US calls for immediate release of Suu Kyi
Tue Jan 26, 3:49 pm ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) – The United States called Tuesday for Myanmar to immediately release democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi after signals that the junta could free her following controversial elections.
The Nobel laureate's party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), said it had heard that the military regime was considering freeing her in November -- meeting global demands for her release but only after the election.
"The idea that her release will conveniently come after the election is unfortunate," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters.
"We will continue to press the Burmese government for her release," he said, using the military-run nation's former name of Burma.
He was speaking after Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with US Senator Jim Webb, the leading advocate in Congress for engaging the junta.
The NLD won a landslide victory in the last democratic elections in 1990, but the junta, which has ruled Myanmar since 1962, never allowed the party to take office.
The military regime has defied persistent international appeals by keeping Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest for most of the past two decades.
The opposition has been deeply suspicious of the election which the junta plans to hold sometime this year, believing it is a plot to legitimize its rule.
US President Barack Obama's administration has launched a dialogue with Myanmar in hopes of wooing the nation back to the international mainstream.
But the administration has voiced concern about the country's detention of political prisoners and its military campaigns against ethnic minorities.
Tue Jan 26, 3:49 pm ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) – The United States called Tuesday for Myanmar to immediately release democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi after signals that the junta could free her following controversial elections.
The Nobel laureate's party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), said it had heard that the military regime was considering freeing her in November -- meeting global demands for her release but only after the election.
"The idea that her release will conveniently come after the election is unfortunate," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters.
"We will continue to press the Burmese government for her release," he said, using the military-run nation's former name of Burma.
He was speaking after Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with US Senator Jim Webb, the leading advocate in Congress for engaging the junta.
The NLD won a landslide victory in the last democratic elections in 1990, but the junta, which has ruled Myanmar since 1962, never allowed the party to take office.
The military regime has defied persistent international appeals by keeping Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest for most of the past two decades.
The opposition has been deeply suspicious of the election which the junta plans to hold sometime this year, believing it is a plot to legitimize its rule.
US President Barack Obama's administration has launched a dialogue with Myanmar in hopes of wooing the nation back to the international mainstream.
But the administration has voiced concern about the country's detention of political prisoners and its military campaigns against ethnic minorities.
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Myanmar junta blames ethnic rebels for blasts
Wed Jan 27, 2:45 am ET
YANGON (AFP) – Myanmar's state media on Wednesday blamed ethnic separatists for two explosions in a town in the heart of the military-ruled country.
The New Light of Myanmar newspaper, a junta mouthpiece, said the separate blasts occurred in Kyaukkyi town in central Bago Division early on Tuesday morning, causing minor damage to property but no injuries.
The newspaper blamed the Karen National Union (KNU), a Christian-led rebel group that has been fighting for autonomy for more than five decades.
"It was learnt that the perpetrations were the acts of a group of KNU Brigade-3," the English-language article said.
In December the junta also blamed the group for a blast in the eastern state of Karen which killed eight people and wounded 13 others.
"Such incidents have proved that KNU insurgents are detonating bombs, blowing up power lines, planting mines in farms and gardens and extorting money, rice and rations from villages and towns," Wednesday's report said.
"It is learnt that as the terrorist insurgents in disguise are penetrating regions where peace and stability prevail, the local people are cooperating with the authorities in exposing them," it added.
The regime has stepped up its decades-long campaign against minority groups, with offensives against ethnic Chinese Kokang rebels in the northeast in August and the Christian Karen insurgents in June.
On Sunday, aid groups said an army crackdown in the eastern region had forced 2,000 ethnic Karen villagers to flee into the jungle.
Civil war has wracked the country since independence in 1948, and while most rebel groups have reached ceasefire deals with the junta, analysts say the army is determined to crush the rest before national elections promised this year.
Myanmar, which has been ruled by the military since 1962, has co-opted some previously hostile rebel groups to become junta-backed border forces that have taken on their former brothers-in-arms.
Wed Jan 27, 2:45 am ET
YANGON (AFP) – Myanmar's state media on Wednesday blamed ethnic separatists for two explosions in a town in the heart of the military-ruled country.
The New Light of Myanmar newspaper, a junta mouthpiece, said the separate blasts occurred in Kyaukkyi town in central Bago Division early on Tuesday morning, causing minor damage to property but no injuries.
The newspaper blamed the Karen National Union (KNU), a Christian-led rebel group that has been fighting for autonomy for more than five decades.
"It was learnt that the perpetrations were the acts of a group of KNU Brigade-3," the English-language article said.
In December the junta also blamed the group for a blast in the eastern state of Karen which killed eight people and wounded 13 others.
"Such incidents have proved that KNU insurgents are detonating bombs, blowing up power lines, planting mines in farms and gardens and extorting money, rice and rations from villages and towns," Wednesday's report said.
"It is learnt that as the terrorist insurgents in disguise are penetrating regions where peace and stability prevail, the local people are cooperating with the authorities in exposing them," it added.
The regime has stepped up its decades-long campaign against minority groups, with offensives against ethnic Chinese Kokang rebels in the northeast in August and the Christian Karen insurgents in June.
On Sunday, aid groups said an army crackdown in the eastern region had forced 2,000 ethnic Karen villagers to flee into the jungle.
Civil war has wracked the country since independence in 1948, and while most rebel groups have reached ceasefire deals with the junta, analysts say the army is determined to crush the rest before national elections promised this year.
Myanmar, which has been ruled by the military since 1962, has co-opted some previously hostile rebel groups to become junta-backed border forces that have taken on their former brothers-in-arms.
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US senator urges engagement with Vietnam on rights
2 hrs 3 mins ago
WASHINGTON (AFP) – A US senator closely involved with Asia on Wednesday condemned Vietnam's jailing of four dissidents but urged the Obama administration not to isolate the communist nation.
Jim Webb, who heads the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on Asia, voiced concern about Vietnam's jailing of the four dissidents for subversion in a day-long trial last week.
"The arrest and trial of these individuals illustrates the growing pressure in Asia towards government censorship and authoritarian control," said Webb, a member of President Barack Obama's Democratic Party.
"Rather than isolate Vietnam for its actions, I encourage the Obama administration to continue to raise issues of freedom of association and rule of law with the government of Vietnam," he said.
Webb, a former combat Marine in Vietnam and journalist who speaks Vietnamese, is a strong advocate of engagement with non-democratic states in Asia.
He is the most prominent advocate in Congress for dialogue with military-run Myanmar, often pointing to Vietnam as an example of how US engagement can lead to greater openness.
Vietnam sentenced the four democracy advocates to between five and 16 years in prison, a decision condemned by the United States and European Union.
2 hrs 3 mins ago
WASHINGTON (AFP) – A US senator closely involved with Asia on Wednesday condemned Vietnam's jailing of four dissidents but urged the Obama administration not to isolate the communist nation.
Jim Webb, who heads the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on Asia, voiced concern about Vietnam's jailing of the four dissidents for subversion in a day-long trial last week.
"The arrest and trial of these individuals illustrates the growing pressure in Asia towards government censorship and authoritarian control," said Webb, a member of President Barack Obama's Democratic Party.
"Rather than isolate Vietnam for its actions, I encourage the Obama administration to continue to raise issues of freedom of association and rule of law with the government of Vietnam," he said.
Webb, a former combat Marine in Vietnam and journalist who speaks Vietnamese, is a strong advocate of engagement with non-democratic states in Asia.
He is the most prominent advocate in Congress for dialogue with military-run Myanmar, often pointing to Vietnam as an example of how US engagement can lead to greater openness.
Vietnam sentenced the four democracy advocates to between five and 16 years in prison, a decision condemned by the United States and European Union.
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Myanmar arrests 11 accused of plotting bombings
AP - Thursday, January 28
YANGON, Myanmar (AP) – Myanmar's military junta on Wednesday announced the arrests of 11 people accused of planning bombings to disrupt elections planned for this year.
State radio said that "terrorists" bent on derailing the 2010 general election have penetrated the country and were responsible for seven explosions in Yangon industrial parks in September last year.
The report said the arrests were made last week in Yangon's northern Mingladon township and the authorities seized handmade explosives, 43 detonators, U.S.-made TNT and C4 explosives, a pistol and a satellite phone.
It said those arrested included a man who belongs to the People's Guerrilla Front, which it linked to the Vigorous Burmese Student Warriors.
Five armed men from the Vigorous Burmese Student Warriors stormed the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok in October 1999. The group took 38 hostages to demand democracy in their country, also known as Burma. Thailand allowed them to fly to the border and disappear, angering Myanmar but ending the standoff without bloodshed.
The warriors were blamed for several small bombings in Yangon in April 2008.
The report said those arrested had been planning further explosions in industrial zones and also were targeting security personnel on patrol.
Separately, state-run newspapers on Wednesday published stories blaming ethnic Karen rebels for other attacks. They accused the Karen National Union of being behind two blasts Tuesday morning in Kyaukkyi in Bago Division, about 105 miles (170 kilometers) northeast of Yangon. No casualties were reported.
AP - Thursday, January 28
YANGON, Myanmar (AP) – Myanmar's military junta on Wednesday announced the arrests of 11 people accused of planning bombings to disrupt elections planned for this year.
State radio said that "terrorists" bent on derailing the 2010 general election have penetrated the country and were responsible for seven explosions in Yangon industrial parks in September last year.
