The Irrawaddy Magazine

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Martyrs’ Day Openly Commemorated by Thousands Nationwide Posted: 19 Jul 2016 06:50 AM PDT Martyrs' Day Commemoration at Rangoon's Secretariat. (Photo: JPaing / The Irrawaddy) RANGOON — Burma Army Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing's attendance at the annual commemoration of Martyrs' Day in Rangoon on Tuesday generated hope for restoring relationships in the war-torn country, said representatives from the country's ruling party, the National League for Democracy (NLD). "It's a good sign for national reconciliation," said Nyan Win, one of the party's central executive committee members. Army chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and parliament speakers pay respect to Gen Aung San and his eight colleagues at the Martyrs' Mausoleum in Rangoon. (Photo: Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy) Min Aung Hlaing was the first army chief to join the annual Martyrs' Day ceremony since after the student-led uprisings of 1988. Proceedings were held at the Martyrs' Mausoleum to honor independence hero Gen Aung San and his eight colleagues, all of whom were assassinated 69 years ago on July 19. The senior-general's presence at the event coincides with efforts by NLD party head and national de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi to coax Burma's powerful military to cooperate within a renewed peace process; the Burmese army has been engaged in conflict with ethnic and other non-state armed groups since shortly after the country's independence from Britain in 1948. State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the daughter of Gen Aung San, pays respect to the fallen national heroes. (Photo: Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy) Aside from his appearance at the mausoleum, the army chief also visited Suu Kyi's residence on Tuesday to join a Buddhist merit-making ceremony for the martyrs, reportedly becoming the first-ever army chief to attend an event hosted by Suu Kyi, who is the late Aung San's daughter. Also in attendance were former parliamentary speaker Shwe Mann, NLD patron Tin Oo, and the country's vice president Myint Swe, and Cabinet members. State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the daughter of Gen Aung San, pays respect to the fallen national heroes. (Photo: Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy) Tin Oo described the army chief's appearance at Suu Kyi's residence as "strange," yet said it signified "a possible good sign for Burmese politics." Some saw Min Aung Hlaing's attendance at the Martyrs' Day ceremony as a sign that top leaders within the Burmese military are shifting away from the tendency of their predecessors to understate and even ignore Aung San's role in history. Even though he founded the army in which they serve, military leaders have been known to downplay the importance of Martyrs' Day, but with an Aung San Suu Kyi-led government now in power, it appears this practice has come to an end. Members of the Rangoon Students Union pay respect to Aung San and his fallen colleagues at Rangoon's Secretariat on July 19, Martyrs' Day. (Photo: JPaing / The Irrawaddy) The Secretariat: A Piece of History For the first time in several years, downtown Rangoon's Secretariat building—the site of Aung San and his colleagues' assassination—hosted an official commemorative ceremony as part of Tuesday's proceedings. Rangoon Mayor Maung Maung Soe and executive members of the city's development committee bowed in silence to honor the nine fallen men. "Gen Aung San and the martyrs sacrificed many things for the sake of this country without taking anything back," said Than Myint Aung, one of the members of the Yangon City Development Committee's executive board and the co-founder of the civil society group Free Funeral Service Society (FFSS). "We all are now benefiting from what they have done, and the public and our future generations need to be aware of that," she added. Visitors are seen at the Martyrs' Mausoleum in Rangoon on July 19, Martyrs Day. (Photo: Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy) On Tuesday, thousands of people crowded the Secretariat to mark the mournful occasion. Hnin Oo Wai, a 28-year-old mother of two, was among them. She told The Irrawaddy that she brought her children—aged eight and five—to explain the significance of the day and to teach them about the martyrs, whose work and memory she felt had been neglected for decades. "My kids have known who Gen Aung San is and who Amay [mother] Suu is since they learned how to speak," Hnin Oo Wai said. "But this building is one of the pieces of historical evidence which can prove that Gen Aung San is our independence hero," she added. As the clock approached 10:37 a.m. on Tuesday, the moment when the martyrs were gunned down, the morning's sunny weather disappeared and the sky cracked open to release a flood of rain. Under the downpour, visitors bowed in silence in the Secretariat's courtyard. The activities of the city were halted for one minute as sirens blared and vehicles honked their horns to acknowledge the anniversary of the tragedy. Visitors seen at Martyrs' Mausoleum in Rangoon on July 19, Martyrs' Day. (Photo: Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy) Official Commemorations Held Nationwide A separate state-level Martyrs' Day ceremony was held at the Martyrs' Mausoleum in Rangoon's Bahan Township. Joining the commemoration were State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, vice president Myint Swe, speakers of the Parliament, Cabinet members, and surviving family members of Aung San's eight assassinated colleagues. Visitors are seen at the Martyrs' Mausoleum in Rangoon on July 19, Martyrs' Day. (Photo: Hein Htet / The Irrawaddy) Thousands of visitors gathered at the mausoleum to pay their respects at the location where the martyrs are interred. Authorities demanded that the crowds queue systematically in order to enter the