The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Wa Leader Suggests Chinese Mediation Could Help Halt Conflict in Northern Burma
• After Weeks on the Run, ‘Penis Poet’ Arrested in Rangoon
• Aung San Suu Kyi’s Political Life in Pictures
• Karen Leader: ‘If They Keep Attacking Us, There Will Be No Peace’
• Indian Police Detain Hundreds Before Modi Visits Kashmir
• Thai Junta Turns to Populist Subsidies to Ease Farmer Tensions
• Cambodia Charges 3 after Mob Attack on Opposition Lawmakers

Wa Leader Suggests Chinese Mediation Could Help Halt Conflict in Northern Burma Posted: 05 Nov 2015 03:47 AM PST United Wa State Army (UWSA) deputy chairman Shao Min Liang during the Panghsang summit held earlier this week. (Photo: Lawi Weng / The Irrawaddy) RANGOON — A high-ranking member of the powerful United Wa State Army (UWSA) said this week the group was concerned over ongoing conflict in northern Shan State and would seek to enlist the support of Beijing to help mediate a halt to hostilities. "We are very worried about it," said Shao Min Liang, deputy chairman of the UWSA, referring to ongoing conflict pitting government troops against Shan, Kokang and Ta'ang (Palaung) armed groups in areas of Shan State close to Wa-controlled territory. "We will fight back to protect ourselves, but we will not fight first," he said. Shao Min Liang is a key player in the UWSA, Burma's most powerful ethnic armed group with a well-equipped fighting force estimated at 20,000 soldiers. He told this week's three-day summit of ethnic groups held in Panghsang in the Wa Special Region that ethnic rebels should seek the help of China in bringing an end to ongoing fighting. "A lot of refugees fled to China when there was fighting in Kachin State. There were also a lot of refugees that fled to China when fighting [broke out] in Kokang," the deputy chairman told ethnic representatives. "This hurt business in China. For us, we believe that China will help if we ask them to [take part in] peace negotiations with the Burmese government." On several different fronts in Kachin and northern Shan State, fighting has been reported in recent months between the Burma Army and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Shan State Army-North (SSA-N), the Arakan Army (AA) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). None of the groups were signatories to a so-called nationwide ceasefire agreement signed between Naypyidaw and eight non-state armed groups on Oct. 15. The leaders of 11 ethnic armed groups that did not sign the accord attended the Panghsang summit this week, with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang), another non-signatory, also receiving an invite but unable to join. At the summit, ethnic leaders floated the idea of forming a new alliance of non-signatory ethnic armed groups that would replace the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) and include the UWSA and the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA)—neither of which were UNFC members. No formal agreement on the proposed new alliance was reached, but ethnic leaders planned to continue deliberations. "After three days, there were good results," said Gen Sao Say Htin of the Shan State Army-North (SSA-N) which has been locked in ongoing fighting with government troops since Oct. 6. "We will form an armed wing and a political wing in our future [alliance], but we will talk in more detail in a future meeting." Shao Min Liang also suggested a new ethnic peace negotiation team may be established to lead talks with the government in 2016, which is likely set for a makeover after this Sunday's general election. A statement issued at the conclusion of the Panghsang dialogue on Tuesday called on the government to conduct free, fair and transparent elections and for any new administration to uphold the rights of ethnic nationalities, resolve conflict and pursue national reconciliation. The statement also referenced seeking the assistance of China to help guide peace negotiations with the government and bring stability to northern Burma. The post Wa Leader Suggests Chinese Mediation Could Help Halt Conflict in Northern Burma appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

