The Irrawaddy Magazine

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Weekend Clashes in Northern Arakan State Leave at Least 27 Dead Posted: 13 Nov 2016 10:34 PM PST Army calls in helicopter gunships; rights organization releases satellite images of burnt buildings, repeats call for independent access to the region The post Weekend Clashes in Northern Arakan State Leave at Least 27 Dead appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

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National News

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• Press council to talk with chief minister over Eleven media suit
• Rights violations alleged as Tatmadaw, TNLA fighting continues in northern Shan State
• For one Kachin IDP, hope undimmed by hardship
• Public cooperation lacking in Nay Pyi Taw law enforcement: police chief
• Sagaing Region farmers demand land back from factory
• Analysing Yangon’s earthquake safety
• Crops, homes, roads destroyed in Tatkon flooding after dam overflows
• Unofficial tenants warned to move off explosive gas pipelines
• 45 children receive hearing aids at Mandalay School for the Deaf
• Nutrition program coming to Chin State in 2017

Press council to talk with chief minister over Eleven media suit Posted: 13 Nov 2016 11:37 PM PST In an effort to get the CEO and chief editor of Eleven Media Group out of Insein Prison, Myanmar Press Council officials say they will try to persuade Yangon Region's chief minister to withdraw his defamation suit against the two men.

Rights violations alleged as Tatmadaw, TNLA fighting continues in northern Shan State Posted: 13 Nov 2016 11:33 PM PST Clashes between the military and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army have been ongoing since October 29, with human rights violations linked to the hostilities also reported.

For one Kachin IDP, hope undimmed by hardship Posted: 13 Nov 2016 11:12 PM PST "If I were a bird, I would fly from this cage," said the young woman. But escape has, for years, not been possible.

Public cooperation lacking in Nay Pyi Taw law enforcement: police chief Posted: 13 Nov 2016 11:06 PM PST Efforts to crack down on crime in Nay Pyi Taw have been hampered by a lack of cooperation from the public, according to Police Major U Win Myint of the capital's regional law enforcement office.

Sagaing Region farmers demand land back from factory Posted: 13 Nov 2016 11:05 PM PST About 300 farmers in Sagaing Region's Htigyaing township protested a longstanding feud with a Chinese-backed nickel-processing plant on November 10, claiming that the factory confiscated their lands without proper compensation.

Analysing Yangon’s earthquake safety Posted: 13 Nov 2016 11:01 PM PST Fifty buildings in Yangon will be analysed for earthquake safety later this month using visual screening technology in a new joint project.

Crops, homes, roads destroyed in Tatkon flooding after dam overflows Posted: 13 Nov 2016 11:00 PM PST Thousands of acres of farmland in Nay Pyi Taw's Tatkon township were destroyed after water flooded over the Nan Won dam on November 11, according to local officials.

Unofficial tenants warned to move off explosive gas pipelines Posted: 13 Nov 2016 10:59 PM PST Several unofficial shanty towns erected around Yangon are at risk of triggering an explosion as they were built above old, unreliable gas pipelines, according to a government official.

45 children receive hearing aids at Mandalay School for the Deaf Posted: 13 Nov 2016 10:57 PM PST Initially a one-to-one class run out of the home of a British expat, the Mandalay School for the Deaf is now providing students with hearing aids and integrating them into hearing-mixed classes.

Nutrition program coming to Chin State in 2017 Posted: 13 Nov 2016 10:48 PM PST The Maternal and Child Cash Transfer program will expand to Chin State starting in 2017, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement announced.

