Wednesday, April 12, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Former Exiled News Outlets Granted Licenses for State Media Channel

Posted: 12 Apr 2017 04:37 AM PDT

The Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB), Mizzima and three other firms are granted their own digital channels under state-owned media.

The post Former Exiled News Outlets Granted Licenses for State Media Channel appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Police Search UWSA Liaison Office, Seize Detonators

Posted: 12 Apr 2017 03:06 AM PDT

Police seize thousands of detonators during a search of the UWSA liaison office in Lashio, which the Wa claim was 'unlawful.'

The post Police Search UWSA Liaison Office, Seize Detonators appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

US Ambassador to Burma: ‘We Urge All Parties to End the Fighting Now’

Posted: 12 Apr 2017 02:55 AM PDT

The Irrawaddy interviews Scot Marciel about the US-Burma relationship and the challenges that lie ahead for the Southeast Asian nation.

The post US Ambassador to Burma: 'We Urge All Parties to End the Fighting Now' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Thingyan: Past and Present

Posted: 12 Apr 2017 12:59 AM PDT

There is a tug-of-war between individual freedoms and cultural norms during Thingyan—the younger and older generations brandishing conflicting views.

The post Thingyan: Past and Present appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Chinese State Tabloid Warns North Korea Against Nuclear Test

Posted: 11 Apr 2017 09:55 PM PDT

Tensions rise as US Navy strike group steams toward the western Pacific—a force US President Donald Trump describes as an "armada."

The post Chinese State Tabloid Warns North Korea Against Nuclear Test appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

National News

National News

Car racing should be recognised as sport

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 10:58 PM PDT

Ko Min Thant Htet from MSAM Organise, the organiser of Myanmar Drift Championship (MDC) 2017, said that he was trying to include car racing competitions on the list of recognised sports.

K500,000 fine for using water pumps without permit

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 10:51 PM PDT

Those who use water pumps without permission this Thingyan will be slapped with a K500,000 fine, the Mandalay City Development Committee (MCDC) said.

Traders stage protests to reduce rent hikes

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 10:48 PM PDT

The huge hike in rents for market stalls and shops in Mandalay's Myingyan township has sparked protests by traders.

Police recapture duo lockup escapees

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 10:41 PM PDT

Police on Sunday recaptured two men who had escaped from the Pyinmana township police station lockup in Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory.

UNICEF calls for better healthcare services in Rakhine

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 10:37 PM PDT

While the Myanmar government faces criticism over its handling of issues in Rakhine State, UNICEF is looking for better ways to improve and promote health and education there.

Parties accuse State Counsellor, NLD of violations

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 10:34 PM PDT

A dozen political parties have claimed that State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), had violated the 2008 Constitution and election regulations.

Victim demands harsher punishment for attacker

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 10:33 PM PDT

The punishment of seven years' imprisonment for a man who was found guilty of attacking a woman with acid does not commensurate with the severity of the crime, according to the victim herself who will appeal to the district court for a harsher judgement.

Myanmar and China sign crude oil pipeline agreement

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 10:28 PM PDT

The signing of an agreement between Myanmar and China on crude oil pipeline transportation project was witnessed by leaders of the two countries on April 10, according to a press release by the Southeast Asia Crude Oil Pipeline (SEAOP), which is responsible for the operation of the pipeline.

Myanmar worker compensated for loss of hand

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 10:23 PM PDT

A Myanmar migrant worker at a spindle factory in the Mahar Chaing district in Thailand was compensated 486,759 baht (about K18.6 million) last week for the loss of one of his hands in March, according to Aid Alliance Committee (AAC), a Thai-based migrant affairs society.

Armed groups call for equality at peace summit

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 10:20 PM PDT

A meeting of all armed ethnic groups, including the signatories and non-signatories to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), has resulted in a statement calling for all armed ethnic organisations to have equal and dignified status in the second 21st Century Panglong Conference.
Posted by at No comments:

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

Monk Arrested for Organizing ‘Arakan Army Cup’ Football Tournament

Posted: 11 Apr 2017 08:46 AM PDT

Ko Nay Min is arrested by Mrauk U police for planning the sports competition on the eighth anniversary of the formation of the Arakan Army.