site, while civil society groups and members of the Red Cross Society stood by in case of an emergency. Visitors are seen at Rangoon's Bogyoke Aung San statue on July 19, Martyrs' Day. (Photo: Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy) Events were also held throughout Rangoon, at Bogyoke Aung San Museum and Bogyoke Park, where thousands more visitors showed up at the venues to participate in the proceedings. Martyrs' Day was commemorated in Burma's capital of Naypyidaw and in other cities across the country's 14 states and divisions. Mandalay’s chief minister Zaw Myint Maung is seen at the Martyrs' Day commemoration in Mandalay. (Photo: Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy) In Mandalay, an official ceremony was led by Chief Minister Zaw Myint Maung and other military and government officials, including representatives from the Chinese and Indian consular offices. "This ceremony is not only to show our respect to the late martyrs, but to tell our [younger] generations about the spirit of the martyrs, and to take examples from those who worked hard for the good of the country without taking any profit or personal benefits," the Chief Minister told reporters before the ceremony. On the streets of Mandalay, people carrying national flags at half-mast, as well as wreaths and flower arrangements, headed toward the commemorative grounds to honor Aung San and his fallen colleagues. "It was a touching scene to see that we can now commemorate our late leaders more freely than before. We need to keep in mind that only commemorating them today is not enough to show how much we love them," said Hsu Ngat, well-known local author in Mandalay. President Htin Kyaw, who was not present at the ceremony in Rangoon's mausoleum, made offerings to monks in Naypyidaw, along with the first lady Su Su Lwin and other government senior figures, partaking in the Buddhist practice of sharing merit with those who have passed away. (Reporting by Zarni Mann in Mandalay and Tin Htet Paing and Tun Tun in Rangoon) The post Martyrs' Day Openly Commemorated by Thousands Nationwide appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ten Things to Do in Rangoon This Week (July 19) Posted: 18 Jul 2016 09:59 PM PDT The Irrawaddy picks 10 interesting events happening in Rangoon this week. Monsoon Poetry Festival The inaugural Monsoon Poetry Festival features readings and performances by 26 poets and performance artists from all over Burma plus a number of poetry chapbooks. Maung Sangkha, a poet who was imprisoned for defamation against the former president, organized the festival. The admission fee is 3,000 kyats. Where: Yangon Diocesan Office [Anglican Church], near Pegu Club bus stop, between the Russian Embassy & Sein Gay Har Shopping Mall When: Saturday, July 22, 5pm to 9pm Job Fair The 9th job fair organized the weekly job advertising medium Opportunity Journal will be held at Tatmadaw Hall in conjunction with talks from scholars and HR consultants about entrepreneurship and management. Where: Tatmadaw Hall, U Wisara Road, Tel: 09-777277978, 09-73121754 When: Friday, July 22 to Sunday, July 24, 9am to 5pm Micro Film Contest Promotion Show The second annual Myanmar Youth Micro Film Contest will be held at Myanmar Plaza. Shows run between 1pm and 7pm. Where: Myanmar Plaza, Kabar Aye Pagoda Road When: Saturday, July 23, 1pm to 7pm Trivia Night at Father’s Office These bi-monthly trivia nights are held on the first and third Wednesday of every month. With changing categories that include historical places, pop culture, geography and more, there is sure to be a topic for everyone. Test your skills against Rangoon's most nerdy residents as you and your team compete for trivia glory and a 30,000 kyats prize. Call to secure your seats. Where: Father’s Office, 291 Bo Aung Kyaw Street, Botahtaung Tsp., Tel: 09-450218080 When: Wednesday July 20, 7:30pm to 10pm 'Scion' Exhibition A group exhibition showcases more than 70 paintings by approximately 20 artists, with prices for work ranging between US$100 and $1,000. Where: Lokanat Gallery, 62 Pansodan Street, 1st Floor, Kyauktada Tsp., Tel. 095-1382-269 When: Thursday, July 21 to Monday, July 25 Cloud 31 Gallery Show In commemoration of the 69th Martyrs' Day anniversary, three artists stage an exhibition entitled 'Unforgotten,' featuring 27 paintings and an installation. All paintings are priced at $150. Where: Cloud 31 Art Gallery, No.49/51, First floor, 31st street, between Merchant Street and Mahabandoola Street When: Tuesday, July 19 to Thursday, July 21 'Story of the Memo' Showcase Artist Ohn Khine Zin will display 20 of his works at his third solo show at Cloud 31 Gallery. Prices range from $150 to $500. Where: Cloud 31 Art Gallery, No.49/51, First floor, 31st Street between Merchant Street and Mahabandoola Street. When: Saturday, July 23 to Wednesday, July 27 'Rain' Exhibition in Golden Valley A group exhibition, featuring 40 artists and more than 200 paintings, will be held at Golden Valley Gallery. Where: Golden Valley Art Center, No. 54/D, Golden Valley, Bahan Tsp., Tel: 01-513621 When: Saturday, July 23 to Saturday, July 30   Artists and Artisans Exhibition A group showcase of more than 18 artists will be held at Bogyoke Market, featuring over 50 paintings priced between $300 and $2,000. Twenty percent of the revenue raised will be donated to See Sar Yeik Home for Aged and Ailing Persons. Where: Myanmar Artists and Artisans Association, Bogyoke Market When: Thursday, July 21 to Sunday, July 24 Dramatic Performance Troop In recognition of Martyrs' Day on July 19, a dramatic performance troop, led by Po Chit and other artists, will stage a drama titled 'I am Aung San' at the National Museum. Ticket prices range from 5,000 to 20,000 kyats with a 50 percent discount for students. Where: National Theater, Myoma Kyaung Street When: Monday, July 18 and Tuesday, July 19, 7:30pm   The post Ten Things to Do in Rangoon This Week (July 19) appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