The report said the arrests were made last week in Yangon's northern Mingladon township and the authorities seized handmade explosives, 43 detonators, U.S.-made TNT and C4 explosives, a pistol and a satellite phone.
It said those arrested included a man who belongs to the People's Guerrilla Front, which it linked to the Vigorous Burmese Student Warriors.
Five armed men from the Vigorous Burmese Student Warriors stormed the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok in October 1999. The group took 38 hostages to demand democracy in their country, also known as Burma. Thailand allowed them to fly to the border and disappear, angering Myanmar but ending the standoff without bloodshed.
The warriors were blamed for several small bombings in Yangon in April 2008.
The report said those arrested had been planning further explosions in industrial zones and also were targeting security personnel on patrol.
Separately, state-run newspapers on Wednesday published stories blaming ethnic Karen rebels for other attacks. They accused the Karen National Union of being behind two blasts Tuesday morning in Kyaukkyi in Bago Division, about 105 miles (170 kilometers) northeast of Yangon. No casualties were reported.
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Myanmar court postpones verdict on American
AP - Thursday, January 28
YANGON, Myanmar (AP) – A court in military-ruled Myanmar postponed a verdict scheduled Wednesday for a Myanmar-born American facing forgery and currency infraction charges after being accused of planning to incite unrest.
The lawyer for Kyaw Zaw Lwin said the judge delayed the ruling until Feb. 10.
Lawyer Nyan Win told The Associated Press that the judge said the court was still studying the case and was not yet ready to issue a verdict.
Kyaw Zaw Lwin, also known as Nyi Nyi Aung, was arrested Sept. 3 when he arrived at Yangon airport and was initially accused of trying to stir up unrest, which he has denied. Prosecutors later asked the court to charge him with forging a national identity card and violating the foreign currency exchange act by alleging trying to import undeclared money.
He was put on trial in October and faces up to 12 years in prison. Final arguments in his case were made Friday at the court inside Yangon's notorious Insein prison.
Kyaw Zaw Lwin's mother is serving a five-year prison term for political activities and his sister was sentenced to 65 years in prison for involvement in 2007 pro-democracy protests, which government forces brutally suppressed, activist groups and family members say.
Kyaw Zaw Lwin staged a 12-day hunger strike in December to protest conditions of political prisoners in Myanmar, according to human rights groups.
Myanmar has been controlled by the military since 1962. Rights groups and dissidents say the junta has jailed thousands of political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, a 64-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Suu Kyi _ whose political party won 1990 elections that the military refused to recognize _ has been detained for 14 of the past 20 years, mostly under house arrest.
AP - Thursday, January 28
YANGON, Myanmar (AP) – A court in military-ruled Myanmar postponed a verdict scheduled Wednesday for a Myanmar-born American facing forgery and currency infraction charges after being accused of planning to incite unrest.
The lawyer for Kyaw Zaw Lwin said the judge delayed the ruling until Feb. 10.
Lawyer Nyan Win told The Associated Press that the judge said the court was still studying the case and was not yet ready to issue a verdict.
Kyaw Zaw Lwin, also known as Nyi Nyi Aung, was arrested Sept. 3 when he arrived at Yangon airport and was initially accused of trying to stir up unrest, which he has denied. Prosecutors later asked the court to charge him with forging a national identity card and violating the foreign currency exchange act by alleging trying to import undeclared money.
He was put on trial in October and faces up to 12 years in prison. Final arguments in his case were made Friday at the court inside Yangon's notorious Insein prison.
Kyaw Zaw Lwin's mother is serving a five-year prison term for political activities and his sister was sentenced to 65 years in prison for involvement in 2007 pro-democracy protests, which government forces brutally suppressed, activist groups and family members say.
Kyaw Zaw Lwin staged a 12-day hunger strike in December to protest conditions of political prisoners in Myanmar, according to human rights groups.
Myanmar has been controlled by the military since 1962. Rights groups and dissidents say the junta has jailed thousands of political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, a 64-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Suu Kyi _ whose political party won 1990 elections that the military refused to recognize _ has been detained for 14 of the past 20 years, mostly under house arrest.
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(AFX UK Focus) 2010-01-26 05:50
Myanmar to privatise fuel retailing -energy official
YANGON, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Myanmar's military government is planning to privatise state-owned petrol filling stations, an energy ministry official said on Tuesday.
"Arrangements are under way to transfer over 250 petrol and diesel filling stations across the country to private companies in March. The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) is taking care of it," a senior official from the Ministry of Energy told Reuters, declining to be named.
An official at the FCCI said that a Fuel Oil Importers and Distributors Association (FOIDA) had been formed recently with 138 members under the leadership of prominent businessmen.
Myanmar's military government has in recent years allowed some businessmen who earned export proceeds in hard currency to import diesel, but retail distribution through filling stations was kept under state control.
In fiscal 2008/2009 (April/March) Myanmar imported refined oil worth $586.6 million, up from $369.6 million a year before.
Myanmar to privatise fuel retailing -energy official
YANGON, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Myanmar's military government is planning to privatise state-owned petrol filling stations, an energy ministry official said on Tuesday.
"Arrangements are under way to transfer over 250 petrol and diesel filling stations across the country to private companies in March. The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) is taking care of it," a senior official from the Ministry of Energy told Reuters, declining to be named.
An official at the FCCI said that a Fuel Oil Importers and Distributors Association (FOIDA) had been formed recently with 138 members under the leadership of prominent businessmen.
Myanmar's military government has in recent years allowed some businessmen who earned export proceeds in hard currency to import diesel, but retail distribution through filling stations was kept under state control.
In fiscal 2008/2009 (April/March) Myanmar imported refined oil worth $586.6 million, up from $369.6 million a year before.
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01-25-2010 16:49
The Korea Times - Opinion: Review of US Policy on Myanmar
By Nehginpao Kipgen
It was on Jan. 20 last year that the first African-American was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America. I was one among the hundreds of thousands of people braving the chilling wintry weather who were crowded at the National Mall in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Like millions around the world, I was eager to hear the inaugural speech of the energetic Barack H. Obama. His eloquent speech of transforming America's image around the world thereby engaging with friends and foes alike received enthusiastic attention.
Though distasteful to some dictatorial regimes, it was heartening to hear when Obama said, ``To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.''
Once Obama won the primary elections to become a nominee of the Democratic Party, there were debates about how effectively Washington would approach Myanmar (Burma). Many Myanmarese (Burmese) opposition groups in exile were largely in favor of former President George W. Bush's sanctions and isolation policy.
In the midst of numerous opinions and suggestions, the Obama administration was, noticeably, consulting a variety of groups, including academics who were considered to be experts on Myanmar. I was one of the few who advocated that the U.S. should move beyond sanctions by pursuing an engagement policy.
In a Nov. 28, 2008, article in the China Post titled ``The U.S. Should Move Beyond Just Using Sanctions in its Relations with Burma,'' I argued the ineffectiveness of conflicting approaches: ``It must be difficult for the U.S. government to abandon its traditional policy of isolating the Burmese generals and start engaging with them. But they have to realize that sanctions alone are not effective in resolving Burma's crisis when there is engagement on the other end.''
Then came February 2009 when Hillary Clinton made her first visit to Asia as secretary of state. In her public statement on the Obama's administration policy on Myanmar, Clinton stated, ``Clearly the path we have taken in imposing sanctions hasn't influenced the Burmese junta,'' and added that the route taken by Myanmar's neighbors of ``reaching out and trying to engage them has not influenced them, either.''
In the final weeks of his presidency in November 2008, the Bush administration unsuccessfully nominated a special envoy for Myanmar. The idea was welcomed by many analysts and observers.
In an Aug. 18, 2009 opinion piece in the Washington Times titled ``A Possible Way Out,'' I argued the importance of a special envoy who could lead a coordinated international approach by stating: ``A special envoy who knows and understands the region would be a wise option, but the new ambassador for East Asia, Kurt Campbell, also could be assigned. Isolation has been applied unsuccessfully for many years, and it is time to give engagement a chance.''
Then came September 2009 when the Obama administration announced its nine-month long policy review to start engaging the military leadership while retaining sanctions.
In welcoming the move, I wrote an article in The Korea Times, ``US Must Understand Myanmar's Diversity'' on Oct. 6, 2009, discussing that: ``The new policy will provide a platform for the U.S. government to have access to both the engagement and isolation groups. With the engagement agenda, the Obama administration can now work with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China, India, and Russia. With the continued sanctions policy, the administration can still work together with the European Union, its traditional ally.''
Currently, Washington's priorities, on both the domestic and international fronts, seem to keep the Myanmar issue on the back burner. The continued challenging wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; the increasing political turmoil in Iran; and the confrontational nuclear proliferation in North Korea and Iran have overshadowed other issues.
Domestically, the slow pace of economic recovery and the uncertainty of the healthcare agenda are the burning issues for the administration.
Successful planning for this year's upcoming congressional and gubernatorial elections is also high on the agenda. The loss of a Senate seat, held for years by the late Edward M. Kennedy, barely a day before the president's one year anniversary in office, is also a wakeup call for the administration.
Meanwhile, the Myanmarese military junta is planning to move ahead with its proposed 2010 General Election, though neither electoral laws nor an election date has been announced. The National League for Democracy, the main opposition party, is also undecided as to whether to participate, even if it is allowed to take part.
Though uncertainty still remains in Myanmar's political future, it is important that the U.S. government continues to engage. A meaningful dialogue between the military leader, Than Shwe, and the opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, must be encouraged with the ultimate goal of paving the way to national reconciliation.