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Shan Herald Agency for News

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Civilians suffer as clashes with TNLA intensify Posted: 14 Nov 2016 12:43 AM PST Civilians in northern Shan State have borne the brunt of the recent hostilities between Burmese government forces and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). Since November 2015, clashes have been regularly reported in the townships of Kyaukme, Namhsan and Marntong. Fighting broke out only a month after eight ethnic armed groups had signed a nationwide ceasefire agreement with the government, an accord which the TNLA was excluded from. Reached for comment, Maj. Tar Aik Kyaw, a representative of the TNLA's News and Information Department, said that fighting has intensified during these last few days. He said that the Burmese army had advanced in the Ta'ang (or Palaung) militia's territory, and that had caused the fighting. "More than 60 [Burmese] military trucks are now stationed in Muse and Kutkhai," he said. According to local resident Mai Aung Maine: "In Mong Gaw area, the local air force announced that it could not be responsible for anyone travelling outside between 7 pm and the early morning." He said that both sides were employing heavy weapons against each other near Mong Gaw. "We are so fearful because it is so close to our village," he said. "Right now, it's time to harvest our fields of rice and tea, but we dare not go outdoors to work. Even going to market is difficult." According to a resident in the area who wished to remain anonymous, fighting broke out when the Burmese government units reinforced their troops in the area. "If they did not send in troops, there would be no fighting," he said. "We [Ta'ang] have never entered into areas under their control. We are calling on the Tatmadaw [Burma military] to stop reinforcing its troop strength." Speaking to Shan Herald, Sai Than Muang, a member of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy in Kyaukme Township, said, "I think both the government and the military understand fully well what they are doing and that they are causing suffering among the civilian population." He added that local residents were faced with further hardship because Chinese traders were now refusing to buy their crops. The TNLA's News and Information Department has regularly reported that government troops arbitrarily arrest, torture, kill and use local villagers as human shields in their battles against the Palaung militia. On October 27, Shan Herald also reported that a man was shot dead by a Burmese soldier in central Shan State's Mong Hsu Township while he was driving his motorbike home. By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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NLD Members Urge Party to Rethink Structure and Strategy Posted: 12 Nov 2016 07:04 PM PST Several attendees at an NLD central committee meeting urged the party to reorganize its working committees and to discipline unruly party members. The post NLD Members Urge Party to Rethink Structure and Strategy appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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The Irrawaddy Business Roundup (November 12) Posted: 11 Nov 2016 06:44 PM PST Thai companies to invest in SEZ; Taiwanese bank opens Rangoon office; Bangladesh to propose trade agreement; Karenni State eyed for tourism. The post The Irrawaddy Business Roundup (November 12) appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Dateline Irrawaddy: ‘ Change Will Not Be as Easy as People Thought’ Posted: 11 Nov 2016 06:34 PM PST The Irrawaddy and guests discuss perceptions, achievements and challenges of the NLD one year after its historic landslide victory. The post Dateline Irrawaddy: ' Change Will Not Be as Easy as People Thought' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Commission Submits Myitsone Assessment Report
• New Arakanese Party Commits to Greater Youth Representation
• Opposition Party to Contest All By-election Seats
• Lawmakers Oppose Yawnghwe Haw Night Bazaar
• China’s Plans for Burma Town Hold Few Local Opportunities 
• Ethnic Alliance Holds Off on Signing Ceasefire Agreement
• Burma’s Modern History: What If…
• Philippine Leader to Honor Defense pacts with ‘Friends’ US
• Report: Prison Reforms Must Respect Human Rights
• Tata Tea Project Fails to Protect Indian Workers

Commission Submits Myitsone Assessment Report Posted: 11 Nov 2016 06:53 AM PST The commission tasked with evaluating hydropower projects on Burma's Irrawaddy River submits its first assessment report to President U Htin Kyaw. The post Commission Submits Myitsone Assessment Report appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

New Arakanese Party Commits to Greater Youth Representation Posted: 11 Nov 2016 06:22 AM PST Former ALD members host a conference to form a new party in which one-third of its central executive committee is expected to be under age 40. The post New Arakanese Party Commits to Greater Youth Representation appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Opposition Party to Contest All By-election Seats Posted: 11 Nov 2016 05:12 AM PST The USDP is looking to boost grassroots support with younger candidates and aims to field an equal number of men and women. The post Opposition Party to Contest All By-election Seats appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Lawmakers Oppose Yawnghwe Haw Night Bazaar Posted: 11 Nov 2016 05:06 AM PST Lawmakers in Shan State object to a plan to open a night bazaar inside Yawnghwe Haw, the residence of Burma's first President Sao Shwe Thaike. The post Lawmakers Oppose Yawnghwe Haw Night Bazaar appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