After Weeks on the Run, ‘Penis Poet’ Arrested in Rangoon Posted: 05 Nov 2015 03:23 AM PST Maung Saungkha, 23, was apprehended at Rangoon's Kamayut Township Courthouse on Nov. 5, 2015. (Photo: Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy) RANGOON — A young poet on the run from authorities was arrested on Thursday on charges of defamation after he posted a verse on social media suggesting he had a tattoo of the president on his penis. Maung Saungkha, 23, was apprehended at Rangoon's Kamayut Township Courthouse, where he was attending the trial of his friend and fellow activist, Kyaw Ko Ko, who was arrested late last month for participation in student demonstrations earlier this year. The verse in question—posted on Facebook and reading roughly, "I have the president's portrait tattooed on my penis / How disgusted my wife is"—prompted a warning from President's Office director Zaw Htay, also known as Hmuu Zaw, to "be prepared to take responsibility" for the post. Maung Saungkha fled his home when he was informed that a case had been filed against him under Article 66(d) of Burma's Telecommunications Law, spending nearly a month in hiding. The law carries a penalty of up to three years in prison. The controversial law has been leveled against two other people in recent weeks; aid worker Patrick Khum Jaa Lee and Than Tun, a member of the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), were both arrested on the charge over posting images viewed as offensive on their Facebook. The former is in detention at Rangoon's Insein Prison, while the latter was recently released on bail. In a similar case, Chaw Sandi Tun, a young supporter of the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD), was arrested in early October after sharing a digitally altered image comparing military uniforms to women's clothing. Chaw Sandi Tun was charged with violating the Electronic Transactions Law, and faces up to five years behind bars if found guilty. The post After Weeks on the Run, 'Penis Poet' Arrested in Rangoon appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Aung San Suu Kyi’s Political Life in Pictures Posted: 04 Nov 2015 11:31 PM PST Click to view slideshow. Aung San Suu Kyi will lead Burma's main opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), into Sunday's poll with high hopes for a formidable electoral showing. The NLD chairwoman, who much to the chagrin of her legion of supporters remains constitutionally barred from assuming the country's highest office, is recontesting the Lower House seat of Kawhmu Township in the southwest of Rangoon Division. The daughter of renowned independence hero Gen Aung San, Suu Kyi has negotiated the highs and lows of public life under a notorious military regime—from long periods of house arrest, including during general elections in 1990 and 2010, to a violent attack on her motorcade by regime-backed thugs at Depayin in 2003. In 1991, Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, an honor she was finally able to accept in person in Oslo in June 2012, just two months after winning a seat in Burma's Parliament, alongside over 40 of her NLD colleagues, in an April by-election. Here, The Irrawaddy brings together a selection of photos that highlight a few key meetings and moments in Suu Kyi's political life over the last 25 years, from a recent meeting with the Chinese president in Beijing to a visit to the site of a controversial copper mine in Sagaing Division in 2013. The post Aung San Suu Kyi's Political Life in Pictures appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Karen Leader: ‘If They Keep Attacking Us, There Will Be No Peace’ Posted: 04 Nov 2015 09:36 PM PST David Tharckabaw speaks at the KNU Congress at the KNU headquarters in Law Khee Lar, Karen State, November 2012. (Photo: Karen National Union) This week, representatives of a number of Burma's ethnic armed groups convened in Wa Special Region for a political strategy summit among those that abstained from a recent ceasefire accord with the government. Attendees met for three days with the aim of establishing a path forward between non-ceasefire groups a new government set to take power early next year, following a general election to be held on Sunday. Two participants took some observers by surprise: David Tharckabaw and Zipporah Sein, both members of the Karen National Union (KNU), which signed the ceasefire agreement with the government on Oct. 15. Both representatives attended the summit on behalf of the Karen National Defense Organization (KNDO), a non-signatory, rather than the KNU. Neither was present at the ceasefire signing ceremony, indicating a growing divide within the powerful KNU. The Irrawaddy spoke with Tharckabaw on the sidelines of the summit in the Wa capital Panghsang about the KNDO's objectives and motivations for attending the summit, and his views on the peace deal recently signed by other factions within the Karen political leadership. We would like to know about the KNDO's stance. The KNU has already signed the "nationwide ceasefire agreement" (NCA), so why did you come here? The stance of our KNDO is that we wanted to see a nationwide peace agreement on the right track. What's happening now is that there was some pressure from the government, and the KNU had to sign the NCA. This was not a real nationwide ceasefire, it was a fake NCA. For our KNDO, we will continue to work with our alliance of ethnic armed forces to reach a real nationwide agreement. Some foreign NGOs have destroyed the house of the UNFC [United Nationalities Federal Council, Burma's main ethnic alliance]. The house of the UNFC was broken already, and their members divided into different parts. These [NGOs] destroyed the unity of our ethnic groups. For those who signed the NCA, they could not come here [to the Panghsang summit]. Their house was destroyed and they were divided. The KNDO and the KNU have the same fundamental standpoint, but some leaders did not walk on the right path. Our right stance is that we need to work and cooperate with our alliance of ethnic armed forces. Then our alliance will fight for equal rights and the right to govern ourselves with self-determination for our ethnic region. Our KNDO stance is that if we do not have our allied force, we need to form it. In the case that we need to lead our alliance, we need to prepare for that. This is our stance. We do not want to lose our path, which is why we will continue to work with our alliance of ethnic armed forces. Do you worry that the Burmese government will cause problems because you joined this summit despite the fact that the KNU signed the NCA? Why would I have to worry about the Burmese government just because I came here? They attacked our ethnic groups, one by one. We asked them to stop it, but they did not care about that. So why would I worry about them attacking us? Their actions are similar to colonial actions, but we have a brotherhood as ethnic groups. If they keep attacking us, there will be no peace. The majority of Burmese do not support the current government. They are a group of Burmese extremists. They are very proud of themselves as they feel they are the majority in the country. Indeed, they are actually a minority ethnic group. Many Burmese are ethnic people, but they lie to us about our history. Many Karen Burmese are listed as Burmese. They have attacked our ethnic groups since our country became independent. The first group they attacked was the ethnic Karen. After Ne Win oppressed the ethnic groups, many formed armed groups and our country has had no peace since then. As long as they keep using force to solve political conflict, our country will continue to be poor. What would you do to bring unity back to the Karen leadership? We are willing to join hands with the KNU, but we will keep our hand in the distance; not shake hands closely, but maintain a distance. The Euro-Burma Office (EBO) is the main NGO that has destroyed the unity of the ethnic groups. Their money came from the European Union. Our men took that money, and the ideas of the NGOs were installed in their brains. Our men were genuine people; they did not understand whether those ideas were right or wrong. They believed it, and they signed [the ceasefire]. Our KNU talked to them [the government] seven or eight times about reaching a ceasefire, but they only told us to disarm. If we do that, then who will protect the Karen people? We will maintain our forces and defend our people and our region. If there is a better way to work with the government, we will do it. This is what we want to see for the future of our Union. Correction, Nov. 5, 2015 – a previous version of this interview incorrectly stated that the KNU met with the EBO seven or eight times to discuss the ceasefire agreement. Those meetings were held between the KNU and the Burmese government. The post Karen Leader: 'If They Keep Attacking Us, There Will Be No Peace' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Indian Police Detain Hundreds Before Modi Visits Kashmir Posted: 04 Nov 2015 09:30 PM PST Kashmiri villagers stand on the embankment of a house to watch the funeral procession of a separatist militant and civilian at Redwani village, south of Srinagar, June 22, 2015. (Photo: Danish Ismail / Reuters) SRINAGAR, India — Indian authorities detained key separatist leaders and hundreds of their supporters to prevent them from holding a protest rally during a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kashmir this weekend, police said Wednesday. Separatists have called for a march by a million people near the site of Modi's public meeting in Srinagar on Saturday, challenging India's sovereignty over the disputed region. Separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Shabir Ahmed Shah have been put under house arrest, while Mohammed Yasin Malik has been detained at a police station, police said. Preventive arrests are fairly common in the Indian-administered portion of Kashmir, particularly ahead of important events that authorities fear could be targeted by anti-India protests. "Our rally is to showcase to the world that Kashmiris reject India's brutal military occupation of Kashmir," Geelani said in a statement. Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, who rules the Indian portion of Kashmir in coalition with Modi's Bharatiya Janta Party, said Modi "genuinely wants to win the hearts and minds of people" through the region's development. Modi is scheduled to inaugurate a power project in the area and offer economic assistance. However, a key pro-India Kashmiri leader, Omar Abdullah, denounced the arrest of hundreds of Kashmiri people. He tweeted that Modi's "Srinagar rally will be historic—for the number of people arrested to make the rally possible." Government forces have rounded up about 300 people, mostly during night raids on their homes this week, a police officer said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media. Hundreds of troops have been checking government and private vehicles entering Srinagar, the main city in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir, for suspected militants or separatist activists. Inspector-General Syed Javaid Mujtaba Gillani said the detentions were part of a "usual security drill" in the region. "Police are taking precautionary measures as we apprehend breach of peace during the prime minister's visit. There's nothing unusual about these detentions," he said. Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, which both claim the entire region. Separatist groups have been fighting for Kashmir's independence or merger with neighboring Pakistan since 1989. An estimated 68,000 people have died in the fighting and the ensuing crackdown by Indian forces. Kashmiris often express their opposition to Indian rule through street demonstrations since Indian troops largely suppressed the armed uprising. CAPTION:     Kashmiri villagers stand on the embankment of a house to watch the funeral procession of a separatist militant and civilian at Redwani village, south of Srinagar, June 22, 2015. (Photo: Danish Ismail / Reuters) The post Indian Police Detain Hundreds Before Modi Visits Kashmir appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Thai Junta Turns to Populist Subsidies to Ease Farmer Tensions Posted: 04 Nov 2015 09:24 PM PST A rice mill worker pushes a cart with rice bags in Udon Thani, Thailand, September 16, 2015. (Photo: Jorge Silva / Reuters) BANGKOK — Thailand's junta has approved US$1.3 billion in rural subsidies, akin to the populist policies of the government it ousted, to appease disgruntled and politically powerful farmers who are struggling with record low commodity prices and weak exports. The rural heartland of Thailand's deposed leader Yingluck Shinawatra and her exiled billionaire brother Thaksin is hurting as a result of the military government's economic policies, stirring discontent and the threat of protests. The military government had pledged to wean farmers off expensive subsidies used by the previous government which it ousted in a 2014 coup. But last week it approved measures worth around $1 billion to help rice farmers and on Tuesday gave the greenlight to $365 million to help rubber farmers who had threatened to rally in defiance of a ban on political gatherings. "In a situation of economic difficulty they have to stimulate consumption and what they think is: give grassroots people money and it will circulate," said Gothom Arya, an advisor to the Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies at Bangkok's Mahidol University. "Though the junta's action is exactly the same as previous governments, they claim that this time money will not leak," said Arya. Such measures would have been unthinkable immediately after the coup which ushered in a junta pledging to "clean up" Thailand and move the country away from corruption associated with politicians and their populist policies. But seventeen months on, incomes in rural areas, where more than 34 million Thais live, have collapsed and farmers in the world's second-biggest rice exporter and top rubber exporter have been calling for the re-introduction of subsidies. Junta Failing to Soothe Tensions Thailand's farmers have been at the center of a decade of political turmoil. Military attempts to disperse 10 weeks of protests by Thaksin's "red shirt" supporters in 2010 left scores dead and sparked the worst violence in modern Thai history. The subsidies are the latest in a raft of measures, including soft loans through village funds, by Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, one of the architects of Shinawatra's populist policies, to appease farmers and boost the economy. But while aid is rising, farmers remain critical of the junta, which has not guaranteed crop prices as farmers demand, and their measures are far from the scale of Yingluck's schemes. "Rubber prices drop. We make less money. I would rather see the government help raise rubber prices," said Samai Sribang, 58, a rubber farmer. A Yingluck rice program which paid almost 50 percent above global market prices, cost around $14 billion, and fueled criticism of vote-buying. She also spent $620 million building rubber stockpiles under a price support program. In January, a military-appointed legislature impeached Yingluck for negligence over the rice scheme that distorted markets and built up massive rice stockpiles. The post Thai Junta Turns to Populist Subsidies to Ease Farmer Tensions appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Cambodia Charges 3 after Mob Attack on Opposition Lawmakers Posted: 04 Nov 2015 09:19 PM PST Protesters gather in front of the Phnom Penh home of Kem Sokha, vice president of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), to demand his resignation on Oct. 26. (Photo: Samrang Pring / Reuters) PHNOM PENH — A Cambodian court on Wednesday indicted three men in the mob beating of two opposition lawmakers outside of the National Assembly last week, which left one of the lawmakers knocked out cold. Rights groups have demanded an independent investigation into the assault that appeared to have been carried out by supporters of Prime Minister Hun Sen, the country’s longtime authoritarian leader. The three suspects, who police say turned themselves in Tuesday and confessed, were charged with two counts of intention to commit violence and intention to damage property. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, said Meas Chan Piseth, a prosecutor at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court. The suspects were identified as Chay Sarith, 33, Mao Hoeun, 34, and Suth Vanny, 45. Lawmakers Nhoy Chamreoun and Kong Sakphea were dragged from their cars and beaten after leaving an Oct. 26 session of the assembly. Both men were repeatedly punched and kicked and their cars were damaged. They were attacked by members of a pro-government mob protesting outside the assembly to demand that Kem Sokha, the deputy leader of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, step down as the parliamentary vice president. Many in the mob were wearing pieces of red cloth, a trademark of vigilantes connected to the ruling party. Kem Sokha has been more aggressive than party leader Sam Rainsy in his criticism of Hun Sen, who has been in power for almost three decades and is known for intimidating his opponents. “We hope there will be a proper inquiry to find justice,” Sam Rainsy posted on Facebook late Tuesday, calling for an investigation into the attack to be carried out “properly, professionally and independently.” The calls for an outside investigation were echoed by Human Rights Watch, which said in a statement that Sakphea’s nose was broken and his right eardrum torn, requiring an operation, while Chamreoun’s right wrist and nose were broken and he underwent a five-hour eye operation due to injuries from the beating. In the past two years in Cambodia, gangs of man with sticks, staves and other homemade weapons have often confronted protests by the opposition and other dissidents, while police stand aside. The post Cambodia Charges 3 after Mob Attack on Opposition Lawmakers appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