The U.S. should also continue to put pressure on the military generals to release political prisoners, and to address the country's more than half-a-century-old ethnic minority problems.
Because of the historical and ethno-political nature of Myanmar's conflicts, finding a resolution will require in-depth analysis, a systematic approach and comprehensive remedial measures.
Nehginpao Kipgen is a researcher on the rise of political conflicts in modern Myanmar (1947-2004) and general secretary of the U.S.-based Kuki International Forum (www.kukiforum.com). He has written numerous analytical articles on the politics of Myanmar and Asia for many leading international newspapers in Asia, Africa, and the United States of America. He can be reached at nehginpao@yahoo.com.
The Korea Times - Opinion: Review of US Policy on Myanmar
By Nehginpao Kipgen
It was on Jan. 20 last year that the first African-American was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America. I was one among the hundreds of thousands of people braving the chilling wintry weather who were crowded at the National Mall in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Like millions around the world, I was eager to hear the inaugural speech of the energetic Barack H. Obama. His eloquent speech of transforming America's image around the world thereby engaging with friends and foes alike received enthusiastic attention.
Though distasteful to some dictatorial regimes, it was heartening to hear when Obama said, ``To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.''
Once Obama won the primary elections to become a nominee of the Democratic Party, there were debates about how effectively Washington would approach Myanmar (Burma). Many Myanmarese (Burmese) opposition groups in exile were largely in favor of former President George W. Bush's sanctions and isolation policy.
In the midst of numerous opinions and suggestions, the Obama administration was, noticeably, consulting a variety of groups, including academics who were considered to be experts on Myanmar. I was one of the few who advocated that the U.S. should move beyond sanctions by pursuing an engagement policy.
In a Nov. 28, 2008, article in the China Post titled ``The U.S. Should Move Beyond Just Using Sanctions in its Relations with Burma,'' I argued the ineffectiveness of conflicting approaches: ``It must be difficult for the U.S. government to abandon its traditional policy of isolating the Burmese generals and start engaging with them. But they have to realize that sanctions alone are not effective in resolving Burma's crisis when there is engagement on the other end.''
Then came February 2009 when Hillary Clinton made her first visit to Asia as secretary of state. In her public statement on the Obama's administration policy on Myanmar, Clinton stated, ``Clearly the path we have taken in imposing sanctions hasn't influenced the Burmese junta,'' and added that the route taken by Myanmar's neighbors of ``reaching out and trying to engage them has not influenced them, either.''
In the final weeks of his presidency in November 2008, the Bush administration unsuccessfully nominated a special envoy for Myanmar. The idea was welcomed by many analysts and observers.
In an Aug. 18, 2009 opinion piece in the Washington Times titled ``A Possible Way Out,'' I argued the importance of a special envoy who could lead a coordinated international approach by stating: ``A special envoy who knows and understands the region would be a wise option, but the new ambassador for East Asia, Kurt Campbell, also could be assigned. Isolation has been applied unsuccessfully for many years, and it is time to give engagement a chance.''
Then came September 2009 when the Obama administration announced its nine-month long policy review to start engaging the military leadership while retaining sanctions.
In welcoming the move, I wrote an article in The Korea Times, ``US Must Understand Myanmar's Diversity'' on Oct. 6, 2009, discussing that: ``The new policy will provide a platform for the U.S. government to have access to both the engagement and isolation groups. With the engagement agenda, the Obama administration can now work with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China, India, and Russia. With the continued sanctions policy, the administration can still work together with the European Union, its traditional ally.''
Currently, Washington's priorities, on both the domestic and international fronts, seem to keep the Myanmar issue on the back burner. The continued challenging wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; the increasing political turmoil in Iran; and the confrontational nuclear proliferation in North Korea and Iran have overshadowed other issues.
Domestically, the slow pace of economic recovery and the uncertainty of the healthcare agenda are the burning issues for the administration.
Successful planning for this year's upcoming congressional and gubernatorial elections is also high on the agenda. The loss of a Senate seat, held for years by the late Edward M. Kennedy, barely a day before the president's one year anniversary in office, is also a wakeup call for the administration.
Meanwhile, the Myanmarese military junta is planning to move ahead with its proposed 2010 General Election, though neither electoral laws nor an election date has been announced. The National League for Democracy, the main opposition party, is also undecided as to whether to participate, even if it is allowed to take part.
Though uncertainty still remains in Myanmar's political future, it is important that the U.S. government continues to engage. A meaningful dialogue between the military leader, Than Shwe, and the opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, must be encouraged with the ultimate goal of paving the way to national reconciliation.
The U.S. should also continue to put pressure on the military generals to release political prisoners, and to address the country's more than half-a-century-old ethnic minority problems.
Because of the historical and ethno-political nature of Myanmar's conflicts, finding a resolution will require in-depth analysis, a systematic approach and comprehensive remedial measures.
Nehginpao Kipgen is a researcher on the rise of political conflicts in modern Myanmar (1947-2004) and general secretary of the U.S.-based Kuki International Forum (www.kukiforum.com). He has written numerous analytical articles on the politics of Myanmar and Asia for many leading international newspapers in Asia, Africa, and the United States of America. He can be reached at nehginpao@yahoo.com.
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Asian Tribune - Suu Kyi party leaders skeptical on November release reports
Wed, 2010-01-27 07:14 — editor
From R.Vasudevan—Reporting from New Delhi
New Delhi, 27 January (Asiantribune.com):
Aung San Suu Kyi Reports that a top Myanmar leader has been quoted as saying detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi would be released in November, when her house arrest ends, have only lowered hopes of human rights’ activists all over the world that she might be freed ahead of the elections.
Nyan Win, a spokesman for her National League for Democracy party, felt the comment purportedly made last week by Home Minister Maj. Gen. Maung Oo was "nothing new or extraordinary." The release could come probably a month after many observers expect Myanmar to hold its first parliamentary elections in two decades. "If the media reports were correct, hopes for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's earlier release under the executive order were dashed," said Nyan Win, who is also a lawyer for the 64-year-old Suu Kyi. "Daw" is a term of respect used for older women in Myanmar, also known as Burma.
Senior NLD official Khin Maung Swe emphasized it was crucial Suu Kyi was released before the election. "The most important thing is they must be freed in good time so that they can work for national reconciliation," he said.
Home Minister Maung Oo also said 82-year-old NLD vice-chairman Tin Oo, a former defence minister and retired general, would be released on Feb. 13 after 10 years in detention.
News reports on U.S.-government backed Radio Free Asia and elsewhere cited witnesses as saying Maung Oo in a Jan. 21 speech declared Suu Kyi would be freed in November. The reports said he spoke at a meeting of several hundred officials in Kyaukpadaung, a town about 560 kilometers north of Yangon. Maung Oo was also quoted as saying the elections would be "free and fair." The minister said the government would pursue an international-style market economy after holding "free and fair" elections, including loosening restrictions on car imports. "We are not a power crazy government," he was quoted as telling the meeting in Kyaukpadaung. "The election will be held in 2010 without fail. I promise the election will be free and fair, there will be no cheating."
Suu Kyi's party and pro-democracy activists have complained the constitution that established the polls was undemocratic and unfair. It includes provisions that bar the democracy icon from holding office and ensure the military a controlling stake in government. Suu Kyi's party has not yet decided whether to take part in the election.
Suu Kyi has been detained for 14 of the past 20 years. She was sentenced last August to 18 months' house arrest, with three months in detention awaiting the end of the trial counted toward the total. The National League for Democracy party swept the last elections in 1990, but the results were never honored by the military, which has ruled the country since 1962.
Suu Kyi was sentenced to 18 additional months of house arrest in May 2009 after American John Yettaw sneaked uninvited into her house, prompting her to be tried on charges of government subversion. The 64-year-old had told a Myanmar court that she didn't know Yettaw, was unaware of his plans to visit and didn't report his intrusion because she didn't want him to get into trouble. She was sentenced to additional home confinement after being found guilty of violating the terms of her house arrest.
Suu Kyi has appealed her sentence to Myanmar's Supreme Court in Yangon, which will decide within a month whether to proceed with the case.
The military junta has not set a date for the vote but has promised U.S. President Barack Obama and Southeast Asian leaders the vote would be free, fair and inclusive. In
recent months Suu Kyi has been allowed to meet the junta's liaison officer and foreign diplomats.
The United States and others are reviewing policy towards the former Burma after years of sanctions and trade embargoes failed to get the junta to improve its human rights record or relax its grip on power. Obama has offered Myanmar the prospect of better ties with Washington if it pursued democratic reform and freed political prisoners, including Suu Kyi.
In a report released last week, Human Rights Watch said the new constitution, promulgated in 2008, "entrenches military rule and limits the role of independent political parties". Attacks on ethnic groups had not ceased and intimidation of political and human rights activists had increased, it said.
Wed, 2010-01-27 07:14 — editor
From R.Vasudevan—Reporting from New Delhi
New Delhi, 27 January (Asiantribune.com):
Aung San Suu Kyi Reports that a top Myanmar leader has been quoted as saying detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi would be released in November, when her house arrest ends, have only lowered hopes of human rights’ activists all over the world that she might be freed ahead of the elections.
Nyan Win, a spokesman for her National League for Democracy party, felt the comment purportedly made last week by Home Minister Maj. Gen. Maung Oo was "nothing new or extraordinary." The release could come probably a month after many observers expect Myanmar to hold its first parliamentary elections in two decades. "If the media reports were correct, hopes for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's earlier release under the executive order were dashed," said Nyan Win, who is also a lawyer for the 64-year-old Suu Kyi. "Daw" is a term of respect used for older women in Myanmar, also known as Burma.