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National News

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• Myanmar wades in to South China Sea ruling with a balancing act
• Draft law on work permits for foreigners heads to attorney general
• Press conference reveals friction after state counsellor, UNFC meet
• China woos Myanmar, tries to massage its public image
• Political prisoners group pushes NLD to do more
• Garment workers receive partial severance compensation
• Two killed in express bus accident on Yangon-Mandalay highway
• NLD government asks for ‘more time’ as public and pundits take stock
• Aung San statue in Pyinmana gets Martyrs’ Day makeover
• Farmers protest land taken for prison

Myanmar wades in to South China Sea ruling with a balancing act Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT Breaking its traditional silence on the South China Sea dispute, Myanmar released its first public statement about the spat on July 13, following an international tribunal's ruling in the Philippines' favour.

Draft law on work permits for foreigners heads to attorney general Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT Foreigners working in Myanmar will soon need work permits, the labour ministry has announced, in a move that has been welcomed by businesses. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population will submit a draft law to the attorney general later this month, deputy director general U Nyunt Win told The Myanmar Times yesterday.

Press conference reveals friction after state counsellor, UNFC meet Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT The state counsellor called this week's landmark meetings with ethnic armed group leaders "family-like", but a press conference with a United Nationalities Federal Council delegation yesterday revealed a different picture: At least one of the armed groups' leaders left the talks dissatisfied.

China woos Myanmar, tries to massage its public image Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT In what seems likely to be a concerted and protracted charm offensive, China has been inviting hundreds of Myanmar opinion-formers to "improve understanding" on their part of China's intentions. China is telling Myanmar that it knows Myanmar has changed, and that China's attitude has changed too.

Political prisoners group pushes NLD to do more Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) has blamed the government for the continued arrest and detention of activists under undemocratic legislation that threatens freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Garment workers receive partial severance compensation Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT After drawn out negotiations, 85 workers from a recently shuttered garment factory in Yangon's Hlaing Tharyar township received part of their severance compensation yesterday, following their second protest staged over the weekend.

Two killed in express bus accident on Yangon-Mandalay highway Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT Two people were killed and at least 25 others injured when an express bus veered off the Yangon-Mandalay highway en route to Taungoo on July 15. The accident took place at about 10pm in Kyauktaga township, Bago Region.

NLD government asks for ‘more time’ as public and pundits take stock Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT After its first 100 days, what does the government intend to do, and how much has it already done?

Aung San statue in Pyinmana gets Martyrs’ Day makeover Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT Pyinmana township elders have donated K13 million (US$11,000) to have a statue of independence hero Bogyoke Aung San refurbished in time for Martyrs' Day this week, U Than Soe Aung, a Pyithu Hluttaw representative for the township, told The Myanmar Times.

Farmers protest land taken for prison Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT Fruit farmers whose land was seized more than 35 years ago to build a prison say it's time they got their property back.

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Shan Herald Agency for News

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Research Project: Understanding “Buddhist nationalism” in Myanmar Posted: 19 Jul 2016 07:48 AM PDT The Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR) at the University of Oxford is looking for an academic consultant providing research support to the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)-funded project "Understanding 'Buddhist nationalism' in Myanmar: Religion, Gender, Identity and Conflict in a Political Transition." The project is directed by Dr Matthew J Walton and the Oxford-based research team includes Dr Ma Khin Mar Mar Kyi. The consultant will be expected to support the research team's activities in Myanmar in various ways. The work will be undertaken outside the UK and will consist of collecting, organizing and sharing data with the research team (including books, journals, DVDs, and other media); completing transcriptions and rough translations of collected data; supporting the research team in planning and organizing field research; occasionally conducting interviews for the project; leading in organizing regular consultation and dissemination meetings; occasionally contributing to the research team's scholarly and media outputs; and submitting quarterly progress reports to the Director. The successful candidate will have professional competency in both English and Burmese (written and spoken) and be able to complete rough translations of material from Burmese to English.  S/he will have experience supporting research projects and ideally some experience in conducting research. The candidate will be organized and responsive, with a high level of attention to detail and an ability to engage delicately with sensitive topics. S/he must be comfortable interacting with government officials and high-ranking religious figures. The works will be undertaken outside the UK and, ideally the consultant will be based in Yangon (Myanmar), although candidates based in other major cities in Myanmar will be considered. The successful applicant will be required to provide the University with a copy of an adequate professional indemnity insurance policy on request. This contract will be full time commencing as soon as possible and ending on 31 July 2018. Further duties and skills required are described below. Principal Duties and Responsibilities To collect data (including books, journals, DVDs, and other media) as required for the project, organizing it and sharing with the research team To complete transcriptions or rough translations of collected materials To conduct preliminary analysis of collected materials To support the research team in planning and organizing field work To occasionally undertake research which might include preparing, setting up, conducting and recording interviews or other field work To lead in organizing the research team's regular consultation/dissemination meetings To prepare quarterly progress reports for the project director To contribute to the research team's scholarly and media writings, as appropriate To contribute to the planning process of the research team as appropriate To comply with University policies relating to health and safety, ethics, equality of opportunity and data management Any other duties as maybe assigned from time to time commensurate with the project. Selection Criteria Essential • Professional competency in English and Burmese (written and spoken); • Experience supporting research projects, including planning interviews and consultation meetings, managing small budgets, and writing reports; • Experience collecting, organizing, and analysing data; • Ability to engage delicately and effectively with sensitive topics; • Excellent administrative skills and capability, including problem solving, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team; • Comfortable working with people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds. Desirable • Experience in transcription and translation; • Familiarity with media in Myanmar, including social media; • Experience in event organisation; • Experience in independently managing a discrete area of a research project; • Experience working in areas related to religion, politics, gender, or conflict; • Experience conducting research, including conducting interviews. To apply for this assignment, please send a cover letter and CV (including references) to: matthew.walton@sant.ox.ac.uk.  Closing date for applications is Monday noon (UK time) 8th August 2016. Applications received after the closing date cannot be considered. Download PDF file:Consultant ADVERT_ESRC