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National News

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• School students found on village voter list
• USDP denies rumours of U Shwe Mann dismissal
• NLD uses video message to reach Coco Islands voters
• In Hinthada, a tale of two rallies as USDP and NLD go head-to-head
• NLD accuses president of violating constitution
• Two more student leaders face hearing, charges
• In shadow of election, UN to examine human rights record
• Intrepid candidate bids for Mandalay
• Voters fret about unexplained holes in ballots
• One-woman march on capital to free prisoners

School students found on village voter list Posted: 05 Nov 2015 04:50 AM PST Middle-school students' names have been included on the voter list in Mandalay Region's Natogyi township, according to a complaint filed by the National League for Democracy.

USDP denies rumours of U Shwe Mann dismissal Posted: 04 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST The Union Solidarity and Development Party has dismissed as a rumour a report that Thura U Shwe Mann had been fired from the party.

NLD uses video message to reach Coco Islands voters Posted: 04 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST Opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi yesterday urged Coco Islands voters to show courage by voting for her party. In a message delivered by video, the NLD leader called on them to consider the future of the country.

In Hinthada, a tale of two rallies as USDP and NLD go head-to-head Posted: 04 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST Back-to-back rallies for the National League for Democracy and the Union Solidarity and Development Party in Hinthada township, Ayeyarwady Region, showed serious support for the opposition party that will threaten the incumbent candidate, despite his being a hometown hero.

NLD accuses president of violating constitution Posted: 04 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST The National League for Democracy has accused President U Thein Sein of violating the constitution by conducting election campaigns for the Union Solidarity and Development Party, despite being barred from party activities under the 2008 constitution.

Two more student leaders face hearing, charges Posted: 04 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST Two prominent student activists who spent almost eight months in hiding from police are set to appear in court today to face five charges related to education law protests, according to their families.

In shadow of election, UN to examine human rights record Posted: 04 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST Held every four years, the Universal Periodic Review examines progress toward agreed human rights targets

Intrepid candidate bids for Mandalay Posted: 04 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST U Khin Maung Thein is one the few candidates who openly state that he isn't afraid of Buddhist nationalist group Ma Ba Tha. It's quite an assertion for the only Muslim candidate running in Mandalay's five urban townships, and one of just a handful in the whole race.

Voters fret about unexplained holes in ballots Posted: 04 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST In one Magwe Region village, ballot papers have developed a strange feature: holes no one can explain.

One-woman march on capital to free prisoners Posted: 04 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST A woman is marching alone to Nay Pyi Taw to see President U Thein Sein with a single demand: free prisoners jailed under the Unlawful Associations Act. Daw Nan Mu Kham says she is acting on behalf of those imprisoned for contact with groups that have now been removed from the list of illegal associations after signing the nationwide ceasefire agreement last month.

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Shan Herald Agency for News

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Conflict in Shan State leads to school closures for over 1,200 students Posted: 05 Nov 2015 03:53 AM PST Ongoing armed conflict has led to the closure of 14 schools, affecting about 1,250 children in three townships in central Shan State's Loilem District, according to a report released by the Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF) on Tuesday. Primary school in Kunhing Township, near the areas of active conflict in Loilem District, where 14 schools have been closed (Photo credit: Shan Youth Power) Nang Hseng Hearn, a Shan language teacher in Mong Hsu Township, told SHAN that the new semester is supposed to begin shortly, but many children in the area have been displaced by the continued clashes and are now unable to attend school. "Villagers are afraid to go back home, so how can the schools open when there is no one living in the village?" Nang Hseng Hearn said. "Now we are preparing to build a temporary school for the children so that they have a place to study," she added. Shelling throughout October by the Burma Army—beginning a week before the October 15 signing of a ceasefire agreement with eight ethnic armed groups—has forced more than 6,000 people from their homes in Kesi, Mong Hsu and Mong Nong Townships. These areas are controlled by the Shan State Progressive Party/Shan State Army-North (SSPP/SSA-N), who, like the majority of ethnic armed organizations, was not a signatory to the agreement. Statistics on the destruction caused by the current offensives differ: according to SHRF, 22 villages have suffered damage or displacement from the fighting, but local SHAN sources claim that 50 villages—nearly 1,400 households—have been impacted. The affected villages include Wan Hai, Wan Ba Kee, Wan Par Moong, Wan Koon Keng, Wan Nur, Wan Lwe, Nam Soam, Nar Bea, Mong Ak, Wan Kyaung and Wan Tam. Data on education is difficult to obtain in Shan State's war zones. In 2012, SHAN reportedon the state of primary education in a fourth township in Loilem District: Kunhing, which, like the three mentioned above, is also classified as a conflict area. Graduate research conducted by a Shan education scholar, Nang Zawm Aye, revealed that only one-third of Kunhing's children were enrolled in school, and up to 75 percent of the township's children do not finish primary school. According to the study, one of the factors contributing to low graduation rates in the area is "hostility" from the Burma Army.  By SAI AW / Shan Herald Agency for News (S.H.A.N.)

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Real Estate Pro: ‘Overall, the Market Has Cooled Down’
• Fugitive Student Detained in Rangoon, Second Activist Arrest in One Week
• Bhutanese Getting More Sleep, Lifting Happiness Index
• China’s Vice President Pledges Support in Rare Afghanistan Visit
• Taiwan, Chinese Presidents to Meet for First Time Since ’49
• Spurred by Burma Radicals, Thai Buddhists Push for State Religion Status