Senior NLD official Khin Maung Swe emphasized it was crucial Suu Kyi was released before the election. "The most important thing is they must be freed in good time so that they can work for national reconciliation," he said.
Home Minister Maung Oo also said 82-year-old NLD vice-chairman Tin Oo, a former defence minister and retired general, would be released on Feb. 13 after 10 years in detention.
News reports on U.S.-government backed Radio Free Asia and elsewhere cited witnesses as saying Maung Oo in a Jan. 21 speech declared Suu Kyi would be freed in November. The reports said he spoke at a meeting of several hundred officials in Kyaukpadaung, a town about 560 kilometers north of Yangon. Maung Oo was also quoted as saying the elections would be "free and fair." The minister said the government would pursue an international-style market economy after holding "free and fair" elections, including loosening restrictions on car imports. "We are not a power crazy government," he was quoted as telling the meeting in Kyaukpadaung. "The election will be held in 2010 without fail. I promise the election will be free and fair, there will be no cheating."
Suu Kyi's party and pro-democracy activists have complained the constitution that established the polls was undemocratic and unfair. It includes provisions that bar the democracy icon from holding office and ensure the military a controlling stake in government. Suu Kyi's party has not yet decided whether to take part in the election.
Suu Kyi has been detained for 14 of the past 20 years. She was sentenced last August to 18 months' house arrest, with three months in detention awaiting the end of the trial counted toward the total. The National League for Democracy party swept the last elections in 1990, but the results were never honored by the military, which has ruled the country since 1962.
Suu Kyi was sentenced to 18 additional months of house arrest in May 2009 after American John Yettaw sneaked uninvited into her house, prompting her to be tried on charges of government subversion. The 64-year-old had told a Myanmar court that she didn't know Yettaw, was unaware of his plans to visit and didn't report his intrusion because she didn't want him to get into trouble. She was sentenced to additional home confinement after being found guilty of violating the terms of her house arrest.
Suu Kyi has appealed her sentence to Myanmar's Supreme Court in Yangon, which will decide within a month whether to proceed with the case.
The military junta has not set a date for the vote but has promised U.S. President Barack Obama and Southeast Asian leaders the vote would be free, fair and inclusive. In
recent months Suu Kyi has been allowed to meet the junta's liaison officer and foreign diplomats.
The United States and others are reviewing policy towards the former Burma after years of sanctions and trade embargoes failed to get the junta to improve its human rights record or relax its grip on power. Obama has offered Myanmar the prospect of better ties with Washington if it pursued democratic reform and freed political prisoners, including Suu Kyi.
In a report released last week, Human Rights Watch said the new constitution, promulgated in 2008, "entrenches military rule and limits the role of independent political parties". Attacks on ethnic groups had not ceased and intimidation of political and human rights activists had increased, it said.
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UCD recognizes distinguished alumni
Published By Daily Democrat
Created: 01/27/2010 02:30:35 AM PST
A doctor who treats Myanmar refugees in Thailand, a father of modern trauma surgery and the founder of a nationwide college readiness program are among the UC Davis, alumni who will be honored at an event on Saturday.
The Cal Aggie Alumni Association invites the public to attend the 2010 Alumni Awards Gala, beginning with an alumni winemaker reception at 6 p.m. and followed by a dinner and awards ceremony at 7 p.m. The event will take place at Freeborn Hall.
The award winners, all California residents, are Dr. Terrance Smith of Clarksburg; Dr. Michael W. Chapman of Sacramento; Mary Catherine Swanson of Olivenhain; Michael Child of Atherton; Craig McNamara of Winters; and Marc Facciotti of Davis.
Smith is the recipient of the Emil M. Mrak International Award for his distinguished career and service outside of the United States. A volunteer at the Mae Tao Clinic in Thailand, the doctor treats displaced ethnic migrants and refugees from Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. Smith began his international volunteer work in 1999 when he joined Doctors of the World.
Chapman, professor emeritus and former chair of the UCD Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, will be awarded the Jerry W. Fielder Memorial Award for extraordinary service to the alumni association, the UCD Foundation and the university. Under his leadership, the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery became one of the most respected in the nation, and he is recognized as one of the founding fathers of modern trauma surgery.
McNamara, owner of Sierra Farms and founder and president of the Center for Land-Based Learning, will receive the Outstanding Alumnus Award for displaying exceptional achievement, promoting innovative change and making professional contributions to the community and to UCD. He practices science-based organic farming and serves as a role model for the more than 2,000 people who visit his farm each year to learn from his practices. McNamara founded the Center for Land-Based Learning to provide high school students with hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture. Founded in 1993 as a local partnership, the center today has evolved into a statewide program.
McNamara is a member of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Dean's Advisory Council and has spoken at convocation and commencement ceremonies.
Swanson will be honored with the Distinguished Achievement Award for exemplary conduct and achievement. She is the founder, past executive director and member of the board of directors of AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination).
Child will be awarded the Aggie Service Award in recognition of his recent dedication of time, energy, volunteerism and leadership in support of the alumni association and UCD. Child, managing director for a private equity firm in the Bay Area, advocates on behalf of the university and works with alumni.
Facciotti, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at UCD, is the recipient of the Young Alumnus Award, which honors a recent graduate who has made outstanding professional contributions to the community or to UCD. Facciotti discovered his love for scientific research while working toward a bachelor of science in biochemistry at UCD.
Published By Daily Democrat
Created: 01/27/2010 02:30:35 AM PST
A doctor who treats Myanmar refugees in Thailand, a father of modern trauma surgery and the founder of a nationwide college readiness program are among the UC Davis, alumni who will be honored at an event on Saturday.
The Cal Aggie Alumni Association invites the public to attend the 2010 Alumni Awards Gala, beginning with an alumni winemaker reception at 6 p.m. and followed by a dinner and awards ceremony at 7 p.m. The event will take place at Freeborn Hall.
The award winners, all California residents, are Dr. Terrance Smith of Clarksburg; Dr. Michael W. Chapman of Sacramento; Mary Catherine Swanson of Olivenhain; Michael Child of Atherton; Craig McNamara of Winters; and Marc Facciotti of Davis.
Smith is the recipient of the Emil M. Mrak International Award for his distinguished career and service outside of the United States. A volunteer at the Mae Tao Clinic in Thailand, the doctor treats displaced ethnic migrants and refugees from Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. Smith began his international volunteer work in 1999 when he joined Doctors of the World.
Chapman, professor emeritus and former chair of the UCD Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, will be awarded the Jerry W. Fielder Memorial Award for extraordinary service to the alumni association, the UCD Foundation and the university. Under his leadership, the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery became one of the most respected in the nation, and he is recognized as one of the founding fathers of modern trauma surgery.
McNamara, owner of Sierra Farms and founder and president of the Center for Land-Based Learning, will receive the Outstanding Alumnus Award for displaying exceptional achievement, promoting innovative change and making professional contributions to the community and to UCD. He practices science-based organic farming and serves as a role model for the more than 2,000 people who visit his farm each year to learn from his practices. McNamara founded the Center for Land-Based Learning to provide high school students with hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture. Founded in 1993 as a local partnership, the center today has evolved into a statewide program.
McNamara is a member of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Dean's Advisory Council and has spoken at convocation and commencement ceremonies.
Swanson will be honored with the Distinguished Achievement Award for exemplary conduct and achievement. She is the founder, past executive director and member of the board of directors of AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination).
Child will be awarded the Aggie Service Award in recognition of his recent dedication of time, energy, volunteerism and leadership in support of the alumni association and UCD. Child, managing director for a private equity firm in the Bay Area, advocates on behalf of the university and works with alumni.
Facciotti, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at UCD, is the recipient of the Young Alumnus Award, which honors a recent graduate who has made outstanding professional contributions to the community or to UCD. Facciotti discovered his love for scientific research while working toward a bachelor of science in biochemistry at UCD.
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Oneindia - Burmese Buddhist monks share plight with Tibetan exiles
Wednesday, January 27, 2010,6:44 [IST]
Dharamsala, Jan 27 (ANI): An 18-member Burmese monks' delegation, which arrived here on a three-day visit, shared their plight with Tibetan exiles here on Tuesday.
"We have few Burmese who are visiting Dharamsala and also with them they have brought a very powerful documentary called Burma VJ. This (the documentary) is about the Burmese monks protest in 2007 and how people inside Burma are struggling for freedom and democracy," said Tenzin Cheoying, a Tibetan activist.
"The Burmese people and the Tibetan people are in same conditions politically because in Burma we have been under dictatorship rule for more than 60 years and Tibetan people are also under occupation of the Chinese government. There are lot of human right violations and our struggle for democracy has not been successful," said Pluto, the coordinator of the Burmese delegation.
The Burmese delegation would visit various Tibetan establishments in and around the town during their visit.
India is home to hundreds of Myanmar nationals, many of them pro-democracy activists.
New Delhi, which has close links to Myanmar, says the generals should pursue national reconciliation and return to democracy but opposes tough measures like sanctions, saying the country should not be isolated. (ANI)
Wednesday, January 27, 2010,6:44 [IST]
Dharamsala, Jan 27 (ANI): An 18-member Burmese monks' delegation, which arrived here on a three-day visit, shared their plight with Tibetan exiles here on Tuesday.
