Friday, January 20, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

UN Rapporteur to Burma Denounces Human Rights Failures

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 08:12 AM PST

Yanghee Lee blames the Burma Army's hold on the government for a potential backslide in human rights progress.

The post UN Rapporteur to Burma Denounces Human Rights Failures appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Civil Society Forum Calls For Greater Participation in Decision Making

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 07:12 AM PST

Some 135 representatives from 79 CSOs meet in Rangoon to discuss IDP support, and a more effective peace process.

The post Civil Society Forum Calls For Greater Participation in Decision Making appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Constitutional Tribunal Members Remain Despite USDP Objections

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 07:02 AM PST

The Constitutional Tribunal of the Union dismisses a proposal by 23 Upper House lawmakers to review the eligibility of two tribunal members. 

The post Constitutional Tribunal Members Remain Despite USDP Objections appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Rangoon Bus Rollout Gets Mixed Reviews

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 06:44 AM PST

For residents of Rangoon, this week was full of excitement, dissatisfaction, and frustration as the city embraced a new bus network.

The post Rangoon Bus Rollout Gets Mixed Reviews appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

China Asks for a Halt to Fighting in Burma During Chinese New Year

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 03:49 AM PST

China's Special Envoy for Asian Affairs reportedly asks the Northern Alliance to deescalate fighting with the Burma Army in time for the holiday.

The post China Asks for a Halt to Fighting in Burma During Chinese New Year appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Karen Armed Groups, Border Guard Force Invest in Hpa-an Cable Car

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 03:30 AM PST

Costing US$12 million and taking 18 months to build, the cable car up tourist hotspot Zwekabin Mountain in Karen State will be the first in Burma.

The post Karen Armed Groups, Border Guard Force Invest in Hpa-an Cable Car appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Freed Burmese Farmers Renew Fight Against Army over Land

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 02:55 AM PST

Farmers will seek government help to resolve their dispute with the army over land in Ye Bu, a village in eastern Burma's Shan State.

The post Freed Burmese Farmers Renew Fight Against Army over Land appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

CB Bank to Double the Size of its ATM Network in 2017

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 02:26 AM PST

'Our target is to install 850 ATM machines by the end of March,' says CB Bank's general manager.

The post CB Bank to Double the Size of its ATM Network in 2017 appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Israeli Activists Push Supreme Court to Stop Military Export to Burma

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 12:59 AM PST

Lawyers argue the Burma Army should not be allowed to purchase Israeli weapons due to alleged human rights abuses.

The post Israeli Activists Push Supreme Court to Stop Military Export to Burma appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Model Cleared of Defamation Charge

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 11:02 PM PST

Myo Ko Ko San released from detention after being accused of defamation by actress under controversial Article 66(d).

The post Model Cleared of Defamation Charge appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Missing Kachin Pastors Confirmed Detained by Burma Army

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 09:53 PM PST

Whereabouts of Nawng Latt and Gam Seng confirmed after the pair went missing in Mong Ko, Shan State during Burma Army and Northern Alliance conflict.

The post Missing Kachin Pastors Confirmed Detained by Burma Army appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Nickel and Dimed on Frog Mountain

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 08:33 PM PST

Villagers on the border of Chin State and Sagaing Division want a proper road, not a nickel mine.

The post Nickel and Dimed on Frog Mountain appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

Tatmadaw confirms two Mong Koe church leaders were detained

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 09:35 AM PST

The Tatmadaw has confirmed that two Mong Koe church leaders who have been missing since December 24, Dumdaw Nawng Lat and Langjaw Gam Seng, have been in military custody after they were suspected of collaborating with ethnic armed groups. However, family members of the missing men denied the allegation today when contacted by The Myanmar Times

Myanmar, Malaysia agree over aid flotilla

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 11:45 PM PST

The flotilla spat appears to have come to an agreeable end. Myanmar has permitted a group of Malaysian organisations to send aid earmarked for Rakhine State after an official permission request was forwarded to the president, and a delegation smoothed over the arrangements yesterday with officials in Nay Pyi Taw.

Calls for justice on anniversary of teachers’ murders

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 11:44 PM PST

Two years after the murders, and one year after the National League for Democracy promised to bring the perpetrators to justice, the bereaved families of two Kachin teachers are no closer to knowing who raped and killed their daughters.