Real Estate Pro: ‘Overall, the Market Has Cooled Down’ Posted: 04 Nov 2015 04:14 AM PST Than Oo, managing director of the Mandine Real Estate Agency. (Photo: Steve Tickner / The Irrawaddy) Since earlier this year, Rangoon's formerly dynamic real estate market has seen a striking cool-down in key locations in the city. While many factors have contributed to this economic malaise, Burma's Nov. 8 general election, which is hoped to be the country's freest and fairest in decades, has surely played a part. Because of the uncertainty surrounding the current political climate, many investors, both local and international, are approaching Burma's real estate market with a wait-and-see attitude. Than Oo, managing director of the Mandine Real Estate Agency and vice chairman of the Myanmar Real Estate Services Association, spoke with The Irrawaddy this week about the future of Burma's real estate market.   Many people have said that Rangoon's real estate market has cooled down because of the country's historic election, scheduled for Nov. 8. Is this true? Yes, this is true in some places [in Rangoon]. Overall, the market has cooled down. For instance, the market for luxury houses as well as land in project areas is rather sluggish. But there are still small-amount dealings—dealings worth less than 100 million kyats—in other places. And as we are now in the Thadingyut period [the seventh month of Burma's calendar, and when many people are moving after the three-month rainy reason], rental agreements are also being renewed. Do you mean that Rangoon's lucrative real estate market has crashed? There are still high-value dealings, but now they are few and far between, unlike between 2011 and 2013. A number of factors have contributed to the decline, as we are currently seeing. But now the decline is also largely because of the election. Everyone is approaching it with a wait-and-see attitude. Do you think that the real estate market will bounce back after the election, and if so, why? We're waiting for that to happen. The real estate market depends on Burma's economy, and Burma's economy depends on politics. The country's politics need to pave the way for economic development. Both local and international communities are waiting to see what happens. A comparison of foreign investments between May and now makes the issue plain. In May, foreign investments totaled just over US$56 billion, but there has been little change in this figure since then. Western countries in particular are coming at the situation with a wait-and-see attitude. And if these big economies are taking this approach, then other countries will surely follow suit. They'll keep an eye not only on the real estate sector but also on other economic sectors. In fact, all of Burma's economic sectors, not just the real estate market, are sluggish and are cooling down. What places in Rangoon that were once lively are now seeing a cool-down in the real estate market? This cool-down is happening in many townships, but it's particularly been in Bahan, Mayangon, Kamayut, and Sanchaung townships where the market for high-price property has declined. There was formerly a vibrant property market—including the market for condominiums— in South Okkalapa, North Dagon, and in industrial zone areas such as Dagon Seikkan, Dagon South, and Dagon East. But now the market has started to stagger in these places, too. There are two sectors of the property market—sales and rental. Though the sales market is slowing down, the rental market is doing well, but it's still not as extraordinarily lively as it was between 2007 and 2014. Do you think that we'll see positive changes in the real estate market if the new government is able to adopt clear policies regarding the property market? Because Burma's property market is linked to its economy, the new government must adopt  good economic policies in tandem with good political policies. At the same time, the economic and foreign policies of Burma's neighbors will affect the markets here. Some have withdrawn investments, while for others investment has been low. There are also various other factors [that have affected the property market] aside from the election, such as the heavy flooding in June and July that caused serious damage in 12 divisions and states. Added to this are the problems of corruption and bribery that have benefitted cronies and rich people who have laundered money by investing in the property market. Everyone says that the property market is the best place to launder money. Will this change under the new government? This is why we have to wait and see how the election goes. I don't want to talk about hopes before we have seen any results. But seeing as how the main opposition leader [Aung San Suu Kyi of the National League for Democracy] has recently said that she would not hold any grudges but rather cooperate [with those currently in power, if the NLD wins a majority in the election], I don't think that she will retaliate against those who did very bad things in the past. What will happen if the Condominium Law is enacted next year? There may be changes if the Condominium Law is enacted. The law was drafted in 2013. It is taking a long time for it to be enacted because [the government] does not want to allow foreigners to own land [in Burma]. But I don't know if the leaders of our country know or not that foreigners already illegally own land in Burma. The post Real Estate Pro: 'Overall, the Market Has Cooled Down' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Fugitive Student Detained in Rangoon, Second Activist Arrest in One Week Posted: 04 Nov 2015 12:47 AM PST Lin Htet Naing and his wife, jailed student activist Phyo Phyo Aung. (Photo: ABFSU) RANGOON — Student activist Lin Htet Naing, also known simply as "James," was arrested late Tuesday for his role the education reform protest movement, after spending more than seven months in hiding. Lin Htet Naing, who is married to jailed activist Phyo Phyo Aung, was the second student demonstrator to be apprehended in less than a week, after fellow fugitive Kyaw Ko Ko was arrested last Thursday. Speaking to The Irrawaddy by phone on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the All Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU) confirmed that Lin Htet Naing had been found, arrested and transported to an unknown location in police custody. "We can only confirm that he is detained by police, but we don't know where he is and I am very worried about it," said Aung Nay Paing of ABFSU, adding that the 27-year-old had been detained while on a bus heading to Shwepyithar Township. Following his arrest, Special Branch officers searched Lin Htet Naing's home around 10am on Wednesday morning, interrogating one of his family members and confiscating some of his financial assets. "The police confirmed that they arrested James but they didn't want to tell me where he is," his aunt, Myint Myint Sein, told The Irrawaddy after officers left their family home. Lin Htet Naing's relatives are now waiting at the Kamayut Township Court where they believe he will be taken for arraignment. An arrest warrant was issued for Lin Htet Naing in earlier this year, just after a brutal March 10 crackdown on student demonstrators in Letpadan, Pegu Division, that initially landed more than 100 students and supporters in jail. Lin Htet Naing faces charges of unlawful assembly, rioting and incitement for his role in a solidarity protest that took place on the same day in Rangoon's Hledan Township. More than 60 people are in Thayawady Prison on charges relating to the March 10 protest, the violent conclusion of six weeks of nationwide protests against Burma's National Education Law. Most have been in detention for nearly eight months, facing prison terms of up to nine and a half years and sitting through a trial subject to numerous adjournments and walkouts by the presiding judge. International and domestic rights bodies—including the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission—have called for the release of all prisoners of conscience and student activists in detention before a general election to be held on Nov. 8. Aung Nay Paing of ABFSU said the recent "crackdown" on remaining activists indicates the government's reluctance to allow free participation in the polls. "The government is afraid of an all-inclusive election," he said, "so they detain the students and the politicians beforehand." The post Fugitive Student Detained in Rangoon, Second Activist Arrest in One Week appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Bhutanese Getting More Sleep, Lifting Happiness Index Posted: 03 Nov 2015 11:19 PM PST Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay addresses a plenary meeting of the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit 2015 at the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan, New York, September 25, 2015. (Photo: Andrew Kelly / Reuters) NEW DELHI — People in Bhutan are happier now than they were five years ago, according to a survey of social wellbeing released by the tiny Himalayan kingdom that, among other things, measures whether they are getting enough sleep. Mostly Buddhist Bhutan, wedged between China and India, launched the Gross National Happiness (GNH) index in 2010 to include indicators ignored by conventional GDP—the monetary value of all goods and services produced in a country. These range from quality-of-life indicators like leisure time and forest cover to whether people experience negative emotions like anger and envy. Addressing a conference on GNH in the capital Thimphu on Tuesday, Prime Minister Lyonchoen Tshering Tobgay said the index inched up to 0.756 this year from 0.743 in 2010, but that he did not know yet what was a good growth rate. The constitutional monarchy's goal is for every citizen to be "extensively or deeply happy," compared with the current figure of 43.4 percent. "We saw some modest gains in areas such as living standards, health and time use," Tobgay said, according to a copy of his speech, adding that 7 percent more Bhutanese got enough sleep in 2015 than in 2010. "But in other areas such as community vitality and psychological wellbeing indicators, we actually seem to lose ground." The gross national income of Bhutan—which until the 1960s was an isolated rural society with no currency, telephones, schools, hospitals or public services—has been consistently higher than that of South Asia as a whole, according to World Bank data from 2006 to 2014. But Rajesh Kharat, who teaches South Asian studies at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University and advises the government of Bhutan, says GNH's benefits have been confined to towns where communication is better. "GNH has become internationally popular but yet to reach a single person in the villages," Kharat said. "The main thing is education. Most of the people in rural areas have not really understood whether Bhutan is a monarchy or a democracy." Tobgay too said he was troubled that the improvement in the GNH was strongest in towns instead of "our fields and valleys and hamlets high up in the mist," a worrying sign for the landlocked country. More than half its 349,000 labor force still works in agriculture. "We must find ways of energizing GNH in rural areas, so young people build their careers and families in our beautiful villages as mature modern men and women, and don't only yearn for the city lights," he said. The post Bhutanese Getting More Sleep, Lifting Happiness Index appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