"We have few Burmese who are visiting Dharamsala and also with them they have brought a very powerful documentary called Burma VJ. This (the documentary) is about the Burmese monks protest in 2007 and how people inside Burma are struggling for freedom and democracy," said Tenzin Cheoying, a Tibetan activist.
"The Burmese people and the Tibetan people are in same conditions politically because in Burma we have been under dictatorship rule for more than 60 years and Tibetan people are also under occupation of the Chinese government. There are lot of human right violations and our struggle for democracy has not been successful," said Pluto, the coordinator of the Burmese delegation.
The Burmese delegation would visit various Tibetan establishments in and around the town during their visit.
India is home to hundreds of Myanmar nationals, many of them pro-democracy activists.
New Delhi, which has close links to Myanmar, says the generals should pursue national reconciliation and return to democracy but opposes tough measures like sanctions, saying the country should not be isolated. (ANI)
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People's Daily Online - Two explosions slightly damage buildings in Kyaukkyi, Myanmar
13:59, January 27, 2010
Two series of explosions occurred in Kyaukkyi, Myanmar's Bago division, Tuesday morning without casualties but slightly damaged some buildings, the official newspaper New Light of Myanmar confirmed Wednesday.
The explosions five minutes apart took place in front of a building in Theindan ward and a house in Myitta ward around 4 a.m. (local times), slightly destroying the fences and windows of these buildings, the report said.
The authorities charged the anti-government ethnic armed group of Kayin National Union (KNU) brigade-3 with being responsible for the incident.
The authorities also blamed the KNU brigade-5 for killing seven people and injuring 11 others with a timed bomb in another incident in Papun, southeastern Kayin state, on Dec. 16 last year when a fun fair celebrating the ethnic Kayin new year day was underway.
That time-bomb exploded at some food stalls, clothing and toy selling shops provisionally erected in the market festival, then report said.
Moreover, the authorities also linked the KNU with killing three people and injuring two others in a terrorist attack on a passenger boat "Saw Ohmma" on the Thanlwin River in the same Kayin state on Nov. 10 last year.
KNU remains as the largest anti-government armed group in Myanmar having not made peace with the government yet.
The government claimed that a total of 17 anti-government armed groups have returned to the legal fold since it adopted a policy of national reconciliation since 1989.
Source: Xinhua
13:59, January 27, 2010
Two series of explosions occurred in Kyaukkyi, Myanmar's Bago division, Tuesday morning without casualties but slightly damaged some buildings, the official newspaper New Light of Myanmar confirmed Wednesday.
The explosions five minutes apart took place in front of a building in Theindan ward and a house in Myitta ward around 4 a.m. (local times), slightly destroying the fences and windows of these buildings, the report said.
The authorities charged the anti-government ethnic armed group of Kayin National Union (KNU) brigade-3 with being responsible for the incident.
The authorities also blamed the KNU brigade-5 for killing seven people and injuring 11 others with a timed bomb in another incident in Papun, southeastern Kayin state, on Dec. 16 last year when a fun fair celebrating the ethnic Kayin new year day was underway.
That time-bomb exploded at some food stalls, clothing and toy selling shops provisionally erected in the market festival, then report said.
Moreover, the authorities also linked the KNU with killing three people and injuring two others in a terrorist attack on a passenger boat "Saw Ohmma" on the Thanlwin River in the same Kayin state on Nov. 10 last year.
KNU remains as the largest anti-government armed group in Myanmar having not made peace with the government yet.
The government claimed that a total of 17 anti-government armed groups have returned to the legal fold since it adopted a policy of national reconciliation since 1989.
Source: Xinhua
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Bangkok Post - Govt to set up border trade centres
Published: 27/01/2010 at 12:19 PM
The Foreign Trade Department at the Ministry of Commerce will establish four border trade promotion centres at border provinces adjacent to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia, director-general of the department, Wichak Wisetnoi said on Wednesday.
The center will provide knowledge and advice on border trade, and solution to any related problems for Thai vendors running business along the border areas, Mr Wichak said.
It was the policy of Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai to set up the border trade promotion centres to enable Thai businessmen to maximize benefit from the Asean-Free Trade Area agreement (Afta) which took effect on Jan 1.
“The establishment of these centres would help facilitate border trade with neighbouring countries. The ministry targets to increase the border trade value to at least one trillion baht annually within 2012”, the director-general stated.
Published: 27/01/2010 at 12:19 PM
The Foreign Trade Department at the Ministry of Commerce will establish four border trade promotion centres at border provinces adjacent to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia, director-general of the department, Wichak Wisetnoi said on Wednesday.
The center will provide knowledge and advice on border trade, and solution to any related problems for Thai vendors running business along the border areas, Mr Wichak said.
It was the policy of Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai to set up the border trade promotion centres to enable Thai businessmen to maximize benefit from the Asean-Free Trade Area agreement (Afta) which took effect on Jan 1.
“The establishment of these centres would help facilitate border trade with neighbouring countries. The ministry targets to increase the border trade value to at least one trillion baht annually within 2012”, the director-general stated.
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The Irrawaddy - Imprisoned Comedian Turns 49
By ARKAR MOE - Wednesday, January 27, 2010
While popular Burmese comedian Zarganar spent his second consecutive birthday behind bars in remote Myitkyina prison in northern Burma on Wednesday, a small group of dissidents celebrated his 49th birthday at a Buddhist monastery in Chiang Mai in Thailand.
“We offered alms this morning to the monks in commemoration of Ko Zarganar’s birthday,” said fellow comedian Godzilla of the well-known Burmese troupe Thee Lay Thee A-nyeint. “After all, he has made a real sacrifice for his people. We wish that he––and all the other persons who have made such sacrifices––live long and free from danger.”
Zarganar’s sister-in-law, Ma Nyein, told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday that Zarganar is suffering from the skin disease pruritus. “I last saw him on Dec. 7, 2009. Like other families of political prisoners, we expect him to be released this year, but it all depends on the Burmese authorities.”
“He is a very funny man who inspires confidence,” said Kyaw Thu, a famous Burmese actor. “He is a true artiste and I very much appreciate his good deeds and brave spirit.”
Zarganar was sentenced to 35 years in prison for his involvement in the humanitarian relief effort in the Irrawaddy delta after Cyclone Nargis devastated the region in 2008.
For years he has been a thorn in the side of Burma's ruling generals, constantly criticizing them and the government with sharp wit and fierce political satire.
Born Thura to a political family, his parents were well-known writers Nan Nyunt Swe and Daw Kyi Oo.
Zarganar graduated in dental medicine from Rangoon University in 1985.
Adopting the stage name “Zarganar,” meaning “tweezers,” he performed amateur stage comedy shows at Rangoon universities until in 1986, he formed the “Mya Ponnama Anyeint” troupe.
He quickly became known for his “than gyat,” a kind of traditional satirical show popular during Thingyan, the Burmese New Year.
He got away with a highly popular play, “Beggar,” which savagely ridiculed the late dictator Gen Ne Win and his cronies.
Zarganar was arrested for participating in the nationwide uprising in 1988. He was in prison for the next five out of six years.
Between 1997 and 2006, he was banned frequently from show business by the military authorities for making controversial video documentaries and holding interviews with foreign media.
Zarganar wrote a screenplay based on late Gen Aung San's biography and also directed three short videos and a movie to raise HIV/AIDS awareness with the help of local NGOs.
He became best known for his performances of A-nyeint Pwe, a form of theatre that combines dance, music, opera and comedy, which at times is politically and socially driven and seeks to make light of the stresses of everyday life.
Continually pushing the envelope against government censorship, Zarganar formed a comedy troupe called Thee Lay Thee A-nyeint, which performed mostly in Rangoon and delighted audiences with satirical skits lampooning the military junta.
In 1991, Zarganar was awarded the Lillian Hellman and Dashiel Hammett Award, given by the Fund for Free Expression, a committee organized by New York-based Human Rights Watch.
He was arrested on Sept. 26, 2007, for participating in the nationwide “Saffron Revolution.” He and his friend, actor Kyaw Thu, made a public show of offering food and water to Buddhist monks as they prepared to lead anti-government protests. Moreover, he urged the public to support the monks in radio interviews with exiled media.
After Cyclone Nargis devastated in Irrawaddy delta in early May 2008, Zarganar organized a group of about 400 Burmese volunteers to provide disaster relief to survivors in cyclone-ravaged areas.
He was rearrested on June 4, 2008, after a raid at his home in which the authorities seized his computer, about US $1,000 in cash and three CDs containing footage of May’s cyclone devastation, the opulent wedding of junta leader Snr-Gen Than Shwe’s youngest daughter and the film “Rambo 4,” in which Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone fights
Burmese government soldiers in a mission to rescue kidnapped Westerners.
In November 2008, Zarganar was sentenced to 59 years in prison. Rangoon Divisional Court later reduced the prison sentence to 35 years after an appeal by his family. In December 2008, he was transferred to Myintkyina prison in Kachin State in the country's far north.
One month before his sentencing, Zarganar was awarded the one Humanity Award by PEN Canada of which he is an honorary member.
By ARKAR MOE - Wednesday, January 27, 2010
While popular Burmese comedian Zarganar spent his second consecutive birthday behind bars in remote Myitkyina prison in northern Burma on Wednesday, a small group of dissidents celebrated his 49th birthday at a Buddhist monastery in Chiang Mai in Thailand.