China’s Plans for Burma Town Hold Few Local Opportunities  Posted: 11 Nov 2016 03:30 AM PST China plans to construct an industrial zone, refinery and deep-sea port in Kyaukphyu, but locals fear they won't be fairly compensated for their land. The post China's Plans for Burma Town Hold Few Local Opportunities  appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ethnic Alliance Holds Off on Signing Ceasefire Agreement Posted: 11 Nov 2016 01:53 AM PST After meeting with peace commission, the alliance says peace process is moving forward despite difficulties in negotiations. The post Ethnic Alliance Holds Off on Signing Ceasefire Agreement appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma’s Modern History: What If… Posted: 10 Nov 2016 10:34 PM PST Speculations over the past may be an amusing parlor game, but they can also lead us to consider how events might have been different, or the same. The post Burma's Modern History: What If… appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Philippine Leader to Honor Defense pacts with ‘Friends’ US Posted: 10 Nov 2016 09:34 PM PST Rodrigo Duterte says 'we have a military pact that would bind us' yet hints at revoking agreement that gives US troops access to Philippine bases. The post Philippine Leader to Honor Defense pacts with 'Friends' US appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Report: Prison Reforms Must Respect Human Rights Posted: 10 Nov 2016 06:45 PM PST Prison reforms currently being considered in Burma fall short of meeting international human rights standards, Amnesty International says. The post Report: Prison Reforms Must Respect Human Rights appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Tata Tea Project Fails to Protect Indian Workers Posted: 10 Nov 2016 04:30 PM PST World Bank probe finds Tata Global Beverages failed to tackle exploitation of impoverished workers. The post Tata Tea Project Fails to Protect Indian Workers appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

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National News

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• Stalemate after DPN, government meet
• Unidentified falling object in Hpakant
• Eleven Media reps appear for questioning, transferred to Insein
• Court hears testimony of abused girls’ homecoming
• Karen National Union pushes congress back to March
• America, Myanmar respond to shock Trump victory
• Cargo ferry goes down on the Chindwin
• KNU, WWF ink pact
• Yangon picks up its trash in volunteer effort
• ANP to throw hat into by-election ring

Stalemate after DPN, government meet Posted: 11 Nov 2016 12:45 AM PST Talks between the government's peace commission and a delegation representing an ethnic bloc concluded yesterday without reaching any agreements.

Unidentified falling object in Hpakant Posted: 11 Nov 2016 12:44 AM PST A piece of an aircraft, believed to be an engine, struck a Hpakant jade mine near Kachin State's Hmaw His Zar village early yesterday morning, according to state officials and locals.

Eleven Media reps appear for questioning, transferred to Insein Posted: 11 Nov 2016 12:44 AM PST UPDATE: Eleven Media Group CEO U Than Htut Aung and chief editor U Wai Phyo were transferred to Insein Prison this afternoon after appearing for questioning at Tarmwe township Police Station. Eleven Media is facing a defamation suit brought by the Yangon Region government over a story it recently published alluding to potentially shady dealings involving the chief minister.

Court hears testimony of abused girls’ homecoming Posted: 11 Nov 2016 12:43 AM PST The village administrator who witnessed two girls being returned from the Ava Tailoring shop to their homes in Kawhmu township following a police complaint on grievous abuse charges offered his testimony yesterday.

Karen National Union pushes congress back to March Posted: 11 Nov 2016 12:41 AM PST The Karen National Union's central executive committee has decided to hold the KNU 16th Congress in March, postponing a meet-up that had originally been scheduled for this month.

America, Myanmar respond to shock Trump victory Posted: 11 Nov 2016 12:39 AM PST In 2015 she watched the National League for Democracy claim an enormous and historic election victory. In 2016, she saw Donald Trump seize the US presidency in an election result few had anticipated.

Cargo ferry goes down on the Chindwin Posted: 11 Nov 2016 12:39 AM PST A cargo ferry carrying oil barrels has capsized in Sagaing Region, along the same route where a ferry accident last month claimed the lives of at least 73 people.

KNU, WWF ink pact Posted: 11 Nov 2016 12:38 AM PST An international conservationist group and a major ethnic armed group have signed an agreement to preserve the environment. The Karen National Union (KNU) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Myanmar signed the memorandum of understanding to protect wildlife in a zone controlled by the KNU in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on November 8.

Yangon picks up its trash in volunteer effort Posted: 11 Nov 2016 12:24 AM PST About 100 Yangon residents spent an hour picking up trash downtown yesterday.

ANP to throw hat into by-election ring Posted: 11 Nov 2016 12:14 AM PST In spite of recent internal ructions, the Arakan National Party plans to compete in the April by-election.