China’s Vice President Pledges Support in Rare Afghanistan Visit Posted: 03 Nov 2015 09:28 PM PST Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao, left, and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani attend a signing ceremony of mutual agreements in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Nov. 3, 2015. (Photo: Ahmad Masood / Reuters) KABUL, Afghanistan — China's vice president pledged infrastructure and security support for Afghanistan on Tuesday, signing several deals during a rare high-level Chinese visit to Kabul. China says it does not seek to fill a void left by a drawdown of most foreign troops in Afghanistan at the end of last year, but has promised to play a "huge" commercial role in helping rebuild the country, where the Taliban seek to re-establish their Islamist regime. Some experts, however, argue that the benefits of Chinese aid and investment in Afghanistan have yet to fully materialize amid the deteriorating security situation there. Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao told Afghan President Ashraf Ghani that Beijing would provide 500 million yuan (US$79 million) this year to help build housing in the capital Kabul. "China is willing to help Afghanistan formulate infrastructure plans to strengthen interconnectedness and intercommunication with surrounding countries," Li said in a speech that was broadcast on Afghan state television. Ghani said the funds will help build 10,000 residential apartments in Kabul, and that China also pledged to provide "special security devices" to scan vehicles entering the capital. "Unfortunately two countries which are committed to peace and stability are in danger from regional and international terrorism," Ghani said in comments that were also carried on television. "Our discussions were based on how to bring under control and eliminate those ominous phenomena which are obstacles to stability, prosperity and cooperation in the region," Ghani said, calling China "a factor to bring peace in Afghanistan." Trouble at Home It was unclear if the deals went beyond the billions of yuan in commitments China announced last fall when Ghani made his first trip abroad as president to Beijing. Li's trip had not been publicly announced in advance, though it is not unusual for senior foreign officials not to give prior notice of their visits to Afghanistan for security reasons. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Kabul in 2014. Former Chinese domestic security chief Zhou Yongkang, who was felled in a domestic political scandal, visited in 2012 and signed deals to help train and equip Afghan police. China has become increasingly concerned about what it calls extremists and separatists in its western region of Xinjiang, where violence has killed hundreds in recent years, and sees security in Afghanistan as key to stability at home. Rights groups, however, blame the unrest in Xinjiang on frustration of the largely Muslim Uighur people from the region over China's controls on their culture and religion, charges Beijing denies. The post China's Vice President Pledges Support in Rare Afghanistan Visit appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Taiwan, Chinese Presidents to Meet for First Time Since ’49 Posted: 03 Nov 2015 09:18 PM PST Activists shout slogans to protest against the meeting between Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou and Chinese President Xi Jinping while police officers stand guard in front of the Presidential Office in Taipei, Taiwan, on Nov. 4, 2015. (Photo: Pichi Chuang / Reuters) BEIJING — The presidents of China and Taiwan will meet this weekend for the first time since civil war divided their lands 66 years ago, their governments said Wednesday, a highly symbolic move that reflects quickly improving relations between the formerly bitter Cold War foes. The meeting Saturday in Singapore between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Taiwanese counterpart Ma Ying-jeou could be China's last to press its case for closer economic and, ultimately political ties, before Taiwan elects a new president and legislature in January that could put the brakes on Ma's pro-China initiatives. For Ma's ruling Nationalists, who have been lagging at the polls, it could boost their credentials for driving progress in relations with China, but also carries the risk of appearing too close to Beijing, further damaging their chances with skeptical voters. Presidents of the two sides have not met since Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalists lost the Chinese civil war to Mao Zedong's Communists and the Nationalists rebased in Taiwan 160 kilometers (100 miles) away in 1949. The two sides have been separately ruled since then, with Taiwan evolving into a freewheeling democracy. China insists that the two sides eventually reunite, by force if necessary. Confirmation of the meeting from the Chinese cabinet's Taiwan Affairs Office came hours after the Taiwanese side announced the meeting earlier Wednesday. The two would be meeting in their capacity as "leaders of the two sides" of the Taiwan Strait, office director Zhang Zhijun was quoted as saying in a news release posted on the office's website. That appeared to afford them equal status, possibly an effort to blunt criticism from the pro-independence opposition in Taiwan who accuse Ma's Nationalist Party of pandering to China's ruling Communists. "This is a pragmatic arrangement under the situation of the irresolution of cross-strait political differences on the basis of the one-China principle," Zhang said, a reference to Beijing's insistence that Taiwan and the mainland are part of a single Chinese nation. The two sides never talked formally until Ma, president since 2008, set aside old hostilities to allow lower-level official meetings. China and Taiwan have signed 23 deals covering mainly trade, transit and investment, binding Taiwan closer to its top trading partner and the world's second-largest economy. Taiwanese presidential spokesman Charles Chen said in a statement Wednesday that the two would exchange ideas about relations but not sign any deals. The choice of Singapore as venue was significant because the Southeast Asian city-state with an ethnic Chinese majority population has strong relations with both Taiwan and China and serves as neutral ground. Singapore hosted breakthrough talks between unofficial Taiwanese and Chinese negotiators in 1992 that established a formula whereby they acknowledge that there is only one China, of which Taiwan is a part, but differ on the exact interpretation. Although Beijing insists on the so-called "1992 consensus" as the basis for talks, Taiwan's main opposition Democratic Progressive Party has refused to embrace it, calling it meaningless and unrepresentative of popular sentiment on the island. Ma is stepping down as president next year after his maximum two terms, and the DPP's candidate Tsai Ing-wen is considered the front-runner to replace him. A DPP victory could prompt a sweeping reassessment of its Taiwan polices by Beijing, which has hoped that economic inducements would lead to greater acceptance of eventual political unification. Ma's government has come under increasing criticism at home for cozying up to China, amid fears Beijing will eventually leverage economic relations to exert more power over the island. Such sentiments helped the DPP to a landslide victory a year ago in local elections, raising the possibility it might win not only the