Khu Oo Reh's response on Suu Kyi's urging of “give” more than “take” Posted: 19 Jul 2016 07:37 AM PDT Khu Oo Reh, spokesperson for the United Nationalities Federal Council's (UNFC) Delegation for Political Negotiation (DPN), press conference on 18 July, at Chatrium Hotel in Rangoon, pin-pointed the much publicized Aung San Suu Kyi's, time and again, urging of all political stakeholders to think more about "give" than "take". The phrase actually comes from John F Kennedy's famous "Inaugural Address" in Washington, D.C., on 20 January 1961. In his speech President Kennedy urges American citizens to participate in public service and "ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country." Suu Kyi was said to have told the UNFC delegation during the meeting on 17 July that it would be hard to implement the demand of the ethnic nationalities one hundred percent; and that they should also think what they could give from their side. In response to Suu Kyi's urging, Khu Oo Reh said: "Go and look at the non-Bamar ethnic states. Mountains have turned flattened, flat lands (plains) become desert, river, stream and ponds dried. Our villages were being destroyed and our population have fled to jungles and mountains. Our mineral resources have been depleted and no trees and bamboos (forest) exist any more. Now, what do you want more from us? What should we give more?" He added: "We understood that we achieved this country's independence together hand-in-hand. That is why we are co-owner of this country. This is the kind of equality we are talking about. Because of this we don't need to ask (anyone) and also don't need to give." The most important thing he stressed was that on how peaceful, harmonious co-existence with development could be achieved. "Everyone has the duty (to do this)," he said. Khu Oo Reh's frustration regarding Suu Kyi's urging is understandable, for the militarization and oppression, coupled with economic exploitation, of the Burmese military have left a permanent scar physically and physiologically on the non-Bamar ethnic population. But this plea of Suu Kyi to consider more on "giving" to the ethnic nationalities is being interpreted as "to kowtow or give in to the Bamar domination without question", which the ethnic nationalities fervently have been resisting all these years. In other words, the ethnic nationalities should be happy with some handout in form of minimum power devolution, anchored in Bamar-dominated unitary form of governance. Suu Kyi should now think hard, if she wants to be in the same ideological boat with the military, which openly cater to ethnocentrism or Bamar racial supremacy thinking over all non-Bamar ethnic nationalities.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• High-Rise Review Committee Submits Recent Findings to Rangoon Cabinet
• Shan, Palaung & Kachin Youth March Against Conflict in Lashio
• Premier Coffee Compensates Workers but Case Continues
• Suu Kyi Begins Talks with NCA Non-Signatories
• State Govt Blocks KNU Land Policy Workshop
• Ceremony at Secretariat Commemorates Martyrs’ Day
• Grapes, Picked by Hand
• Drugs Worth US$2.5 Million Seized in Northern Shan State
• From the Archive: Aung San Museum—Discover Burma’s Hero