The post Monk Arrested for Organizing 'Arakan Army Cup' Football Tournament appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Opposition Parties, Nationalist Group Denounce Ministry’s Defense of Journalist

Posted: 11 Apr 2017 08:04 AM PDT

The Union Solidarity and Development Party leads a statement condemning the ministry of religion for saying Ko Swe Win did not break the law.

The post Opposition Parties, Nationalist Group Denounce Ministry's Defense of Journalist appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

National Security Adviser Highlights Development Plans for Arakan Conflict Zone

Posted: 11 Apr 2017 07:47 AM PDT

U Thaung Tun emphasizes the government's plans for development in Arakan State and downplays intl reports of crimes against the Muslim minority.

The post National Security Adviser Highlights Development Plans for Arakan Conflict Zone appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Mandalay Residents Concerned Over Reported Rise in Violent Crimes

Posted: 11 Apr 2017 06:22 AM PDT

Men on motorcycles have been targeting locals also traveling by motorbike late at night, stealing money, mobile phones, and even their transportation.

The post Mandalay Residents Concerned Over Reported Rise in Violent Crimes appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Communications Ministry Discusses Amending Article 66(d) of Telecommunications Law

Posted: 11 Apr 2017 05:17 AM PDT

The Ministry of Transport and Communications holds discussions to amend Article 66(d) of Burma's controversial Telecommunications Law.

The post Communications Ministry Discusses Amending Article 66(d) of Telecommunications Law appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ethnic Alliance Pulls Out of Summit Due to Thingyan Holiday

Posted: 11 Apr 2017 05:00 AM PDT

The United Nationalities Federal Council will not attend the meeting hosted by the United Wa State Army this week.

The post Ethnic Alliance Pulls Out of Summit Due to Thingyan Holiday appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma Reiterates No Ethnic Cleansing in Arakan State, As Investigations Go On

Posted: 11 Apr 2017 03:24 AM PDT

National Security Adviser reiterates the State Counselor's claim that "ethnic cleansing is too strong" to describe the crackdown in northern Arakan.

The post Burma Reiterates No Ethnic Cleansing in Arakan State, As Investigations Go On appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Behind the KNU Election Results  

Posted: 11 Apr 2017 03:14 AM PDT

The victors of the recent Karen National Union Congress see off a competing faction that has more doubts about the peace process.

The post Behind the KNU Election Results   appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Burma Police Chief: ‘We Will Go to the Ends of the Earth to Find Aung Win Khaing’

Posted: 11 Apr 2017 03:03 AM PDT

Police continue to search for Aung Win Khaing, a suspected conspirator in the assassination of NLD legal adviser U Ko Ni.

The post Burma Police Chief: 'We Will Go to the Ends of the Earth to Find Aung Win Khaing' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

USDP Congratulates Newly-elected KNU Leaders

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 10:34 PM PDT

The Union Solidarity and Development Party congratulates newly-elected leaders of the Karen National Union, Burma's oldest ethnic armed organization.

The post USDP Congratulates Newly-elected KNU Leaders appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

China Says Accord Reached at Last With Burma on Oil Pipeline

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 09:59 PM PDT

The 770-kilometer pipeline will provide China with a more direct alternative route to sending Middle Eastern oil via the crowded Malacca Straits.

The post China Says Accord Reached at Last With Burma on Oil Pipeline appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Findings in Regional Embezzlement Investigation Submitted to President’s Office

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 07:02 PM PDT

The office is yet to comment on findings of an investigation it ordered into development funds alleged to have gone missing under the previous govt.

The post Findings in Regional Embezzlement Investigation Submitted to President's Office appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
Posted by at No comments:

Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

4,000 protest coal mine in Mong Kung

Posted: 11 Apr 2017 02:18 AM PDT

Some 4,000 people including politicians, civil servants, youths and Buddhist monks gathered together this morning in the southern Shan State town of Mong Kung to call for a halt to a controversial coal mining project in the area.