“We offered alms this morning to the monks in commemoration of Ko Zarganar’s birthday,” said fellow comedian Godzilla of the well-known Burmese troupe Thee Lay Thee A-nyeint. “After all, he has made a real sacrifice for his people. We wish that he––and all the other persons who have made such sacrifices––live long and free from danger.”
Zarganar’s sister-in-law, Ma Nyein, told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday that Zarganar is suffering from the skin disease pruritus. “I last saw him on Dec. 7, 2009. Like other families of political prisoners, we expect him to be released this year, but it all depends on the Burmese authorities.”
“He is a very funny man who inspires confidence,” said Kyaw Thu, a famous Burmese actor. “He is a true artiste and I very much appreciate his good deeds and brave spirit.”
Zarganar was sentenced to 35 years in prison for his involvement in the humanitarian relief effort in the Irrawaddy delta after Cyclone Nargis devastated the region in 2008.
For years he has been a thorn in the side of Burma's ruling generals, constantly criticizing them and the government with sharp wit and fierce political satire.
Born Thura to a political family, his parents were well-known writers Nan Nyunt Swe and Daw Kyi Oo.
Zarganar graduated in dental medicine from Rangoon University in 1985.
Adopting the stage name “Zarganar,” meaning “tweezers,” he performed amateur stage comedy shows at Rangoon universities until in 1986, he formed the “Mya Ponnama Anyeint” troupe.
He quickly became known for his “than gyat,” a kind of traditional satirical show popular during Thingyan, the Burmese New Year.
He got away with a highly popular play, “Beggar,” which savagely ridiculed the late dictator Gen Ne Win and his cronies.
Zarganar was arrested for participating in the nationwide uprising in 1988. He was in prison for the next five out of six years.
Between 1997 and 2006, he was banned frequently from show business by the military authorities for making controversial video documentaries and holding interviews with foreign media.
Zarganar wrote a screenplay based on late Gen Aung San's biography and also directed three short videos and a movie to raise HIV/AIDS awareness with the help of local NGOs.
He became best known for his performances of A-nyeint Pwe, a form of theatre that combines dance, music, opera and comedy, which at times is politically and socially driven and seeks to make light of the stresses of everyday life.
Continually pushing the envelope against government censorship, Zarganar formed a comedy troupe called Thee Lay Thee A-nyeint, which performed mostly in Rangoon and delighted audiences with satirical skits lampooning the military junta.
In 1991, Zarganar was awarded the Lillian Hellman and Dashiel Hammett Award, given by the Fund for Free Expression, a committee organized by New York-based Human Rights Watch.
He was arrested on Sept. 26, 2007, for participating in the nationwide “Saffron Revolution.” He and his friend, actor Kyaw Thu, made a public show of offering food and water to Buddhist monks as they prepared to lead anti-government protests. Moreover, he urged the public to support the monks in radio interviews with exiled media.
After Cyclone Nargis devastated in Irrawaddy delta in early May 2008, Zarganar organized a group of about 400 Burmese volunteers to provide disaster relief to survivors in cyclone-ravaged areas.
He was rearrested on June 4, 2008, after a raid at his home in which the authorities seized his computer, about US $1,000 in cash and three CDs containing footage of May’s cyclone devastation, the opulent wedding of junta leader Snr-Gen Than Shwe’s youngest daughter and the film “Rambo 4,” in which Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone fights
Burmese government soldiers in a mission to rescue kidnapped Westerners.
In November 2008, Zarganar was sentenced to 59 years in prison. Rangoon Divisional Court later reduced the prison sentence to 35 years after an appeal by his family. In December 2008, he was transferred to Myintkyina prison in Kachin State in the country's far north.
One month before his sentencing, Zarganar was awarded the one Humanity Award by PEN Canada of which he is an honorary member.
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The Irrawaddy - UN Special Rapporteur to Visit Burma
By BA KAUNG - Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The UN human rights special rapporteur for Burma, Tomas Ojea Quintana, will visit the country from Feb. 14 to 20. When he made a number of requests last year to visit the country for the second time in one year, the regime said the timing was not right.
He will make a report on his findings to the UN Human Rights Council in March, according to the UN Human Rights office in Thailand.
Quintana has asked the authorities to meet with the detained pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and leaders of ethnic cease-fire groups during his visit, according to an interview he gave to a Burmese radio station on Tuesday. He has also asked to visit Arakan State to study the human rights situation there.
In his report to the UN last year, Quintana called for the release of all 2,156 political prisoners before the 2010 election in order to ensure national reconciliation and a transition to democracy.
Since his appointment by the Geneva-based UN human rights group in May 2008, Quintana has made two trips to Burma, the second in February 2009. His mandate comes from the UN Human Rights Council.
During his last visit, he had private meetings with political prisoners in Insein Prison. He also visited a prison in Karen State where he met with inmates who were imprisoned for trying to escape after they had been conscripted as porters by the regime's army.
Quintana has urged the military regime to take four human rights steps before the 2010 election: the release of all political prisoners; review and reform laws that are not in compliance with international human rights standards; reform the judiciary to assure independence and impartiality; and reform the military to respect international humanitarian laws in conflict areas, as well as the rights of civilians.
By BA KAUNG - Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The UN human rights special rapporteur for Burma, Tomas Ojea Quintana, will visit the country from Feb. 14 to 20. When he made a number of requests last year to visit the country for the second time in one year, the regime said the timing was not right.
He will make a report on his findings to the UN Human Rights Council in March, according to the UN Human Rights office in Thailand.
Quintana has asked the authorities to meet with the detained pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and leaders of ethnic cease-fire groups during his visit, according to an interview he gave to a Burmese radio station on Tuesday. He has also asked to visit Arakan State to study the human rights situation there.
In his report to the UN last year, Quintana called for the release of all 2,156 political prisoners before the 2010 election in order to ensure national reconciliation and a transition to democracy.
Since his appointment by the Geneva-based UN human rights group in May 2008, Quintana has made two trips to Burma, the second in February 2009. His mandate comes from the UN Human Rights Council.
During his last visit, he had private meetings with political prisoners in Insein Prison. He also visited a prison in Karen State where he met with inmates who were imprisoned for trying to escape after they had been conscripted as porters by the regime's army.
Quintana has urged the military regime to take four human rights steps before the 2010 election: the release of all political prisoners; review and reform laws that are not in compliance with international human rights standards; reform the judiciary to assure independence and impartiality; and reform the military to respect international humanitarian laws in conflict areas, as well as the rights of civilians.
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The Irrawaddy - Burmese Soldiers Still Recruit Underage Youth
By LAWI WENG - Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Burmese army is still recruiting underage youth despite the government's agreement with the UN that such practices would stop.
In the latest incident, Kyaw Min Tun, 14, was conscripted by a soldier in Light Infantry Battalion No. 83, based in Migaungye in Taungdwingyi Township in Magway Division.
His mother, San Thar Win, told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday that her son was taken to the battalion on Jan. 19 at 4 p.m. She said a soldier from the battalion persuaded him to join by saying he would receive a 60,000 kyat (US $60) monthly salary.
She has asked the battalion to release her son, she said, but the military has not complied.
Meanwhile, Aye Myint, a leading labor activist in Pegu Division, said that two other underage youths were taken to the same battalion this month. His group, Guiding Star, works on issues involving child recruitment and forced labor.
The group received 121 recruitment complaints last year, but only about one-third of the youth were released, he said.
He said that the Burmese government should punished soldiers who recruit underage youth. Government officials have signed an agreement with the International Labour Organization to stop such recruitment but soldiers in the field continue the practice, he said.
Meanwhile, the Burmese military government has extended an agreement allowing the UN to monitor complaints of underage recruitment for one more year.
Kari Tapiola, the executive director of the ILO in Geneva, told The Irrawaddy by e-mail that the overall number of underage recruitment complaints has increased.
The forced recruitment of children into the military is a problem which has been recognized at a high level. According to the “Annual Report of the UN Secretary-General to the Security Council on Children and Armed Conflict” in March last year, the Burmese junta “continues to screen and release underage children found in its armed forces during the training process.”
The report said the ILO, together with the International Committee of the Red Cross, was instrumental in the release of 12 underage recruits and had verified the release of 23 children “mostly from involuntary military enrollment.” It was waiting for a government response in 14 other cases.
The UN said in its latest report on the situation that the military is still recruiting child soldiers.
The New York-based Human Rights Watch has said that 70,000 underage soldiers are serving in the Burmese armed forces.
Human rights groups say children are recruited at train stations, bus depots, teahouses, video halls and movie cinemas, and even while walking home at night. The groups say the youth are sometimes threatened and beaten if they refuse to agree to undergo military training. After their training, many are sent to areas where the military is in conflict with ethnic groups.
By LAWI WENG - Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Burmese army is still recruiting underage youth despite the government's agreement with the UN that such practices would stop.
In the latest incident, Kyaw Min Tun, 14, was conscripted by a soldier in Light Infantry Battalion No. 83, based in Migaungye in Taungdwingyi Township in Magway Division.
His mother, San Thar Win, told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday that her son was taken to the battalion on Jan. 19 at 4 p.m. She said a soldier from the battalion persuaded him to join by saying he would receive a 60,000 kyat (US $60) monthly salary.
She has asked the battalion to release her son, she said, but the military has not complied.
Meanwhile, Aye Myint, a leading labor activist in Pegu Division, said that two other underage youths were taken to the same battalion this month. His group, Guiding Star, works on issues involving child recruitment and forced labor.