High-Rise Review Committee Submits Recent Findings to Rangoon Cabinet Posted: 18 Jul 2016 06:02 AM PDT A view of the Rangoon skyline featuring high-rise buildings under construction, as seen on Monday, July 18, 2016. (Photo: Pyay Kyaw / The Irrawaddy) RANGOON—A committee reviewing high-rise construction inspected a further 20 buildings in Rangoon last week, and will submit their findings to the divisional cabinet by Thursday. "We have [looked at] nearly 20 buildings that still haven't received final approval," said Ye Min Oo, spokesperson for the committee, which was formed in June to investigate the construction of buildings nine stories or higher which may not fit with the city's urban planning standards. Currently, there are 185 high rises under review which earned early-stage approval by Rangoon's previous government; the 20 units inspected last week were among these projects. Developers are allowed begin groundwork for construction after receiving this initial approval from either the Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC) or the Rangoon Division government. But they are required to then seek final approval from the YCDC's building department in order to proceed with their plans—this involves submitting detailed design layouts to be reviewed. Ye Min Oo said the committee will forward their findings to the Rangoon government's cabinet in time for their next meeting, scheduled for Thursday, to seek final decisions on the fate of the 20 buildings in question. A committee member told The Irrawaddy that many of the high rises in question were found to have inadequate car parking, which was contrary to their original proposed building designs. "The 20 units we reviewed last week could still fix [the buildings] to meet the requirements, as they are just in the initial stages of construction, like laying the foundation; they haven't gotten the final approval for constructing the whole building," Ye Min Oo said. Last week, the Rangoon regional government ordered 12 high rises currently under construction to perform modifications including reduction of the height of the buildings and improvement of parking facilities, which garnered complaints from the project developers. The post High-Rise Review Committee Submits Recent Findings to Rangoon Cabinet appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Shan, Palaung & Kachin Youth March Against Conflict in Lashio Posted: 18 Jul 2016 05:57 AM PDT Ethnic Shan, Kachin and Palaung (Ta'ang) youth protestors in Lashio, northern Shan State. (Photo: Ta'ang Students and Youth Union / Facebook) RANGOON — A day after the Shan State parliament passed a resolution to bring an end to conflict in northern Shan State, over 500 people—largely ethnic Shan, Palaung (Ta'ang) and Kachin youth—staged a demonstration on Saturday in Lashio, northern Shan State. The protestors called on the Burma Army to halt their fighting with ethnic armed groups in northern Shan State, and to end rights abuses against local civilians. Youth dressed in their traditional ethnic attire walked the streets of the northern Shan Shan administrative capital holding signboards, which also bore demands for a federal system of governance in Burma—reflecting a long-standing demand for a devolution of power and resource-sharing with Burma's ethnic minority regions. Sai Aung Myint Oo, a self-described Shan youth leader, said, "Our people feel they have no security in their lives." He mentioned the disappearance of seven ethnic Shan young men traveling from northern Shan State's Namkham Township to Lashio in early June, which reportedly remains unsolved. He accused the Burma Army of "murdering our people." "I condemn this on behalf of our youth," he said. "We ask the authorities to take action against those who have violated the law." Nang San San Aye, a female lawmaker from the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) representing Hsipaw Township (1), told The Irrawaddy that the Shan State parliament on Friday agreed to her proposal to bring an end to fighting in northern Shan State. However, she cautioned that they would need to "wait and see" whether this resolution would translate into action. The proposal, accepted during a four-day session of the state parliament from 12-15 July, was not the first initiative undertaken in the state parliament to halt Shan State's longstanding, and seemingly intractable, armed conflicts. A fellow SNLD lawmaker had made a similar proposal during the first session of the state parliament under the new government—with no discernible result. Nang San San Aye cited the human rights abuses and general suffering wrought on ethnic Shan and Palaung (Ta'ang) communities across several townships of northern Shan State, including her own. Earlier this month, seven people were killed in mysterious circumstances in and around Mong Yaw Village of Lashio Township, with local villagers accusing the Burma Army—although local police have refused to pursue allegations against the military. Northern Shan State contains Burma's largest concentration of non-state ethnic armed groups—some in alliance, but several in active conflict, with the Burma Army. Those in active conflict include the Shan State Army-North, the Kachin Independence Army, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar Nationalities Democratic Alliance Army. Since November last year, two ethnic armed groups—the Shan State Army-South and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army—have been fighting over territory across numerous townships of northern Shan State, displacing thousands of mostly ethnic Palaung (Ta'ang) and Shan civilians from rural areas. The post Shan, Palaung & Kachin Youth March Against Conflict in Lashio appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Premier Coffee Compensates Workers but Case Continues Posted: 18 Jul 2016 05:00 AM PDT Sachets of Premier coffee-mix are ubiquitous across Burma's teashops and diners. (Photo: Hein Htet / The Irrawaddy) RANGOON — Premier Coffee has chosen to compensate 321 workers from its factory in Rangoon's Hlaing Tharyar Industrial Zone after being sued by the Ministry of Labor, Immigration and Population for breaking labor laws. However, the case is subject to future court hearings and the charges remain in place—contrary to prior practice in Burma, where voluntary "compensation" payouts by companies signal the de facto conclusion of legal cases launched against them. Nyunt Win, a ministry spokesperson and the deputy director of the Factories and General Labor Laws Inspection Department, told The Irrawaddy on Monday that, a day before the first court session on July 12, the company decided to pay 57.9 million kyats (US$48,740) to 321 workers (170 male and 151 female) to compensate them for unpaid overtime from the end of last year. The money was disbursed over the following days. The ministry had received complaints from about 300 workers from the Premier Coffee factory, claiming that they had not received full overtime payment or sufficient days off. After verifying these complaints, the Factories and General Labor Laws Inspection Department under the ministry filed a lawsuit against the company owner and the human resources manager of the factory at the Hlaing Tharyar Township Court on June 28 for breaking labor laws. Under Burma's 1951 Leave and Holiday Act, employers must allow for at least one day off each week without cutting salaries. But the company failed to provide time off or full payment for overtime, which the 1951 Factory Act states should be paid at twice the standard rate. "The workers were pleased that the company had compensated them, but the trial will continue," Nyunt Win said. "We don't know what the verdict will be." He mentioned that, in similar cases previously, if a company voluntarily compensated aggrieved workers, the court would either drop the case or order them to pay a fine. If the company chose not to do so, the ministry would give them three warnings before proceeding with legal action. The next court hearing will be held on July 26. Premier is popular local coffee-mix brand belonging to the Capital Diamond Star Group, a conglomerate owned by Burmese businessman Ko Ko Gyi. Among the firm's numerous enterprises are the Grab and Go chain of convenience shops, Capital Hypermarket, and several import and export businesses. If the company's owner and human resource manager were to be found guilty, the minimum punishment prescribed under the 1951 Factories Act is three months' imprisonment and a 2 million kyat fine ($1,680). The post Premier Coffee Compensates Workers but Case Continues appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Suu Kyi Begins Talks with NCA Non-Signatories Posted: 18 Jul 2016 04:56 AM PDT State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi meets with ethnic alliance leaders for the first time in Rangoon on Sunday. (Photo: Hein Htet / The Irrawaddy) RANGOON — Building a federal union with national reconciliation in mind was the primary issue discussed during the first meeting between State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic alliance leaders from the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) on Sunday. The preliminary meeting at Rangoon's National Reconciliation and Peace Center (NRPC)—ahead of the planned Union Peace Conference in late August—had the air of a family gathering as opposed to a formal meeting, participants said. The focus was on "building mutual relationships between UNFC senior leaders and the state counselor," said Khu Oo Reh, a UNFC spokesperson who added that there would be additional talks throughout the next month. "It is a step forward, as this is the first meeting under the new government," he said. Attendees included UNFC chair Gen N'Ban La of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Naing Htaw Mon on the New Mon State Party (NMSP), Maj-Gen Say Htin of the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP), Khun Abel Tweet of the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), and Khu Oo Reh, the leader of Delegation for Political Negotiation (DPN) along with other DPN members. From the government side, lead peace negotiator Dr. Tin Myo Win and Kyaw Tint Swe—both vice chairmen of the NRPC—attended along with Suu Kyi. "We share a common goal of achieving peace and building a federal union, so we will continue negotiations," said Naing Htaw Mon, NMSP chairman. The government officially invited the UNFC—an ethnic alliance of which all are non-signatories to last year's nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) with the former government—on Saturday to participate in the political framework review meetings, said Hla Maung Shwe, a member of the government's peace conference preparatory sub-committee. Khu Oo Reh said ethnic leaders would decide later on whether they would join as a group or individually. The leaders discussed how UNFC member groups could participate in the Union Peace Conference. They also raised issues surrounding the Burma Army's current offensive against ethnic armed groups in the northern part of the country and its expectation that all armed groups declare a ceasefire. The participation of their allies—the armed and actively fighting Arakan Army, Ta'ang Nationalities Liberation Army and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army; and the Arakan National Council, Wa National Organization and Lahu Democratic Union—in the peace process was also raised. The previous government did not allow groups engaged in fighting to participate in the peace process, but did allow the latter three groups to join the Union Peace Conference as observers. The ethnic armed group leaders will meet in Kachin State's Mai Ja Yang in late July to find a common stance on building a future federal union. The post Suu Kyi Begins Talks with NCA Non-Signatories appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