Future federal Union a hot topic at the Kayin national-level political dialogue

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 11:43 PM PST

In a proposal that would no doubt complicate governance, and split levels of authority ad infinitum, ethnic group leaders have suggested that every significant minority be given their own little island of territory.

ICRC prevented from holding training at SSA’s headquarters

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 11:42 PM PST

The Red Cross was denied permission to run a training workshop this week at the headquarters of an ethnic armed group.

NLD to measure adherence to election promises

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 11:40 PM PST

In case they did not already feel under the microscope, ruling party members will now be subject to the scrutiny of a new internal evaluation committee headed by senior party member U Win Htein.

Mandalay organisation expands free dialysis treatment

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 11:39 PM PST

A Mandalay-based NGO is helping to make hemodialysis treatment more accessible and more affordable after additional machines were donated by Japan and Germany in December.

Nickel factory workers demand enforcement of investment law

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 11:36 PM PST

Nearly 1500 workers from a strike-plagued nickel factory in Sagaing Region launched a protest this week over a perceived loss of job opportunities and alleged discrepancies between how the foreign and local staffers are treated.

Doctor fears pollution-caused skin diseases

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 11:32 PM PST

With a mix of muggy, dusty and increasingly polluted conditions, Myanmar is the perfect storm for infectious skin diseases, dermatologists say.  

Will Myanmar lose its Irrawaddy dolphins?

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 11:24 PM PST

Tears fill U Maung Lay's eyes as he describes losing the dolphin he knew since his childhood, the latest casualty of a battle against pollution and electrofishing that may see the species disappear from Myanmar.
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Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

Commentary on "A New Year’s Resolution"

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 06:04 AM PST

Everyone is now of the opinion that the government needs a new radical and innovative approach, if the peace conference that is scheduled to kick off as soon as possible is to be fruitful.



In a nutshell, the carrot and stick tactics has to be abandoned; all-inclusive participation has to be accepted; and most of all, a peace agenda that is truly drawn and owned by all stakeholders has to be formulated, where political differences should be settled in a level political playing-field, on equal participation basis.

Otherwise, it will only achieve the result of a zero-sum, win-lose and not win-win outcome, with the powers that be imposing its will on the ethnic nationalities, as has been the case for so many years.

If this kind of short term solution or illusion is what the government is looking for, it can be sure that the ethnic resistance will also go on, which means there will never be a long term peace settlement, much less peaceful atmosphere and development of the country.

Link to the story :  A New Year's resolution

Burmese army clashes with RCSS/SSA in Mong Pawn

Posted: 20 Jan 2017 12:10 AM PST

A Burmese army unit has exchanged small arms fire with the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) in the southern Shan State township of Mong Pawn.


The incident happened at about 6am on Thursday, according to a resident in Loilem, who said the clash was between Burmese army Battalion 429 and RCSS/SSA troops near Nongle village, Pengjai tract, in Loilem District's Mong Pawn Township.

"The RCSS/SSA is active in this area and is led by Maj. Muu Ni," said the source. "In the past, fighting has broken out around here between the RCSS/SSA and the Pa-O armed group."
No casualties have been reported.  

Col. Sai La, a spokesperson for the RCSS/SSA – which is one of eight militias that signed a nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) with the previous Thein Sein government – said the fighting could affect the peace process. He claimed that hostilities are breaking out in many regions because the Tatmadaw [Burmese military] wishes to flex its muscles and create conflict across the country.

He explained that in order to solve issues of conflict, the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) must be involved at each and every level.

"When trust is broken, peace will also be destroyed," he added.

At least five clashes have occurred between government forces and RCSS/SSA troops since the NCA was signed in October 2015.

On October 5, 2016, Shan Heraldreported that Burmese army Battalion 292 had launched offensives against RCSS/SSA units in Wan Boi village, Tonglao village-tract, in southern Shan State's Mong Kung Township, a site where the Shan group had set up a rehabilitation facility for local drug addicts. The fighting compelled more than 2,000 civilians in the area to flee their homes.

By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)
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Thursday, January 19, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Two Years On, Investigation Into Double Murder of Kachin Teachers Has Stalled

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 06:59 AM PST

Ongoing conflict in northern Shan State's Kutkai Township, where the crime occurred, is the main obstacle in processing the case, says one lawyer.