The group received 121 recruitment complaints last year, but only about one-third of the youth were released, he said.
He said that the Burmese government should punished soldiers who recruit underage youth. Government officials have signed an agreement with the International Labour Organization to stop such recruitment but soldiers in the field continue the practice, he said.
Meanwhile, the Burmese military government has extended an agreement allowing the UN to monitor complaints of underage recruitment for one more year.
Kari Tapiola, the executive director of the ILO in Geneva, told The Irrawaddy by e-mail that the overall number of underage recruitment complaints has increased.
The forced recruitment of children into the military is a problem which has been recognized at a high level. According to the “Annual Report of the UN Secretary-General to the Security Council on Children and Armed Conflict” in March last year, the Burmese junta “continues to screen and release underage children found in its armed forces during the training process.”
The report said the ILO, together with the International Committee of the Red Cross, was instrumental in the release of 12 underage recruits and had verified the release of 23 children “mostly from involuntary military enrollment.” It was waiting for a government response in 14 other cases.
The UN said in its latest report on the situation that the military is still recruiting child soldiers.
The New York-based Human Rights Watch has said that 70,000 underage soldiers are serving in the Burmese armed forces.
Human rights groups say children are recruited at train stations, bus depots, teahouses, video halls and movie cinemas, and even while walking home at night. The groups say the youth are sometimes threatened and beaten if they refuse to agree to undergo military training. After their training, many are sent to areas where the military is in conflict with ethnic groups.
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Villages burnt, Karen villagers hide in jungles
Wednesday, 27 January 2010 21:40 Kyaw Kha
Chiangmai (Mizzima) - Villagers are being killed and houses being burnt to the ground in Karen state by the Burmese Army to occupy territory and to divert the attention of people opposing the proposed 2010 elections in Burma, the Karen Nation United (KNU) alleged.
On 17 January, 13 houses were burnt down and two villagers killed in Khae Dae village, Nyaung Lei Pin district, in eastern Pegu Division allegedly by Burmese soldiers of the Light Infantry Battalion 367 under the Military Operation Command.
Major Saw Hla Ngwe, Secretary I of the KNU told Mizzima that "KNU opposed the 2008 constitution and is determined to oppose the planned 2010 elections. It is our duty to oppose the elections. The Burmese junta is diverting the attention of the people so that they cannot oppose the elections".
The KNU is Burma's largest and longest continuing insurgent group fighting the Burmese regime.
"More than 1,000 Karen residents from 10 villages including Khae Dae villages have been displaced and are hiding in the jungle," he added.
The Free Burma Rangers (FBR), a volunteer relief organization working to help the displaced villagers in Karen State, said villagers, who fled to the jungle without extra clothes, are mired in difficulties.
Baw Phoe, a member of FBR told Mizzima that shelter, food and health conditions are terrible. They are not getting enough and are making do with some aid from FBR.
Saw Steve of a Karen relief group, the Committee for Internally Displaced Karen People said "we will be helping along with Free Burma Rangers refugees, who have been hiding in jungles, prioritizing those whose houses were gutted."
In Nyaung Lei Pin district, there are clashes between the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) jointly with the Burmese Army. The KNU has accused the Burmese Army and DKBA of attacking villages in the area.
The KNLA is the military wing of the KNU. The DKBA broke away from the KNU in 1994 and has a ceasefire with the junta.
Burmese Army's Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) #363 and (LIB) #367 are operating in Kyaung Kyi Township in Nyaung Lei Pin district. (LIB) #365 and (LIB) #370 are based in areas of Mone Township.
There are about 4,000 refugees currently taking shelter in seven refugee camps in Tak Province, Thailand along the border with Burma after they fled exploitative abuse following joint military offensives by the DKBA and Burmese Army against the KNU forces in June last year.
The troops have been operating near the Ler Per Her camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Dta Greh Township, Pa’an District, according to a report released today by a Karen Human Rights Group. The group said that refugees continue to face serious obstacles in safely returning to their villages.
Wednesday, 27 January 2010 21:40 Kyaw Kha
Chiangmai (Mizzima) - Villagers are being killed and houses being burnt to the ground in Karen state by the Burmese Army to occupy territory and to divert the attention of people opposing the proposed 2010 elections in Burma, the Karen Nation United (KNU) alleged.
On 17 January, 13 houses were burnt down and two villagers killed in Khae Dae village, Nyaung Lei Pin district, in eastern Pegu Division allegedly by Burmese soldiers of the Light Infantry Battalion 367 under the Military Operation Command.
Major Saw Hla Ngwe, Secretary I of the KNU told Mizzima that "KNU opposed the 2008 constitution and is determined to oppose the planned 2010 elections. It is our duty to oppose the elections. The Burmese junta is diverting the attention of the people so that they cannot oppose the elections".
The KNU is Burma's largest and longest continuing insurgent group fighting the Burmese regime.
"More than 1,000 Karen residents from 10 villages including Khae Dae villages have been displaced and are hiding in the jungle," he added.
The Free Burma Rangers (FBR), a volunteer relief organization working to help the displaced villagers in Karen State, said villagers, who fled to the jungle without extra clothes, are mired in difficulties.
Baw Phoe, a member of FBR told Mizzima that shelter, food and health conditions are terrible. They are not getting enough and are making do with some aid from FBR.
Saw Steve of a Karen relief group, the Committee for Internally Displaced Karen People said "we will be helping along with Free Burma Rangers refugees, who have been hiding in jungles, prioritizing those whose houses were gutted."
In Nyaung Lei Pin district, there are clashes between the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) jointly with the Burmese Army. The KNU has accused the Burmese Army and DKBA of attacking villages in the area.
The KNLA is the military wing of the KNU. The DKBA broke away from the KNU in 1994 and has a ceasefire with the junta.
Burmese Army's Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) #363 and (LIB) #367 are operating in Kyaung Kyi Township in Nyaung Lei Pin district. (LIB) #365 and (LIB) #370 are based in areas of Mone Township.
There are about 4,000 refugees currently taking shelter in seven refugee camps in Tak Province, Thailand along the border with Burma after they fled exploitative abuse following joint military offensives by the DKBA and Burmese Army against the KNU forces in June last year.
The troops have been operating near the Ler Per Her camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Dta Greh Township, Pa’an District, according to a report released today by a Karen Human Rights Group. The group said that refugees continue to face serious obstacles in safely returning to their villages.
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Imprisoned Burmese journalists recognized for reporting truth
Wednesday, 27 January 2010 19:23 Salai Pi Pi
New Delhi (Mizzima) – Two imprisoned Burmese journalists have been named this year’s recipients of an award in honor of a Japanese journalist killed during the 2007 monk-led protests in Burma.
Tokyo-based Japanese News Agency together with Burma Media Association (BMA) on Tuesday announced they had selected imprisoned Burmese journalists Hla Hla Win and Win Maw, arrested by Burmese military authorities for sending information and reports to the Oslo-based Democratic Voice of Burma, as recipients of the 2010 Kenji Nagai Memorial Award.
“We decided to honor them in recognition of the sacrifice they both had made in sending out information on what really happened in Burma to audiences across the world," Son Moe Wai, Secretary of BMA, told Mizzima on Wednesday.
Son Moe Wai said the Burmese regime arrests and suppresses journalists with the intention of creating an information blackout across the country.
“I think they detained them unnecessarily as they did not commit any crime. They just practiced freedom of expression in the country,” he added.
The Japanese News Agency and BMA established the Kenji Nagai Memorial Award in remembrance of Japanese journalist Kenji Nagai, killed by a Burmese soldier while covering protests in Rangoon in September 2007. The honorees of the award will share a US$ 1,000 cash prize and crystal trophy this year.
A ceremony to acknowledge the winners of the second annual Kenji Nagai Award will be conducted during BMA’s upcoming conference, to be held this February in Thailand.
Toru Yamaji, a representative of Asia Press Front (APF), told Mizzima on Wednesday that he congratulated both Kenji Nagai winners, saying, “ They are working for the future of Burma and for the Burmese people who want to get peace in the country.”
Hla Hla Win was recently sentenced to 27 years in prison under the charges of violating Burma’s Electronic Act and for riding a motorcycle without a license, while Win Maw was given 17 years for breaking the Electronic Act.
Meanwhile Win Myint, father of Hla Hla Win, said he felt proud of his daughter who selflessly worked for the Burmese people.
“I feel really proud of her. She is a hero,” Win Myint told Mizzima, adding, “But I think it is too much for her being given a seven year sentence for riding a motorcycle [without a license] while thousands of motorcycles [without licenses] are brought into the country from different corners.”
The inaugural Kenji Nagai Award in 2009 was presented to Eint Khaing Oo, a female journalist detained for covering Burma’s delta area after it was devastated by Nargis Cyclone in May 2008. Eint Khaing Oo was released from jail in 2009.
Toru Yamaji, in the joint statement with BMA issued on Tuesday, expressed its distrust concerning the Burmese military regime’s planned election for later this year, questioning whether it can truly be held in a free and fair manner.
He encouraged Burmese journalists to cover the reality of the ground situation in the forthcoming general election.
“I don’t think the regime’s upcoming election will be fair. However, the people have to decide for a change as the election is likely to be inevitable and come to happen,” said Toru Yamaji. “Journalists have a responsibility to reveal the truth on what the people have decided and the nature of the election.”