State Govt Blocks KNU Land Policy Workshop Posted: 18 Jul 2016 04:51 AM PDT Min Lwin Mountain, a sacred symbol for ethnic Karen, was, starting in April 2015 the site of testing for mineral extraction by the Phyu Min Tun Company, with permission from the KNU. (Photo: Saw Yan Naing / The Irrawaddy) RANGOON — The Karen State Government has denied the Karen National Union (KNU) permission to hold a workshop outlining their land policy to residents of the state capital of Hpa-an, according to local sources. Zaw Lwin Oo, director within the office of the Karen State government, told The Irrawaddy that his administration has their own land policy, so they did not grant the ethnic Karen political entity license to hold a workshop on the same topic. Declining to comment further, he referred The Irrawaddy to a statement issued by the state government on July 15. The statement affirmed that, "only the government can have a land policy and procedure…therefore our state government can not give permission to hold workshop [on the issue] when asked by the KNU." The KNU had planned to hold a workshop on July 17 in Hpa-an at a Buddhist monastery for the purpose of raising awareness on their approach to land rights. Links to descriptions of the KNU's land policy can be found on the news section of The Border Consortium's website. On behalf of the KNU, the Karen Unity and Peace Committee (KUPC) sent a letter to the Karen State Government on July 8 requresting permission to hold the workshop. KUPC reportedly pointed out that a variety of ethnic Karen civil society groups were to be in attendance. Saw Kyaw Zwa, a KUPC senior member, speculated whether the rejection was based on the way in which the government was approached for permission. "The KNU did not ask [the state government] themselves, but instead, let the KUPC do it. I think this was a mistake," he explained. "If KNU had said in the letter that the workshop will give awareness to the people about the land policy of [both] the KNU and the government, this might have helped to get permission," Saw Kyaw Zwa added. Land tenure rights have been described as a top priority of the civilian-led National League for Democracy government, which took office earlier this year. Seizures of land—by the former military regime, as well as private and military-backed business enterprises—has long been a pressing concern throughout Burma. The KNU was one of eight non-state armed organizations to sign a nationwide ceasefire agreement with representatives from the Burmese government in 2015; civil war between the Burma Army and ethnic Karen armed groups began in the region shortly after Burma's 1948 independence from Britain. In the decades of conflict that followed, tens of thousands of Karen were displaced and forced to abandon their ancestral lands, making the return of their farms a major concern in the country's ongoing peace process. The post State Govt Blocks KNU Land Policy Workshop appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ceremony at Secretariat Commemorates Martyrs’ Day Posted: 18 Jul 2016 03:21 AM PDT A pillar at Rangoon's Secretariat commemorates the 1947 assassination of Gen Aung San and his colleagues. (Photo: JPaing / The Irrawaddy) RANGOON — A commemorative ceremony to honor the late Gen Aung San and his cabinet members will—for the first time in several years—be held at the Secretariat, where they were gunned down in 1947, as Burma marks the anniversary of the assassination. Organized by the Rangoon divisional government, Tuesday's ceremony will be attended by Rangoon Mayor Maung Maung Soe as well as Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC) members, according to U Than, YCDC joint secretary. "The ceremony will start five minutes after the event at the mausoleum, which will start at 8 a.m.," he said, referring to a state-level commemorative ceremony held annually at the burial site of the leaders near Shwedagon pagoda. Burma's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi will attend the event at the mausoleum. The day is held in recognition and honor of her father—independence leader Gen Aung San—and his former colleagues. Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing will attend the ceremony at the mausoleum, becoming the first ever Burma Army chief to join the event since after 1988. The ceremony at the Secretariat will be held in the courtyard where a pillar commemorating the assassination is erected. "After the ceremony, which includes hoisting the flag to half-staff, the Secretariat will be open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.," said U Than. But access to the room where the leaders were assassinated will be off limits because the staircase leading up to it is not strong enough to be heavily trafficked. "But the first Parliament building will be open to all," he added. Currently, the Secretariat is leased to a private company and is undergoing massive renovations in order to reopen as an art museum. The post Ceremony at Secretariat Commemorates Martyrs' Day appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Grapes, Picked by Hand Posted: 18 Jul 2016 02:02 AM PDT Photos from Shwe Pyin Oo Lwin vineyard in Pyin Oo Lwin Township, Mandalay Division. (Photos: Kyaw Hsu Mon / The Irrawaddy) PYIN OO LWIN, Mandalay Division — Nearly three years of investing time, money and labor has paid off for Thein Win, who now earns a profit from his vineyard in Pyin Oo Lwin Township. Shwe Pyin Oo Lwin vineyard—owned by Shan State native Thein Win and situated on 5 acres of land in Shwe Thin village—opened last month to visitors. A 45-minute drive from downtown Pyin Oo Lwin over a bumpy road delivers guests from the town to rows of grape-bearing vines. "I started in 2013 and have tried various seeds and methods to achieve different tastes. The results have been positive so far," Thein Win told The Irrawaddy over the weekend. Photos from Shwe Pyin Oo Lwin vineyard in Pyin Oo Lwin Township, Mandalay Division. (Photos: Kyaw Hsu Mon / The Irrawaddy) He cultivates four grape varietals from Japan, Taiwan, China and the United States, respectively. After three years of preparation, this was the first year the grapes were ready to pick. "Although we had a successful crop last year, we did not invite people to handpick until this year when there were more grapes to sell," he added. Thein Win has invested more than 80 million kyat (about US$70,000) over three years. He now sells at least 5000 viss (one viss is approximately 3.6 pounds) of grapes each day, at 10,000 kyats per viss for handpicked grapes. "If my workers help pick grapes for visitors, I only charge 8000 kyat per viss; but for handpicked grapes, I charge an extra 2000 kyat because I factor in some loss," he said. He added that since he has opened to visitors, he has received at least 100 people each day. He estimated that on weekends, more than 700 people show up to pick grapes and take selfies. "More people are coming, so the vineyard can make money now," Thein Win said. On the weekends, groups line up along the grape vines with bamboo baskets and pick as much as they like, selecting grapes of various colors and sizes. Thein Win said he expects to expand his vineyard even more in the coming months and years. "New grape vines should be ready to pick in October, so I will be ready for even more visitors then," he said. Maung Maung, a visitor from Pyin Oo Lwin town said picking grapes was a relaxing escape from the stress of urban living. "It's a good feeling to pick the grapes before eating them, and also a great spot to take pictures," he said. The post Grapes, Picked by Hand appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Drugs Worth US$2.5 Million Seized in Northern Shan State Posted: 18 Jul 2016 01:45 AM PDT Seized amphetamine powder and tablets seen at the Kyaukme Township Police Station in northern Shan State. (Photo: Myawady) Police are hunting for culprits in connection with the seizure of amphetamines valued at 3 billion kyats (US$2.5 million) in a village in Kyaukme Township of northern Shan State. Acting on a report from local villagers, soldiers from the local military outpost in cooperation with police and village administrators found the drugs—totaling 682.5 kilograms of amphetamine powder and tablets—packed in sacks by a monastery compound in Chaung Kyauk Village, Kyaukme Township, on Wednesday. This is the largest drug haul ever recorded in Kyaukme Township, which has been wracked by conflict over the last year, and whose mountainous terrain shelters several non-state armed groups, as well as units of the Burma Army, who have variously been blamed for drug trafficking. According to local eyewitnesses, two men had unloaded the sacks from a car before leaving the scene, a township police officer told The Irrawaddy. "Eyewitness said the two were wearing 'military' uniforms. But we have yet to find out more. I think they were preparing to carry drugs into [neighboring] Hsipaw Township. Maybe they abandoned those drugs near the monastery because of security checks [along the route]," said the police officer. Ye Htun, a former Lower House lawmaker representing Hsipaw Township, said that drug trafficking is rampant across Hsipaw and Kyaukme townships. He said it was difficult to solve the drug problem in the area because "government authorities"—and not just ethnic armed groups—are involved in drug production and trafficking. "Some armed groups are anti-drugs while some produce and supply drugs," said Ye Htun. He stressed that local authorities and police alone would not be able to eliminate the drug problem. The situation calls for systematic action from the government, he said. The post Drugs Worth US$2.5 Million Seized in Northern Shan State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