The post Two Years On, Investigation Into Double Murder of Kachin Teachers Has Stalled appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Rangoon Parliamentary Committee to Submit Report on Judicial Reform

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 06:17 AM PST

The Judicial and Legal Affairs Complaints and Grievances Investigation Committee will submit its findings in an upcoming regional legislative session.

The post Rangoon Parliamentary Committee to Submit Report on Judicial Reform appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

NLD Forms Performance Assessment Group

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 05:53 AM PST

Burma's ruling National League for Democracy party forms a supervisory group to assess the performance of government officials and lawmakers.

The post NLD Forms Performance Assessment Group appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Rangoon to Reduce Taxis to Address Traffic Congestion

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 05:44 AM PST

The Rangoon divisional govt will survey the number of taxis operating in the city after solving issues with the recently reformed Yangon Bus Service.

The post Rangoon to Reduce Taxis to Address Traffic Congestion appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Govt to Import 1,000 Buses to Address Shortage

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 04:05 AM PST

As a pledge to address the shortage of buses under the new system, the Yangon Region Transport Authority says the govt will import 1,000 buses.

The post Govt to Import 1,000 Buses to Address Shortage appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

YSX’s Newest Trading Company Announces Base Share Price

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 03:41 AM PST

First Private Bank will begin trading on the Yangon Stock Exchange on Jan. 20.

The post YSX's Newest Trading Company Announces Base Share Price appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Tensions Rise between Burma Army and SSA-N over Mong Hsu Road Project

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 03:35 AM PST

'They threatened to attack us if we refused to withdraw from our base. They ordered us to withdraw by noon today,' says Col Sai Su of the SSA-N.

The post Tensions Rise between Burma Army and SSA-N over Mong Hsu Road Project appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Actress Sues Model Over Facebook Posts Under Article 66(d)

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 02:02 AM PST

The arrest of model Myo Ko Ko San marks an expansion of the controversial Article 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law into the entertainment sector.

The post Actress Sues Model Over Facebook Posts Under Article 66(d) appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Malaysian PM tells Burma to ‘Stop the Killing’ in Arakan State

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 01:46 AM PST

Najib Razak calls on Burma to provide unimpeded access for humanitarian aid at meeting of Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The post Malaysian PM tells Burma to 'Stop the Killing' in Arakan State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Four Inmates Punished for Rioting in Pathein Prison

Posted: 18 Jan 2017 09:43 PM PST

Month-long court hearing ends with extended sentences for four inmates who broke out of jail cell and attacked a prison officer last year.

The post Four Inmates Punished for Rioting in Pathein Prison appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Malaysian ‘Food Flotilla’ to Arakan State Set to Go Ahead

Posted: 18 Jan 2017 08:31 PM PST

Organizers of the shipment to deliver aid to Arakan State say they have received 'verbal clearance' to dock in Rangoon.

The post Malaysian 'Food Flotilla' to Arakan State Set to Go Ahead appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

NLD Government Needs to Shut Down Ma Ba Tha Affiliates

Posted: 18 Jan 2017 06:15 PM PST

The government was quick to take action against nationalists disrupting Muslim ceremonies, but more needs to be done so Ma Ba Tha is not resurrected.

The post NLD Government Needs to Shut Down Ma Ba Tha Affiliates appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

CSOs call for independent Rakhine investigation to alleviate intl pressure

Posted: 18 Jan 2017 11:41 PM PST

Over 40 Myanmar civil society groups are calling on the government to allow a "truly independent investigation" into the renewed violence in Rakhine State in order to avoid the situation overshadowing or stymieing development in the rest of the country.

Vendors demand meetings over Yangon street stall ban

Posted: 18 Jan 2017 11:40 PM PST

Furious over the city's efforts to sweep them from the streets, and feeling they have little other recourse, dozens of vendors ousted from their curbside perches yesterday staged a protest march.

China denies blocking Kachin IDPs at the border

Posted: 18 Jan 2017 11:38 PM PST

The Chinese embassy in Myanmar has rejected claims that its security forces on the border barred entry to thousands of displaced civilians who were fleeing heaving fighting in Kachin State last week.