presidency but also a majority in legislative elections also being held Jan. 16. Given the chances of a Nationalist defeat, China is likely to proceed cautiously to avoid further alienating Taiwanese voters. Xi warned Taiwan in 2013 against putting off political differences from generation to generation. China has long advocated a Hong Kong-style one-country, two-system form of joint rule, in which Beijing controls Taiwan but the island of 23 million retains control of its political, legal and economic affairs. That approach has little currency in Taiwan, where most favor the current state of de-facto independence. The statement from Ma's spokesman said the two presidents will meet to "solidify Taiwan-mainland relations and keep the status quo across the Taiwan Strait." "To hold a meeting across the Taiwan Strait is the consistent goal of leaders on both sides," Ma's spokesman said in the statement. "President Ma recently has repeated many times that 'at the right time and on the right occasion and in the right capacity,' he would not rule out a meeting." Taiwanese officials planned to hold a news conference about the Singapore meeting later Wednesday, and Ma planned to hold one on Thursday. In Washington, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the United States would welcome steps taken on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to try to reduce tensions and improve relations, but added, "we'll have to see what actually comes out of the meeting." Ma is likely hoping for some reassurance from Xi over the use of force and closer economic ties that could help Nationalist Presidential candidate Eric Chu in the polls, said Hong Kong Chinese politics expert Willy Lam. Xi, for his part, likewise hopes a friendly, non-threatening meeting could give the Nationalists a boost, while showing a Chinese domestic audience that he could be the best bet in decades for achieving unification. "This could be good for his reputation and a feather in his cap," said Lam. While the meeting is meant to showcase the Nationalist's adeptness at dealing with China, it carries significant risks for the party, said Sean King, senior vice president with the consultancy Park Strategies in New York and a frequent commentator on Asian affairs. "This meeting will only hurt the Nationalists at home, as it will cause them to even more be seen as Beijing's preferred Taiwan party," King said. "This could be the mainland's last chance to liaise with the Nationalist Party, while it's in power, for years to come." The post Taiwan, Chinese Presidents to Meet for First Time Since '49 appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Spurred by Burma Radicals, Thai Buddhists Push for State Religion Status Posted: 03 Nov 2015 09:07 PM PST Buddhist monks sit during a news conference by the radical Buddhist group Ma Ba Tha at their head office in Rangoon, October 2, 2015. (Photo: Soe Zeya Tun / Reuters) BANGKOK — A campaign to enshrine Buddhism as Thailand's state religion has been galvanized by a radical Buddhist movement in neighboring Burma that is accused of stoking religious tension, the leader of the Thai bid said. Experts say the campaign could appeal to Thailand's military junta, which is struggling for popularity 18 months after staging a coup, and tap into growing anti-Muslim sentiment in a country that prides itself on religious tolerance. While Buddhists form an overwhelming majority in both countries, Thailand has avoided the nationwide religious violence that has killed hundreds of people in Burma, most of them Muslims. Now, Thai campaigners want Buddhism to be made the country's official religion in a new constitution. They draw inspiration from Ma Ba Tha, a powerful monk-led group that pushed Burma's government to pass a raft of pro-Buddhist legislation. "What happened in Burma confirms our suspicions that Buddhism is threatened by various subtle means," said Thai campaigner Banjob Bannaruji, who chairs the Committee to Promote Buddhism as the State Religion. Banjob said Thai Buddhists have pushed for the state religion law for many decades, but Burma's example had spurred them to speed up "concrete efforts to make it happen". Thailand's constitution was scrapped after the military seized power in May 2014 and handpicked a committee to write a new one. It must pass a referendum before a general election, possibly in 2017, can restore a semblance of democracy. A previous attempt to include Buddhism as the state religion in the 2007 constitution, written after an earlier military coup, went nowhere. But campaigners stand a better chance this time round, said Ekachai Chainuvati, a constitutional law expert at Siam University in Bangkok. Adopting Buddhism as a state religion could give the constitution more popular appeal and improve its chances of passing a referendum, he said. Amorn Wanichwiwatana, spokesman for the Constitution Drafting Committee, said he could not comment on the likelihood of the idea being adopted. "But we have to listen to every suggestion," he said. 'Neglected Religion' Burma's military-backed government this year passed four so-called "race and religion protection" laws at Ma Ba Tha's behest. Human rights groups say the laws discriminate against Muslims and women. While Ma Ba Tha's influence has grown, Thai Buddhism has been shaken by scandal. Monks have been accused of stealing, hoarding narcotics or having sex, prompting many to call for an overhaul of the religion. The state religion law would allow future governments to better oversee monks and reform a "neglected religion," said campaigner Banjob. His group plans to collect a million signatures at religious functions and via the internet to petition the Constitution Drafting Committee. Government statistics do not suggest a religion in decline. In the past decade, the number of Buddhist temples rose by 15 percent to about 39,000. Thailand has about 350,000 monks. Even so, said Somchai Surachatri, spokesman for the National Office of Buddhism, a government agency tasked with nurturing the religion, Buddhism could one day be "devoured." He spoke of receiving text messages warning that Muslims were buying up land to build mosques in every Thai province. "That's why Buddhists have been uneasy and feel the need to protect their religion," he said. Such remarks carry echoes of Ma Ba Tha, which claims Islam is eclipsing Buddhism in Burma. Sunai Phasuk, a Thailand researcher for Human Rights Watch, said there was "an increasing sense of suspicion" towards Muslims. Recent protests by monks and laypeople have halted the construction of mosques and a halal food factory in northern Thailand. Also driving anti-Muslim sentiment, said Sunai, was a conflict in southern Thailand between government forces and ethnic Malay Muslim insurgents that has killed about 6,500 people since 2004. The murder of monks by insurgents deserves an equally pitiless response, believes Aphichat Promjan, a monk who teaches at Wat Benjamabophit, a famous Bangkok temple. For every monk killed "a mosque should be burned, starting from the northern part of Thailand southwards," Aphichat wrote on Facebook on Oct. 29. The post, accompanied by gruesome images, has been shared or liked almost 2,000 times, but it also sparked disdain. "I don't agree with this violent idea, which is like pouring fuel onto fire," one person commented in Thai. The post Spurred by Burma Radicals, Thai Buddhists Push for State Religion Status appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