From the Archive: Aung San Museum—Discover Burma’s Hero Posted: 17 Jul 2016 10:51 PM PDT The entrance to Rangoon's Bogyoke Aung San Museum. (Photo: The Irrawaddy) RANGOON — Burma's annual Martyrs' Day arrives on Tuesday, July 19. Ceremonies will be held at the Martyrs' Monument and the Secretariat building in Rangoon, to commemorate the assassination of independence hero Aung San and eight of his comrades in 1947. Rangoon's Bogyoke Aung San Museum, housed in the last residence of Aung San, will be open with free admission to the public for three days, and is expected to draw large crowds wishing to pay respect to the national icon. Below, in a May 12, 2012 article from The Irrawaddy's archives, the reopening of the museum to the public that year is described, alongside its checkered history: After parking his car outside the hilltop villa in a leafy neighborhood just a few hundred meters from the Shwedagon Pagoda, Zaw Htet Aung tells his son, "this is where General Aung San used to live." His wife nods in agreement. The couple chaperoned their boy to this two-storied colonial-style wooden house, namely the Bogyoke (General) Aung San Museum, for their only child's benefit. "He has seen Bogyoke in pictures," said eight-year-old Tet Htut Aung's father. "That's why we've brought him here to have some more ideas about Aung San." After being closed for five years for large-scale maintenance, the former home of Burma's national hero and his family has now reopened to the public—providing a unique glimpse into his private life. Thaung Win, the director of the Rangoon National Museum and administrator of the Bogyoke Aung San Museum, told The Irrawaddy that the 91-year-old building reopened to the public on March 24 after renovations to strengthen the retaining walls as well as repairs to the roof, walkways and stairs. "We want it to be one of the main information centers on Bogyoke Aung San as well as providing a window for young people to understand who he was and how he lived," he said. Aung San, the father of Burmese democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, is still highly respected as the hero of Burmese independence for his efforts in bringing about the end of British colonial rule. "Bogyoke" and his family lived in the villa on lease from a Chinese couple from 1945 until he was gunned down in a 1947 conspiracy masterminded by his political rival U Saw. Aung San was just 32 years old. After her husband's assassination, Khin Kyi kept raising their three children—Aung San Oo, Aung San Lin and Aung San Suu Kyi—in the house until 1953 when Aung San Lin drowned in the compound's pool. Following the death of her second oldest son, Khin Kyi moved her family to the same colonial-era mansion by the shores of Inya Lake on University Avenue where Suu Kyi lives to this day. The Burmese government bought the former residence for 30,000 kyats (US $37.5 at the time) in 1948 and it was converted into the Bogyoke Aung San Museum in 1962, according to an article published in The Monitor weekly journal. But the museum was temporarily closed between 1999 and 2007 for refurbishment and only reopened each year on July 19, the commemorative day of Aung San's assassination, during this period. Until last week, according to official records, the museum has seen 1,419 visitors including 140 foreigners. "A museum is not a profit-making service," said Thaung Win. "So we have fixed the entrance fee at a reasonable price [300 kyat] hoping to encourage everyone to visit." The museum boasts a host of Aung San's personal belongings ranging from a British-built black Wolseley motor vehicle to an overcoat given to him by the first Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru during a trip to England in the early 1940s. A collection of 240 books on a variety of subjects—from applied mechanics and air defense to political economy and selected short stories by D.H. Lawrence—may be a source of interest for literature fans. Downstairs features pictures and paintings of Aung San and his family, while the special meeting room upstairs is decorated with extracts from some of his speeches—including the explanatory guideline relating to the 1947 constitutional law which states "no constitution in the world is perfect." This hero's residence has an aura of simplicity and is devoid of any trace of ostentation—the only embellishments are basic requirements for anyone to enjoy a happy family life. Being curious about the independence icon's private quarters, Wai Zin, 23, visited the museum for the first time last week. "Now I believe the Bogyoke had a very simple lifestyle," said the business management graduate after touring the museum. The lack of luxuries demonstrates that, despite his power, Aung San never sought to use his position to feather his own nest—adding to the sense of reverence which accompanies his name all throughout Burma. "Some members of the government today should take him as a role-model," said May Moe, 24, an English major graduate from Rangoon. Even though Aung San remains highly regarded as the national hero who founded the modern Burmese Army, there was a time when his reputation was stifled by attempts to wipe him from people's memories. After the rise of his daughter's influence in the Burmese pro-democracy movement following the 1988 students' uprising, everything related to Aung San was pushed into the background by the then-military dictatorship. His portrait at government schools and offices were replaced with former junta supremo Snr-Gen Than Shwe. The Lion, the insignia of the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Association, took the place of Aung San's image on Burmese banknotes from the 1990s. July 19, known as Martyrs Day in the Burmese calendar, was a muted celebration until last year. Elementary school text books only provided a brief description of Aung San and a 10-stanza poem as his biography. "Thanks to the former military government's ban, Burma's younger generation today has little or no idea who Aung San is," said Zaw Htet Aung. "Thank God there are people who are selling Bogyoke's pictures. Were it not for them, we wouldn't have anything to show our children what Aung San looks like." Zaw Htet Aung is hopeful that the museum will help promote awareness amongst the next generation regarding Aung San and his message. "We need young people with 'Aung San's spirit' who are honest, unselfish and work hard for the national interest—especially these days when our country is in a transitional period," he said. "I don't want to be a soldier like Bogyoke. I'm afraid of guns," said Tet Htut Aung after visiting the museum. "But I want to be a doctor, and I want to be an honest person like Bogyoke too." The Bogyoke Aung San Museum is situated on a 2.5-acre plot in Bahan Township, near Kandawgyi Lake in Rangoon. Starting on Martyrs' Day on Tuesday, July 19, the museum will be open with free admission to the public for three days. It is otherwise open throughout the year, Tuesday—Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm. The post From the Archive: Aung San Museum—Discover Burma's Hero appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

