 Merchant Street, Kyauktada Township
Strategy First Forum 2019–Driving Growth In this Burmese-language forum arranged by Strategy First, listen to the experts for their advice on "Driving Growth" including speakers like Rector of Yangon University of Economics Doctor U Tin Win, CEO of Max Myanmar Holdings U Thaung Han, Advisor at Strategy First Institute Daw Khin Ohn Thant and many more. Full-day, morning session and afternoon session tickets are available. Feb. 10 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | National Theater | Myoma Kyaung Street, Dagon Township | Tickets 6,000 kyats to 12, 000 kyats
Italian Food Festival The Italian Embassy will hold Myanmar's first Italian Food Festival on Feb. 10. The event, aiming to reach out to Myanmar people especially, will offer a mouthwatering sample of authentic Italian dishes and wines, and the opportunity to learn more about Italy's contribution to Myanmar's culinary scene. Feb. 10 | 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Embassy of Italy | 33 Inya Myaing Road, Bahan Township
Night Fest This is a two-night bazaar focusing on American and Myanmar products which is joining a growing number of boutique markets popping up in Yangon, though the venue is somewhat more controversial. Food stalls, wine and other alcoholic beverages will be for sale and a music concert will provide entertainment in the grounds of the grand Secretariat building. Feb. 11 and 12 | 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. | The Secretariat | Middle Block, Thein Phyu Road, Botahtaung Township | Tickets 5,000 kyats (local) and $10 (foreigner)
Fireside Chat at Phandeeyar In this edition of Phandeeyar's regular "Fireside Chat" event series, Burmese female tech entrepreneur Ma Aye Moah will talk about her successes as a Silicon Valley entrepreneur. She is the co-founder and CPO of Boomerang, a successful software tool used across the globe which helps with email precision and productivity. Feb. 12 | 5 p.m. | Phandeeyar | 10th Floor, Royal Riverview Condo, 628/636 Merchant Road
Standup Asia Comedy In a run of monthly comedy events held at Parkroyal Hotel and organized by Bangkok-based Standup Asia, this second comedy night will feature Jo Jo Smith (UK), Dave Thomson (UK) and Scott Mitchell (Scotland). Prepare for plenty of giggles, laugh-out-loud moments and hilarious one-liner gags. Tickets include one free drink, drinks discounts and finger food. Check the event Facebook page for Valentine's meal+event deals in conjunction with Parkroyal Hotel. Feb. 13 | 8:30 p.m. | Parkroyal Hotel | 33 Alan Pya Paya Road, Dagon Township | Tickets $18 (early bird) and $23 (at the door)
For Her Myanmar Singles' Night Are you sick of all the talk of Valentine's Day from your loved-up friends and colleagues? Are romantic dining promos clogging up your social media feeds? If so, this event is the best way to spend your Feb. 14. With a free flow of beverages, lucky draw and a Gorgeous People competition, you're sure to have lots of fun. Feb. 14 | 7 p.m. | Sedona Hotel | Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, Yankin Township
U & Me at Mr. Tony Bar Sure, there are lots of fine dining events and promotions in Yangon this Valentine's Day, but if that's not your thing, the event at Mr. Tony rooftop bar in Sanchaung sounds like a more casual and light-hearted yet no-less-instagramable way to spend V Day with your chit. Enjoy a free welcome drink, a lucky draw and love songs, games and balloons all evening. Feb. 14 | 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. | Mr. Tony Bar | 8FL Hotel Vista, 172 Bargayar Road, Sanchaung Township The post Yangon Timeout appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| NLD Urges Military to Cooperate on Charter Amendment Posted: 07 Feb 2019 12:26 AM PST NAYPYITAW—The ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) has invited the Myanmar military to cooperate on forming a joint committee to draft amendments to the Constitution in the Union Parliament. Speaking to reporters in Naypyitaw on Wednesday, NLD Central Executive Committee member U Aung Kyi Nyunt said that while the military (or Tatmadaw) is responsible for safeguarding the Constitution, if it is willing to acknowledge the political and historical reality and global trends, it should join hands to amend it. "[The Army] should cooperate. I think military representatives should also have their say in the debate on constitutional amendment. And they should take this opportunity to have their say," said U Aung Kyi Nyunt, who last week submitted the urgent proposal to form the committee. Over strong opposition from military representatives, nearly 67 percent of Union Parliament lawmakers voted on Wednesday to form the committee. Parliament approved the formation of the committee with 414 votes in favor, 191 opposed and six abstentions. Following the vote, Speaker U T Khun Myat announced that the committee would be chaired by Deputy Speaker U Tun Tun Hein, comprise an equal number of lawmakers from both houses of Parliament, and include military representatives and independents. Tatmadaw commander-in-chief Senior-General Min Aung Hlaing has insisted that the military has never said it would not amend the country's Constitution. In response to media questions, he said at a military exercise in Mandalay Region on Jan. 31 that the Myanmar Army agrees with the idea of amending the Constitution, but believes it must be done systematically. Brigadier-General Maung Maung, who leads military representatives in Parliament, told reporters they have not yet decided whether to join the committee. "There is a need to review the political, social and economic landscape, and the demands of ethnic people, in order to decide what changes are needed," Brig-Gen. Maung Maung