Wednesday, 27 January 2010 19:23 Salai Pi Pi
New Delhi (Mizzima) – Two imprisoned Burmese journalists have been named this year’s recipients of an award in honor of a Japanese journalist killed during the 2007 monk-led protests in Burma.
Tokyo-based Japanese News Agency together with Burma Media Association (BMA) on Tuesday announced they had selected imprisoned Burmese journalists Hla Hla Win and Win Maw, arrested by Burmese military authorities for sending information and reports to the Oslo-based Democratic Voice of Burma, as recipients of the 2010 Kenji Nagai Memorial Award.
“We decided to honor them in recognition of the sacrifice they both had made in sending out information on what really happened in Burma to audiences across the world," Son Moe Wai, Secretary of BMA, told Mizzima on Wednesday.
Son Moe Wai said the Burmese regime arrests and suppresses journalists with the intention of creating an information blackout across the country.
“I think they detained them unnecessarily as they did not commit any crime. They just practiced freedom of expression in the country,” he added.
The Japanese News Agency and BMA established the Kenji Nagai Memorial Award in remembrance of Japanese journalist Kenji Nagai, killed by a Burmese soldier while covering protests in Rangoon in September 2007. The honorees of the award will share a US$ 1,000 cash prize and crystal trophy this year.
A ceremony to acknowledge the winners of the second annual Kenji Nagai Award will be conducted during BMA’s upcoming conference, to be held this February in Thailand.
Toru Yamaji, a representative of Asia Press Front (APF), told Mizzima on Wednesday that he congratulated both Kenji Nagai winners, saying, “ They are working for the future of Burma and for the Burmese people who want to get peace in the country.”
Hla Hla Win was recently sentenced to 27 years in prison under the charges of violating Burma’s Electronic Act and for riding a motorcycle without a license, while Win Maw was given 17 years for breaking the Electronic Act.
Meanwhile Win Myint, father of Hla Hla Win, said he felt proud of his daughter who selflessly worked for the Burmese people.
“I feel really proud of her. She is a hero,” Win Myint told Mizzima, adding, “But I think it is too much for her being given a seven year sentence for riding a motorcycle [without a license] while thousands of motorcycles [without licenses] are brought into the country from different corners.”
The inaugural Kenji Nagai Award in 2009 was presented to Eint Khaing Oo, a female journalist detained for covering Burma’s delta area after it was devastated by Nargis Cyclone in May 2008. Eint Khaing Oo was released from jail in 2009.
Toru Yamaji, in the joint statement with BMA issued on Tuesday, expressed its distrust concerning the Burmese military regime’s planned election for later this year, questioning whether it can truly be held in a free and fair manner.
He encouraged Burmese journalists to cover the reality of the ground situation in the forthcoming general election.
“I don’t think the regime’s upcoming election will be fair. However, the people have to decide for a change as the election is likely to be inevitable and come to happen,” said Toru Yamaji. “Journalists have a responsibility to reveal the truth on what the people have decided and the nature of the election.”
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Rival groups meet on Karen refugees
Jan 27, 2010 (DVB)–A number of groups, including rival Karen armies, met yesterday in Thailand to discuss the repatriation of some 2000 Karen refugees back to Burma.
The refugees in June last year fled fighting between the Karen National Union (KNU) and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), who are both vying for control of Karen state. The DKBA are supported by the Burmese junta.
Both groups however were present at the meeting yesterday, held in Thailand’s Nupo village nearby the populous Nupo camp, along with delegates from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Thailand Burma Border Consortium (TBBC).
An official elected by the refugees who attended the meeting told DVB on condition of anonymity that the DKBA would ensure that returnees are not forced into labour or army portering; these were two of the main threats the refugees reported when they fled last June.
“However, the [DKBA] said they can’t take responsibility on the landmines laid by the KNU in the region before the offensive began,” he said. “The DKBA can clear the mines they laid themselves but not the KNU mines.”
The KNU reportedly expressed concern that there would be little land available for the villagers to return to farming, although the TBBC has pledged to provide food aid both if the refugees return to Burma, or they remain in Thai camps.
The chairperson of the Nupo camp, Tar Su Nya, said however that “there would be a lot of difficulties” if the refugees returned.
“They are afraid to moved around in the area to collect materials such as wood and bamboo to rebuild their houses,” he said. “If we cannot stay here, then we might have to go back, but to do so, we need assistance with food, health and education from the NGOs.”
The Thai government is yet to announce whether repatriation will be forced or voluntary. The UNHCR has also vowed to help any returnees, but said that it is down to the Thai government whether they are pushed back to Karen state.
“We are refugees,” said one of the camp residents contacted by DVB. “We will stay here if we are allowed and will leave if not allowed. But now, there has been no solid decision made and this is leaving us confused.”
Reporting by Naw Noreen
Jan 27, 2010 (DVB)–A number of groups, including rival Karen armies, met yesterday in Thailand to discuss the repatriation of some 2000 Karen refugees back to Burma.
The refugees in June last year fled fighting between the Karen National Union (KNU) and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), who are both vying for control of Karen state. The DKBA are supported by the Burmese junta.
Both groups however were present at the meeting yesterday, held in Thailand’s Nupo village nearby the populous Nupo camp, along with delegates from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Thailand Burma Border Consortium (TBBC).
An official elected by the refugees who attended the meeting told DVB on condition of anonymity that the DKBA would ensure that returnees are not forced into labour or army portering; these were two of the main threats the refugees reported when they fled last June.
“However, the [DKBA] said they can’t take responsibility on the landmines laid by the KNU in the region before the offensive began,” he said. “The DKBA can clear the mines they laid themselves but not the KNU mines.”
The KNU reportedly expressed concern that there would be little land available for the villagers to return to farming, although the TBBC has pledged to provide food aid both if the refugees return to Burma, or they remain in Thai camps.
The chairperson of the Nupo camp, Tar Su Nya, said however that “there would be a lot of difficulties” if the refugees returned.
“They are afraid to moved around in the area to collect materials such as wood and bamboo to rebuild their houses,” he said. “If we cannot stay here, then we might have to go back, but to do so, we need assistance with food, health and education from the NGOs.”
The Thai government is yet to announce whether repatriation will be forced or voluntary. The UNHCR has also vowed to help any returnees, but said that it is down to the Thai government whether they are pushed back to Karen state.
“We are refugees,” said one of the camp residents contacted by DVB. “We will stay here if we are allowed and will leave if not allowed. But now, there has been no solid decision made and this is leaving us confused.”
Reporting by Naw Noreen
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Shan Herald Agency for News
Breaking News: Mongla top leader assassinated
Wednesday, 27 January 2010 15:21 S.H.A.N.
The general secretary of Mongla-based National Democratic Alliance Army-Eastern Shan State (NDAA-ESS) was shot to death by an unidentified gunman this morning around 08:30, according to sources from both the Chinese and Thai border.
Circumstances surrounding the assassination Min Ein aka Lin Hongshen, 58, however, are yet to be available.
Meanwhile, Network Media Group (NMG) has a slightly different version: that he was shot while taking his morning walk in front of his house around 06:00. His companion, also unidentified, was wounded.
“All those living in Mongla have been instructed to remain inside their homes,” said a resident of Maesai, opposite Burma’s Tachilek. “Ingoing vehicles are allowed to pass the checkpoints, but outgoing ones are not.”
Min Ein, said to be a native of Myitkyina, had joined the Communist Party of Burma (CPB) and fought alongside NDAA leader Sai Leun aka Lin Mingxian. Despite their common family name Lin, they are not kin.
“He is seen by some as a soft liner (one who advocates an accommodation policy toward Burma’s ruling junta),” said a source on the Chinese border. “But others say he was a reasonable man and supportive of the efforts to achieve unity among the opposition.”
The NDAA, together with the Shan State Army (SSA) North, are the United Wa State Army (UWSA)’s closest allies. The three, together with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and New Mon State Party (NMSP), are resisting Naypyitaw’s pressure to convert them into Burma Army-controlled Border Guard Forces (BGFs), a program proposed last April.
Breaking News: Mongla top leader assassinated
Wednesday, 27 January 2010 15:21 S.H.A.N.
The general secretary of Mongla-based National Democratic Alliance Army-Eastern Shan State (NDAA-ESS) was shot to death by an unidentified gunman this morning around 08:30, according to sources from both the Chinese and Thai border.
Circumstances surrounding the assassination Min Ein aka Lin Hongshen, 58, however, are yet to be available.
Meanwhile, Network Media Group (NMG) has a slightly different version: that he was shot while taking his morning walk in front of his house around 06:00. His companion, also unidentified, was wounded.
“All those living in Mongla have been instructed to remain inside their homes,” said a resident of Maesai, opposite Burma’s Tachilek. “Ingoing vehicles are allowed to pass the checkpoints, but outgoing ones are not.”
Min Ein, said to be a native of Myitkyina, had joined the Communist Party of Burma (CPB) and fought alongside NDAA leader Sai Leun aka Lin Mingxian. Despite their common family name Lin, they are not kin.
“He is seen by some as a soft liner (one who advocates an accommodation policy toward Burma’s ruling junta),” said a source on the Chinese border. “But others say he was a reasonable man and supportive of the efforts to achieve unity among the opposition.”
The NDAA, together with the Shan State Army (SSA) North, are the United Wa State Army (UWSA)’s closest allies. The three, together with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and New Mon State Party (NMSP), are resisting Naypyitaw’s pressure to convert them into Burma Army-controlled Border Guard Forces (BGFs), a program proposed last April.
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