Mong Kung's residents were marching and holding signboards to oppose coal mining in the area.
Speaking to Shan Herald, Sao Ekka Sina, a monk who was one of the demonstration organizers, said, "We held a protest today because we want to protect our environment. The local people here mostly rely on rice farming, and we are afraid that the mine will damage our rice fields. What's more, there are dangers from explosions during the mining."

The coal mine site is situated in an area called Wan Loishio, which is in Wan Yard village tract, southern Mong Kung Township.

Sao Ekka Sina said that the protesters marched through the town and called upon local spirits to protect them and their environment.

"We curse whoever operates this mine," he said. "Whoever digs this coal should be struck down with tragedy; and whoever destroys our forest should be struck with poverty."

The mining project is contracted to the Hein Myittar Company, which was originally granted permission in 2014 by the central government in Naypyidaw to conduct surveys at the site. However, due to complaints by local people it was initially suspended. Nonetheless, at the beginning of this year, operations began once again.

Mong Kung's residents were marching and holding signboards to oppose coal mining in the area.
According to locals in Mong Kung, the coalmine is located on a thousand acres of land, beginning just a mile and a half from the edge of town, which means it will hugely impact both people's health and the environment.

"The coal mining project is located along a stream, so all the local farmers' rice fields will be affected," said Sao Ekka Sina.

Asked about the Wan Loishio mining project, Sai Seng Murng, a Lower House MP from the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), echoed the local protesters' view and said that he opposed this mining operation.

"This mine will destroy the environment. I disagree with it," he said. "I am a representative of the people, and I stand with them on this issue."

Sai Seng Murng said that he had a meeting with local people on February 25 when they asked him to help.

"As an MP, I have a responsibility to help our people," he said. "I submitted a letter to the Lower House of Parliament on February 26, and I will wait until the next parliamentary session to hear how the minister responds."

He said that the next session of parliament is scheduled to be held sometime at the end of April.

By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)
Posted by at No comments:

Monday, April 10, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

USDP Protest Over NLD Party Message in State Counselor’s Speech 

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 07:57 AM PDT

Spokesperson of military-backed former ruling party says using state media and Union ministers to campaign is wrong.

The post USDP Protest Over NLD Party Message in State Counselor's Speech  appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Push for Treatment-Oriented Drug Policy Continues

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 07:03 AM PDT

The Drug Policy Advocacy Group discusses a recent draft of updated narcotics legislation that emphasizes decriminalization.

The post Push for Treatment-Oriented Drug Policy Continues appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Rangoon Govt’s Rock Bottom Rent Rates Lose Billions to Companies

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 05:11 AM PDT

Low rent from two construction projects—plus one in the pipeline—cost the regional govt more than 13 billion kyats in the last fiscal year.

The post Rangoon Govt's Rock Bottom Rent Rates Lose Billions to Companies appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Coffee Culture Grows in Rangoon

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 04:19 AM PDT

New cafés open alongside traditional teashops in the commercial capital's downtown.

The post Coffee Culture Grows in Rangoon appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Ethnic Armed Group Leaders Agree to Basic Federal Principles

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 03:34 AM PDT

Signatories and non-signatories of the nationwide ceasefire agreement approve a guide to more autonomy at a conference in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The post Ethnic Armed Group Leaders Agree to Basic Federal Principles appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

UNICEF Official Seeks Release of Detained Children in Burma

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 01:58 AM PDT

A police document shows children as young as 10 are among hundreds of Rohingya detained on charges of consorting with insurgents.

The post UNICEF Official Seeks Release of Detained Children in Burma appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Death Toll Rises to 30 in Pathein Boat Tragedy

Posted: 09 Apr 2017 11:36 PM PDT

The bodies of 10 missing people from a capsized ferry in the Irrawaddy Delta are recovered, bringing the death toll to 30.

The post Death Toll Rises to 30 in Pathein Boat Tragedy appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

China’s Nuclear Envoy in S. Korea Amid Talk of Trump Action Against N. Korea

Posted: 09 Apr 2017 10:27 PM PDT

US strike group Carl Vinson heads to the Korean peninsula as North Korea nuclear and missile tests are feared as key anniversaries loom.