said. The Tatmadaw wants to see the process carried out in line with the procedures of Parliament, and has insisted that a draft law of proposed constitutional amendments be submitted to Parliament for debate first, before the formation of a committee to proceed with the amendments. Lawmaker U Thaung Aye of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has accused the NLD of attempting to gain political advantage through submitting the proposal. NLD lawmaker U Aung Kyi Nyunt explained that his proposal to form the committee represented an all-inclusive approach that, if it proceeds, will ensure that any outcome will be recognized as the result of cooperation from all parties. "Rather than having a raging debate in Parliament after submitting a draft law, if representatives of all sides come together and draft the law through consultation, there will be less friction and opposition in Parliament. We submitted it with the best intention, so that the Constitution is amended without anyone having have to lose face," U Aung Kyi Nyunt said. The Tatmadaw did not object when general-turned-lawmaker U Aye Myint of the USDP submitted a proposal to form a committee to review the constitution under U Thein Sein's administration. In a petition drive in the ensuing months, millions of signatures were garnered in support of constitutional amendment. The post NLD Urges Military to Cooperate on Charter Amendment appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Elephants Face ‘Time Bomb’ in Bangladesh Land Clash with Rohingya Refugees Posted: 06 Feb 2019 08:47 PM PST COX’S BAZAR, Bangladesh — Standing atop an elephant watchtower on the outskirts of the sprawling Rohingya refugee settlement in southeast Bangladesh, Nur Islam takes great pride in keeping his people safe. Dressed in a uniform of blue T-shirt, navy trousers and a neon yellow vest, Islam is one of 570 Rohingya on the Elephant Response Team, known locally as the tusk force, who are on duty every night to look out for elephants coming into the camps. After about 730,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar into Bangladesh 18 months ago and set up camp, they realized they were not only at risk from monsoons and cyclones but also elephants, as they were blocking a migration path, with 13 people killed in six months. Raquibul Amin, Bangladesh representative for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), said as a quick fix in February 2018 they built 95 towers and trained a team to watch, raise the alarm and guide elephants out of camps. He said in the past year the all-male response team, whose members are paid to work, had steered elephants away from the former nature reserve on at least 50 occasions with no more fatalities. But now 18 months into the crisis, Amin said it was becoming important to find a longer-term solution as the elephants were confined to a shrinking forest area and needed an alternative corridor to move freely to find food or conflicts could resume. “They are in a time bomb, a slow paced time bomb where not a very bright future is waiting for them,” Amin told the Thomson Reuters Foundation from the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka. “It should be OK for some time but they are now in a small area and will start inbreeding … and food could be an issue.” Islam, 32, said he had been involved in stopping about 18 elephant incursions into some of the camps located 40 km south of the beachside town of Cox’s Bazar that now make up the world’s largest refugee settlement. Route to freedom More than 900,000 mainly Muslim Rohingya now live in the camps after the 2017 exodus, which followed an offensive by Myanmar’s military that the United Nations has described as “ethnic cleansing.” With the influx, swathes of forest were cut down to make space and build shelters, threatening biodiversity, including the endangered Asian elephant. Its numbers have shrunk to about 50,000 globally, due largely to habitat loss, according to WWF. The IUCN estimates there are about 268 surviving elephants in Bangladesh, of which about 15 percent, or 35-45, live around the sprawling Rohingya camp area. Kutupalong, the largest refugee camp, was well known as a corridor for elephants moving between Myanmar and Bangladesh in winter to find food and shelter, breaking obstacles in their way which led to human conflicts. Islam, who arrived in Cox’s Bazar with his wife and two children, said he was not scared of elephants, although others were, so he stepped forward to be on the elephant team. The project, a joint venture between IUCN and the U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR, received so many applicants that they held a 100-metre running race to choose the fittest candidates. Islam said his job was to keep watch at night and if he saw an elephant to call team members on duty in other watchtowers who would come to help drive the elephant out of the camp using megaphones and a high-powered search light. “It’s a good job because we help our people,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation via an interpreter before climbing up the rickety, 20-feet bamboo tower overlooking a labyrinth of mud and bamboo shelters as well as the adjacent forest. “This will also help the elephant to survive. All this land was forest before but now it has been torn down and the elephant deserves to be conserved.” Amin said it was the response team’s job to also educate the Rohingya about elephants through awareness campaigns and children’s programs. They are also trying to encourage local Bangladeshi farmers to grow crops that elephants do not like, such as green chilies and tobacco, to stop the animals encroaching on their land in search of food and creating more human conflict. “We need to spread the message that