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Shan Herald Agency for News

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MPs demand halt to marketplace at Yawnghwe Palace Posted: 11 Nov 2016 02:26 AM PST More than 60 members of the Shan State parliament have signed a petition, demanding a halt to plans by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism to convert the Yawnghwe Palace compound into a marketplace. Photo SHAN- Yawnghwe Haw Nang Khin Tar Yi, an MP from the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) representing Hsenwi Township, said that they had sent a letter on November 7 to the Shan State chief minister and the minister of hotels and tourism. "Every political party represented in the Shan State regional parliament signed the petition," she said. "That includes ethnic Shan, Palaung [Ta'ang], Pa-oh, Lahu and Danu MPS, as well as lawmakers from the Union Solidarity and Development Party and the ruling National League for Democracy. "We have asked the Shan State chief minister about this issue, and he told us that U Ohn Maung [Minister of Hotels and Tourism] had informed him that the project will be discontinued. We then requested that they release an announcement to that effect, but to date no action has been taken. Now we have served them an official letter demanding work on the site be stopped." Located in Taunggyi District, close to the popular resort of Inle Lake, Yawnghwe Palace, known locally as Yawnghwe Haw, was the residence of Sao Shwe Thaike, an ethnic Shan prince who became the first president of the Union of Burma in 1948 on the day that the country gained independence from Britain. He was deposed and arrested when Gen. Ne Win seized power in 1962, and died in prison soon after. "Yawnghwe Palace is our historical property," said SNLD's Nang Khin Tar Yi. "It's our royal residence. It represents our culture, and we do not want our culture and traditions to be disvalued or destroyed." During the era of Burmese military dictatorship, many historical Shan buildings were razed; others crumbled under decades of neglect. Arguably the grandest Shan palace of all, Kengtung Palace, which was built in 1903, was demolished in 1991. Nang Khin Tar Yi called on both the state and union governments, as well as every concerned citizen, to work together to protect to the country's heritage. At the time of reporting, no formal action had yet been taken.  By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)

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The Irrawaddy Magazine

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• Kachin State’s Hkakabo Razi to be Considered for UNESCO Natural Heritage Status
• Burma’s Business Community Adopts ‘Wait and See’ Approach to Trump Presidency
• Eleven Media CEO a No-Show for Police Questioning
• YCDC Green Lights Sule Square Complex
• Amid Tensions, Some UWSA Troops Leave Mongla
• In EU Meeting, Min Aung Hlaing Defends Army’s Political Role
• KNU Postpones Upcoming Congress
• Italian Tourist Deported for Buddha Tattoo
• Trump Presidency to Create High Anxiety Among Asian Allies

Kachin State’s Hkakabo Razi to be Considered for UNESCO Natural Heritage Status Posted: 10 Nov 2016 08:02 AM PST Burma's government plans to submit an entry for the country's highest mountain area to be listed as a UNESCO natural world heritage site in 2018. The post Kachin State's Hkakabo Razi to be Considered for UNESCO Natural Heritage Status appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma’s Business Community Adopts ‘Wait and See’ Approach to Trump Presidency Posted: 10 Nov 2016 06:46 AM PST Businesspeople have been reluctant to speculate about changes to the country's economic relationship with the US under Donald Trump's administration. The post Burma's Business Community Adopts 'Wait and See' Approach to Trump Presidency appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Eleven Media CEO a No-Show for Police Questioning Posted: 10 Nov 2016 06:37 AM PST Dr. Than Htut Aung did not appear at a police station for questioning following a police statement that he would be arrested if he failed to show. The post Eleven Media CEO a No-Show for Police Questioning appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

YCDC Green Lights Sule Square Complex Posted: 10 Nov 2016 06:26 AM PST YCDC grants final permission to the Sule Square commercial complex after developers paid a penalty of about US$1.6 million for breaching regulations. The post YCDC Green Lights Sule Square Complex appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Amid Tensions, Some UWSA Troops Leave Mongla Posted: 10 Nov 2016 06:19 AM PST About 150 out of 1,000 Wa troops leave outposts in Mongla territory, two weeks after a Burma Army deadline to withdraw passed. The post Amid Tensions, Some UWSA Troops Leave Mongla appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