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National News

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• USDP denies rumours of U Shwe Mann dismissal
• State hluttaws: new centres of power?
• ‘When Kayah is peaceful again, people will return’: U Aung Min
• Ten battleground townships to watch
• Armed groups detail Pangkham demands
• Tatmadaw artillery sends more fleeing from Wan Hai
• President makes a stop in Rakhine State
• President warns of Arab Spring-style violence
• Tourist numbers slump by up to 50% ahead of vote
• Eight bodies recovered, scores still missing

USDP denies rumours of U Shwe Mann dismissal Posted: 04 Nov 2015 07:00 AM PST The Union Solidarity and Development Party has dismissed as a rumour a report that Thura U Shwe Mann had been dismissed from the party, saying that it appeared "because the election is getting nearer".

State hluttaws: new centres of power? Posted: 04 Nov 2015 02:18 AM PST A strong showing by ethnic parties on November 8 could pressure Nay Pyi Taw into granting more authority to state parliaments

‘When Kayah is peaceful again, people will return’: U Aung Min Posted: 04 Nov 2015 01:55 AM PST Shadaw is one of the country's smallest constituencies, with just over 4000 voters. Yet it is also the setting for a curious battle between the USDP, the NLD and a key ally of President U Thein Sein, U Aung Min, who leads the government's peace negotiations. In his campaign office, U Aung Min tells senior reporter Wa Lone about the challenges of canvassing in a township where roads are often impassable in wet weather, armed ethnic groups remain active and few of the residents understand Myanmar language.

Ten battleground townships to watch Posted: 04 Nov 2015 01:42 AM PST Some constituencies' results were predictable even before campaigning began, but with just four days before the vote, others remain too close to call. Fierce competition, a divided populace – some areas will come down to the wire, and if all fall one way, the rest of the country is sure to follow. We asked chief political reporter Ei Ei Toe Lwin to select 10 bellwethers she'll be keeping a close eye on as the results roll in.

Armed groups detail Pangkham demands Posted: 03 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST A summit of leaders of armed ethnic groups outside the nationwide ceasefire agreement ended yesterday with demands for a political dialogue with Myanmar's next government and a peace process that would also involve China's direct participation.

Tatmadaw artillery sends more fleeing from Wan Hai Posted: 03 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST Terrified villagers driven from their homes by heavy weapons fire are now facing the loss of their livelihoods. Many of the civilians displaced by the fighting in southern Shan State are farmers, and they are too afraid of the continuing artillery barrage in the conflict zone to harvest their crops.

President makes a stop in Rakhine State Posted: 03 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST President U Thein Sein yesterday paid a visit to the Rakhine State capital where his Union Solidarity and Development Party is facing a tough challenge from the ethnic opposition the Arakan National Party.

President warns of Arab Spring-style violence Posted: 03 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST A video posted on the Facebook page of President U Thein Sein raising the spectre of bloodshed and chaos akin to the Arab Spring aftermath if his party loses power on November 8 has drawn an angry response on social media.

Tourist numbers slump by up to 50% ahead of vote Posted: 03 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST Bemoaning a fall in clients of up to 50 percent, travel agency operators are crossing their fingers for an orderly election next month. Amid booking cancellations and a slump in interest, many agents are hoping for a rebound next year, under a stable government and a new president.

Eight bodies recovered, scores still missing Posted: 03 Nov 2015 02:30 PM PST At least eight passengers, including seven women, are dead and as many as 70 are still missing following the sinking of a boat on the Chindwin River in Sagaing Region. The Ya Zar Tun sank at about 5:30am on November 1 on its way from Monywa to Sae Zin.

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