The post China's Nuclear Envoy in S. Korea Amid Talk of Trump Action Against N. Korea appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
Posted by at No comments:

National News

National News

Bullock cart race in Nay Pyi Taw

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 12:23 AM PDT

Concerned over the shortage of bullocks, a Pyinmana township resident in Nay Pyi Taw organised a bullock cart race, hoping to raise awareness and encourage others to breed the animals.

Free viewing from Bagan Nan Myint tower

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 12:18 AM PDT

Until June 21, visitors in Bagan can view the heritage pagodas and surrounding scenery for free from the third floor of the Bagan Nan Myint viewing tower.

Disruption of train services during Thingyan

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 12:17 AM PDT

As fewer passengers travel by train during the Thingyan water festival, some of the train services will not run until the festival is over. The train services will resume their normal schedules after Thingyan, Mandalay Railway Station Master U Nyein Maung said.

K19 billion excess taxes collected

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 12:13 AM PDT

Mandalay's tax revenue in the last budget year exceeded the collection of the year before by almost K20 billion, thanks to increased awareness among taxpayers.

Nga Wun River boat capsize kills 30

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 12:07 AM PDT

A ferry carrying more than 60 passengers crashed with a barge at the Nga Wun River on Friday night, killing 30 passengers, according to the Ayeyarwady Region's police station.

Gen Mutu Say Poe re-elected as KNU chair

Posted: 09 Apr 2017 11:57 PM PDT

The Karen National Union (KNU) has re-elected General Mutu Say Poe as chairman for the next four-year term. The election was announced on April 8.

Lawmakers to discuss YBS weaknesses

Posted: 09 Apr 2017 11:27 PM PDT

A proposal by a regional Member of Parliament to discuss the weaknesses of the public transportation system in the Yangon Region has been submitted to the Yangon Region Hluttaw on April 5.

Activists charged in MYTCL case

Posted: 09 Apr 2017 11:23 PM PDT

Three social activists charged with trespassing into the Myanmar Yang Tse Copper Limited (MYTCL) premises among other offences are appealing against the fines sentenced on them, said one of the defendants.

Public opinion a must for drug policy success

Posted: 09 Apr 2017 11:19 PM PDT

The process of reforming the drug policy in Myanmar will need to involve a change in public opinion regarding drug users, said Police Colonel Zaw Lin Tun, Head of Department of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Myanmar.
Posted by at No comments:

Shan Herald Agency for News

Shan Herald Agency for News

3 civilians killed in clashes between Burmese army, TNLA

Posted: 10 Apr 2017 12:06 AM PDT

Three civilians were shot dead in northern Shan State's Kyaukme Township during armed clashes between Burmese government forces and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) on Sunday, according to an MP from the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD).


MP Sai Htun Naing, who represents Kyaukme Township Constituency No 2, said that the fighting took place in Jarng Huang tract about a half mile from Kyaukme Township. He confirmed that three people had been killed.

"The three victims were local villagers," he told Shan Herald on Monday. "They were truck drivers."

Sai Htun Naing said that eye-witnesses had informed him that the three victims were found wearing TNLA uniform shirts. However, he questioned whether the shirts had been put on before or after the men's deaths.

Other local sources told Shan Herald that the three victims were identified as Sai Sarng Lwin and Sai Win Kyaing from Tawsarng tract, and Sai Ai Woon from Jarng Huang.

No details of how the killings occurred have been forthcoming by the time of press.

Since 2012, fighting has regularly broken out between Burmese armed forces and TNLA troops. The Ta'ang or Palaung rebel faction is among those armed groups excluded from signing the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement by the government in 2015.

According to Myanmar Peace Monitor, there were 309 clashes between the two armies in 2016, most of which occurred in northern Shan State towns such as Naung Cho, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Kutkai and Namhsan.

 By Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)
Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, April 8, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

KNU Leaders Close to Naypyidaw Re-Elected

Posted: 08 Apr 2017 04:32 AM PDT

Observers predict no major shift of direction for the KNU as top figures are re-elected while 'skeptical' faction is edged out.