Elderly pension payments to continue at reduced rate

Posted: 18 Jan 2017 11:37 PM PST

The government is set to continue a social pension plan for the elderly in the next financial year, with monthly payments allotted to senior citizens 90-years-old and up. But the payments have decreased from the K18,000 awarded in 2016, to a planned K10,000 per month through 2018, according to U Win Myat Aye, Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement.

Vaccination program targets 193 townships

Posted: 18 Jan 2017 11:36 PM PST

The Department of Public Health has announced an elephantiasis vaccination campaign which will cover a large swath of the country from January 20 to 29.

Sticker campaign raises awareness about wildlife trade

Posted: 18 Jan 2017 11:33 PM PST

The Forest Department is hoping a new sticker campaign will help bolster public support for ending wildlife trafficking.

Myanmar to launch elephant conservation project

Posted: 18 Jan 2017 11:31 PM PST

Amid a dramatic rise in elephant poaching, the government is stepping up efforts to protect the tusked mammals with a new conservation project expected to be unveiled later this week.
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Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

Burma army orders SSPP/SSA to withdraw from Monghsu

Posted: 19 Jan 2017 05:59 AM PST

The Burmese military today ordered the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) to immediately withdraw its troops from Monghsu Township in southern Shan State, while many civilians in the area have also been requested to move out.

Photo by SHAN- A military checkpoint in Khojom village, Monghsu Township
Speaking to Shan Heraldtoday, a local source in Mong Hsu who wished to remain anonymous said, "Villagers here were informed that the Tatmadaw [Burmese army] had ordered the SSPP/SSA forces to withdraw from their Nam Nab Base near Khojom village in Monghsu by this afternoon. Now, many local villagers have abandoned their homes and gone to seek shelter in Monghsu town."


On January 10, SSPP/SSA representatives met with Brig-Gen Htet Htun, the head of Central Eastern Command, which is based in Kholam Township, Shan State, to discuss plans for road construction in SSPP/SSA territory. The Burmese commander told SSPP/SSA representatives that he would reinforce his troop strength in the area whether the Shan militia approved or not.

According to an official from the SSPP/SSA's News and Information Department, who spoke to Shan Heraldunder condition of anonymity, the Tatmadaw ordered the Shan army to withdraw from the area before January 20 because they will bring reinforcements in.

"Because of this [troop reinforcements], they ordered us and the local villagers to move out," said the official. "This could lead to an outbreak of hostilities.

"Apart from the Burmese military presence under Kholam command which is active in the area, more troops from Namsang Battalion No. 151, Kali Battalion 150, and Kunheng Battalion 524, as well as two security battalions have now been brought in," he said.

The SSPP/SSA representative said that the Burmese military had also beefed up its troop strength in Tangyan Township, Lashio District, near the SSPP/SSA base at Loi Je, a strategic mountain outpost.
"We do not wish armed conflict," said a representative of the SSPP/SSA who was due to meet with government peace negotiator Thein Zaw today in Yangon. "We have requested the Tatmadaw not deploy soldiers to build the road. Instead, they should employ civilians. But they did not agree.

"We also requested a meeting with Gen. Yar Pyae in Naypyidaw but it didn't happen, so we proposed a meeting with U Thein Zaw today," he added. "We want to solve the problem by political means."
He re-emphasized: "We need to solve this problem immediately. Otherwise, fighting will break out and people will suffer."

The Burmese armed forces launched heavy offensives against the SSPP/SSA, including assaults on its Wan Hai Headquarters in Kesi Township, during the general election last year.


SSPP/SSA is a member of the United Nationalities Federal Council which has to date declined to sign the nationwide ceasefire agreement, or NCA. The Shan militia previously approved state-level and union-level ceasefire accords with the former Burmese government administration headed by President Thein Sein. 

By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)
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Wednesday, January 18, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Civil Society Groups Highlight Continued Abuses During UN Visit

Posted: 18 Jan 2017 06:55 AM PST

Civil society groups say human rights abuses continue despite recent reforms, during a meeting with the UN Special Rapporteur on Burma.

The post Civil Society Groups Highlight Continued Abuses During UN Visit appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Schoolteacher Shot Dead in Hpakant

Posted: 18 Jan 2017 06:44 AM PST

A schoolteacher was abducted and gunned down in Kachin State's Hpakant Township.