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National News

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• Upcoming Panglong conference may not include all groups
• Shan State parliament urges government to intervene in conflict
• Task force launched to stem religious violence
• From lawmaker to publisher, ‘Bullet’ Hla Swe continues to court scandal
• U Htin Kyaw joins ASEM meeting in Mongolia
• ASEAN energy officials set sights on regional power grid
• World Bank to lend $200 million for flood recovery
• Scout groups combine to form Union chapter
• Teachers trained in autism best practices
• Human Rights to be taught to primary school students

Upcoming Panglong conference may not include all groups Posted: 17 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT The 21st-century Panglong Conference will likely prove only partially inclusive, sources from the ethnic armed groups said yesterday.

Shan State parliament urges government to intervene in conflict Posted: 17 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT The Shan State parliament has approved an urgent proposal imploring government intervention to bring an end to simmering conflict between the national army and ethnic armed groups in the state's north, which has displaced thousands of civilians.

Task force launched to stem religious violence Posted: 17 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT The government has launched a crisis committee amid an upsurge in sectarian violence that saw two mosques destroyed by Buddhist mobs within less than two weeks of each other.

From lawmaker to publisher, ‘Bullet’ Hla Swe continues to court scandal Posted: 17 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT U Hla Swe, a former MP famed for his bullish remarks and homophobia, has taken up a new career that will keep him in the limelight since he lost his upper house seat in last November's election.

U Htin Kyaw joins ASEM meeting in Mongolia Posted: 17 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT Myanmar's President U Htin Kyaw delivered a speech during the opening session of the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), which took place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on July 15 and 16.

ASEAN energy officials set sights on regional power grid Posted: 17 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT Energy officials will seek to better connect ASEAN members' electricity grids into a regional energy network over the next five years to better utilise the countries' respective strengths and weaknesses in power generation, it was announced at a meeting of the bloc in Myanmar's capital Nay Pyi Taw.

World Bank to lend $200 million for flood recovery Posted: 17 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT The World Bank will provide a US$200 million loan to help Myanmar recover from widespread and severe flooding last year, the organisation announced on July 15.

Scout groups combine to form Union chapter Posted: 17 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT Local scout groups across six regions and states are combining to form the Union of Burma Boy Scouts in 2016.

Teachers trained in autism best practices Posted: 17 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT Teachers are to receive special training to help children suffering from autism. The Myanmar Autism Association (MAA) says the training will be offered in Yangon, Mandalay and Taungoo for teachers working with autistic children aged under 12.

Human Rights to be taught to primary school students Posted: 17 Jul 2016 02:30 PM PDT Human rights will now be taught in primary schools starting in the 2017-18 academic year. The new addition to the curriculum is the result of an agreement between the Ministry of Education and the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC).

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