the elephant is not an enemy and deserves space as, like the Rohingya, it has lost access to its own land,” Amin said. He said it was unclear what impact restricting the elephants’ movement would have in the longer term, or whether it would be possible to provide a new corridor. This, he said, would involve moving about 100,000 people to new shelters, eating into the forest. The team wants to gather more data to understand the elephants’ migratory patterns, he said, and there are plans to collar and follow five of the animals in the area this year. “It may happen that the elephants understand the loss and become more violent or desperate to move again,” he said. “Maybe we can find an alternative route for the elephants to cross … through the camps and to the corridor.” The post Elephants Face ‘Time Bomb’ in Bangladesh Land Clash with Rohingya Refugees appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Indian Political Parties Abuse WhatsApp Service Ahead of Election Posted: 06 Feb 2019 08:43 PM PST NEW DELHI—India’s political parties have been abusing Facebook Inc.’s popular messaging service WhatsApp ahead of the country’s general election and the company has warned them not to do so, a senior executive said on Wednesday. WhatsApp declined to name the parties or give the exact nature of the alleged misuse, but there is mounting concern in India that party workers could abuse the platform by using automated tools for mass messaging, or spread false news to sway voters. The messaging app has become a key campaign tool used widely by workers of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress party, which accuse each other of propagating fake news while denying they do so themselves. “We have seen a number of parties attempt to use WhatsApp in ways that it was not intended, and our firm message to them is that using it in that way will result in bans of our service,” Carl Woog, head of communications for WhatsApp, told reporters. The next general election must be held by May. The platform’s challenges in India are not unique. It was flooded with falsehoods and conspiracy theories ahead of the October election in Brazil, raising concerns that it was being used to distort the political debate. India is WhatsApp’s biggest market with more than 200 million users. Ahead of state polls in the western state of Rajasthan in December, BJP and Congress workers showed a Reuters reporter dozens of WhatsApp groups they belonged to and used for campaigning. Woog said they had engaged with political parties to explain the company’s view that the app was not a “broadcast platform”. “We are trying to be very clear going into the election that there is abuse on WhatsApp. We are working very hard to identify it and prevent it as soon as possible,” he said. The BJP’s head of information technology, Amit Malviya, told Reuters he had not met with WhatsApp representatives and declined to comment further. Congress’ social media head, Divya Spandana, said the party does not abuse WhatsApp. WhatsApp has been at the center of controversy in India since last year after false messages spread on its platform sparked a number of mob lynchings. WhatsApp has tried to curb the spread of fake news by educating users through roadshow campaigns, as well as print and radio advertising. It also limited the number of people someone can forward a message to at one time. WhatsApp, which has 1.5 billion active users globally, said on Wednesday it bans two million accounts each month for sending bulk or automated messages. It did not say how many are banned in India. The post Indian Political Parties Abuse WhatsApp Service Ahead of Election appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
| Indonesia Court Jails British Woman for Slapping Bali Immigration Officer Posted: 06 Feb 2019 08:33 PM PST DENPASAR, Indonesia—An Indonesian court on Wednesday jailed a British woman for six months for slapping an immigration officer in an argument over a fine for overstaying her visa. Auj-e Taqaddas, 42, was found guilty in a court in Bali’s capital, Denpasar, of violence against an officer at Bali airport carrying out his legal duty, Judge Esthar Oktavi told Reuters. “The sentence is six months in prison,” Oktavi said by text message. The sentence was lighter than the one-year jail term sought by the prosecutor on July 28 last year. “This is an unfair decision … I was forcibly brought to the court, no lawyers provided,” Taqaddas told the court, accusing the prosecutors of torturing her three times and trapping her in the country. Waher Tarihorang, an official at the prosecutors’ office who oversaw the case, denied using violence and said prosecutors had “the right to take forcible action to bring her to court” after Taqaddas missed several earlier court dates. Her sentencing had been postponed several times because she was sick and also when authorities said she had checked out of a hotel and could not find her. The judge and prosecutor said Taqaddas had filed an appeal. A smartphone video of the incident, which went viral at the time, showed an agitated Taqaddas shouting and swearing at the immigration official, before slapping him across the face after grappling to snatch her passport. The woman had overstayed by about 160 days and was asked to pay a fine of 300,000 rupiah ($21.60) for each day, or about $3,500 in all. Bali is Indonesia’s main tourism hub, attracting millions of foreign tourists a year to its beaches, temples and bars. A small number of visitors run into trouble with the law every year, sometimes for breaking the Southeast Asian country’s tough laws on drugs. The post Indonesia Court Jails British Woman for Slapping Bali Immigration Officer appeared first on The Irrawaddy. |
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