The post Schoolteacher Shot Dead in Hpakant appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Postal Service Gains Public Trust

Posted: 18 Jan 2017 06:34 AM PST

Burma's postal service gains public trust after receiving technical expertise from Japan.

The post Postal Service Gains Public Trust appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Northern Alliance: Fight For a Fault

Posted: 18 Jan 2017 06:13 AM PST

Liu Yun takes a critical look at the Northern Alliance offensive and China-Myanmar relations.

The post The Northern Alliance: Fight For a Fault appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Action to be Taken Against Dozens Who Disrupted Muslim Ceremony in Pyay

Posted: 18 Jan 2017 03:51 AM PST

Police are preparing to file a lawsuit against members of the Rangoon division of the Nationalist Coalition Group, including its leader U Hla Thein Maung

The post Action to be Taken Against Dozens Who Disrupted Muslim Ceremony in Pyay appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

UN Estimates 4.25 Million People from Burma Now Live Abroad

Posted: 18 Jan 2017 02:24 AM PST

The majority of Burma-born people living abroad hail from the country's border areas and are now in Thailand and Malaysia.

The post UN Estimates 4.25 Million People from Burma Now Live Abroad appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

China Denies Turning Back Kachin Refugees

Posted: 17 Jan 2017 10:32 PM PST

The Chinese Embassy says that Burmese authorities had instead 'strengthened resettlement' of displaced persons on their side of the border.

The post China Denies Turning Back Kachin Refugees appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

OIC envoy calls for UN intervention in Arakan State

Posted: 17 Jan 2017 09:43 PM PST

At Malaysia's request, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation meets Thursday to discuss measures to deal with the conflict affecting Arakan Muslims.

The post OIC envoy calls for UN intervention in Arakan State appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

On the Irrawaddy Riverbank Migrants Struggle to Eke out a Living 

Posted: 17 Jan 2017 05:41 PM PST

For most of the families who labor in brickworks the meager wages and the high cost of food mean that every member has to work.

The post On the Irrawaddy Riverbank Migrants Struggle to Eke out a Living  appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
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National News

National News

‘New city’ key in Yangon master plan: mayor

Posted: 17 Jan 2017 11:55 PM PST

Forget blueprints of Yangon drawn up by the Japanese development arm, the regional government has its own master plan to implement.

U Myo Yan Naung Thein won’t apply for bail again

Posted: 17 Jan 2017 11:54 PM PST

A National League for Democracy member on trial for defamation is giving up on his bail requests after his fourth application was denied yesterday.

Report urges review of land laws to protect small-scale farmers

Posted: 17 Jan 2017 11:53 PM PST

An evaluation of land use and farming laws by a local civil society group has concluded that the current legislative framework legalises unfair land confiscations, penalises small-scale farmers and discriminates against women owning, selling or inheriting land.

MPs rankle at Speaker’s strict housekeeping

Posted: 17 Jan 2017 11:50 PM PST

Attention, class! I don't want to see you reading newspapers. Proposals are discouraged and difficult questions unwelcome. And if you're not properly dressed, you will be asked to leave.

Department of Agriculture to open call centre

Posted: 17 Jan 2017 11:48 PM PST

The Department of Agriculture has plans to open a call centre aimed at quickly answering agricultural questions from farmers throughout Myanmar.

Villagers demand investigation into gold mines

Posted: 17 Jan 2017 11:47 PM PST

Mandalay farmers have staged a sit-in for the past four days in protest of gold mines they claim have encroached on their land. The Wet Tae village residents are demanding the government suspend the mining activities until the conclusion of an investigation.

Health ministry plans to increase funding for medical research

Posted: 17 Jan 2017 11:45 PM PST

State-funded medical research will receive a slight budget boost in the coming financial year with the ministry planning on pooling the windfall into a grant program for the 16 universities with medical research departments, according to the health official heading the research department.  

USDP stays local for by-election

Posted: 17 Jan 2017 11:41 PM PST

First capture seats in the by-election, then stage a full on 2020 comeback. Such are the plans of the Union Solidarity and Development Party, the only political party contesting every constituency in the April by-election.
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