The post KNU Leaders Close to Naypyidaw Re-Elected appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Irrawaddy Business Roundup (April 8)

Posted: 08 Apr 2017 03:58 AM PDT

Burma president visits China, Japanese insurer enters market, project cuts water waste in Rangoon, and tech start-ups receive backing.

The post The Irrawaddy Business Roundup (April 8) appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Number Jailed Under Article 66(d) Rises to Eight Since NLD Govt

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 11:54 PM PDT

U Myo Yan Naung Thein and Ko Aung Myint Tun receive six-month jail sentences under the controversial Telecommunications Law.

The post Number Jailed Under Article 66(d) Rises to Eight Since NLD Govt appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Dateline Irrawaddy: ‘The NLD Must Reduce Centralization and Reconcile with Ethnic Groups for the Sake of the 2020 Election’

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 08:39 PM PDT

This week, The Irrawaddy discusses recent by-elections with political commentator Dr. Yan Myo Thein and founder of Yangon Watch group Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin.

The post Dateline Irrawaddy: 'The NLD Must Reduce Centralization and Reconcile with Ethnic Groups for the Sake of the 2020 Election' appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
Posted by at No comments:

Friday, April 7, 2017

The Irrawaddy Magazine

The Irrawaddy Magazine

World’s Biggest Yacht Said to be Made With Illegal Burmese Teak

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 10:12 AM PDT

An investigation in Germany has determined that the world's biggest yacht was built with illegally sourced Burmese teak.

The post World's Biggest Yacht Said to be Made With Illegal Burmese Teak appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Path to a New Country: Looking Back on One Year of NLD Rule

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 09:29 AM PDT

The Irrawaddy's English editor explores govt policies, leadership style, inevitable legacies, and the continued existence of dark elements in Burma.

The post The Path to a New Country: Looking Back on One Year of NLD Rule appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Adviser: Actually, the Government Has Made Significant Strides on the Economy

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 09:04 AM PDT

Critics underestimate the extent of legacy burdens and overlook real achievements, says Turnell.

The post Adviser: Actually, the Government Has Made Significant Strides on the Economy appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

KNU Leadership Committee Shakeup: Chairperson Wins, Vice Chairperson Loses Re-Election

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 05:04 AM PDT

Saw Mutu Say Poe and Padoh Kwe Htoo Win are elected to the central standing committee, but Naw Zipporah Sein is ousted in the vote.

The post KNU Leadership Committee Shakeup: Chairperson Wins, Vice Chairperson Loses Re-Election appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Kachin Political Prisoner Hospitalized Amid Calls For Release

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 04:16 AM PDT

Amnesty International demands the release of Lahpai Gam, 56, whose health has deteriorated—possibly because of the torture he endured.

The post Kachin Political Prisoner Hospitalized Amid Calls For Release appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Electricity Ministry Appeals to Public to Support Hydropower and Coal

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 03:52 AM PDT

The Electricity ministry will attempt to sway public opinion in support of hydropower and coal-fired power plants, says the permanent secretary.

The post Electricity Ministry Appeals to Public to Support Hydropower and Coal appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Lawmaker U Tun Tun Speaks on Magwe Embezzlement Investigation

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 03:18 AM PDT

Magwe lawmaker U Tun Tun tells The Irrawaddy how his questions in parliament led to a 7 billion kyat embezzlement investigation into the previous regional government.

The post Lawmaker U Tun Tun Speaks on Magwe Embezzlement Investigation appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

Mandalay to Increase Security During Thingyan

Posted: 07 Apr 2017 02:01 AM PDT

Mandalay's minister of border affairs and security says 70 percent of the area's security forces will be utilized during the Thingyan water festival.

The post Mandalay to Increase Security During Thingyan appeared first on The Irrawaddy.

The Fall and Rise of Dr. Aye Maung

Posted: 06 Apr 2017 10:10 PM PDT

The leader of the Arakan National Party is victorious in the by-election thanks to a potent mixture of strategy, recognition, and ethno-nationalism.

The post The Fall and Rise of Dr. Aye Maung appeared first on The Irrawaddy.
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)