In EU Meeting, Min Aung Hlaing Defends Army’s Political Role Posted: 10 Nov 2016 04:22 AM PST The military chief's goal is to remain loyal to the 2008 Constitution, which allows the armed forces to play a key role in politics. The post In EU Meeting, Min Aung Hlaing Defends Army's Political Role appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

KNU Postpones Upcoming Congress Posted: 10 Nov 2016 03:37 AM PST Concerns over the peace process mean election of new leaders delayed until March next year. The post KNU Postpones Upcoming Congress appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Italian Tourist Deported for Buddha Tattoo Posted: 10 Nov 2016 02:41 AM PST A Mandalay police officer says the foreigner was charged under Burma's Immigration Law. The post Italian Tourist Deported for Buddha Tattoo appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Trump Presidency to Create High Anxiety Among Asian Allies Posted: 09 Nov 2016 07:58 PM PST Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election will deepen Asian allies' anxiety about Washington's commitment to post-war security arrangements. The post Trump Presidency to Create High Anxiety Among Asian Allies appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

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National News

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• Yangon govt sues Eleven over story implying chief minister took bribe
• Judge rejects NLD official’s bail, power of attorney
• Fear, shock stalk response to US election
• Shan MPs push back against palace night market plan
• Daycare centres for children with autism coming to Mandalay, Mawlamyine
• High hopes for bringing govt into the digital era
• Workers left in lurch by overseas employment agency seek compensation
• Research to delve into migrant worker issues
• Official speaks out against coal power
• Sagaing’s Mingun Pa Hto Taw Gyi off limits to climbers

Yangon govt sues Eleven over story implying chief minister took bribe Posted: 10 Nov 2016 12:04 AM PST The Yangon Region government has filed a defamation suit against Eleven Media Group and its CEO U Than Htut Aung after he reportedly used Facebook to elaborate on previously published allegations that implied a quid pro quo involving the region's chief minister.

Judge rejects NLD official’s bail, power of attorney Posted: 10 Nov 2016 12:00 AM PST A National League for Democracy member charged with defaming the Tatmadaw chief on social media was denied bail yesterday.

Fear, shock stalk response to US election Posted: 09 Nov 2016 11:56 PM PST Myanmar joined the rest of the world's largely shocked response to the US election results yesterday.

Shan MPs push back against palace night market plan Posted: 09 Nov 2016 11:50 PM PST Plans to host a night market in the palace of Sao Shwe Thaik, the last of the saophas and first president of post-independence Burma, have hit a snag, with Shan MPs rallying against the idea.

Daycare centres for children with autism coming to Mandalay, Mawlamyine Posted: 09 Nov 2016 11:50 PM PST Two daycare centres for children with autism and other special education needs are expected to open in Mandalay and Mawlamyine around the start of 2017, according to the Myanmar Autism Association.

High hopes for bringing govt into the digital era Posted: 09 Nov 2016 11:49 PM PST The subject of e-government is up for discussion again, but parliamentarians say there is a notable absence of anyone to actually implement the basic requirements necessary for such a system and drag Myanmar's civil service into the modern age.

Workers left in lurch by overseas employment agency seek compensation Posted: 09 Nov 2016 11:47 PM PST Eighteen Myanmar migrant workers are seeking additional compensation from the Perfect Company employment agency over what they say is its failure to accept responsibility for the joblessness to which they were subjected upon arriving in Thailand.

Research to delve into migrant worker issues Posted: 09 Nov 2016 11:28 PM PST The first of two research drives focusing on issues faced by migrant workers and their families will begin in December, with data collection set to take place in Mandalay and Ayeyarwady regions as well as Rakhine and Shan states.

Official speaks out against coal power Posted: 09 Nov 2016 11:26 PM PST If the people say "no" to coal, so do we, say government officials. In an interview with The Myanmar Times this week, a deputy permanent secretary of the Electricity and Energy Department has confirmed that the government has no plans to pursue coal-based energy.

Sagaing’s Mingun Pa Hto Taw Gyi off limits to climbers Posted: 09 Nov 2016 11:23 PM PST Climbers have been banned from ascending Sagaing Region's famous Mingun Pa Hto Taw Gyi Pagoda for fear of further damage to it beyond what was sustained in August's earthquake. Officials also say some climbers have failed to respect the religious nature of the structure.

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