VIMUTTI

Independent Assessment of Myanmar’s Constitutional Referendum

2008-05-23T14:05:00.001+07:00

Independent Assessment of Myanmar’s Constitutional Referendum

PDC News Commentary -May 2008

2008-05-23T13:19:00.004+07:00

Chinese-Made Police Cars for Burma Police Force Arriving at the Sino-Burma Border

2008-05-23T13:01:00.005+07:00

Burma Update - 287

Chinese-Made Police Cars for Burma Police Force Arriving
at the Sino-Burma Border

May 20, 2008

According to eye-witness reports, Chinese-made Mini-Vans and light pick-up trucks of Dong Feng Motor Corporation brand to be used in Burma Police Force have arrived in Je-gong.

On Sunday night, eight small cars arrived in Ruili on Sino-Burmese border carried by a double-decker truck and were washed and cleanded at car-washes, it is learnt. Two cars hae POLICE lettering on them and blue color with Shan State (North) Police Force emblems.

Although a lot of Chinese-made military vehicles have been supplied to Burma Army before, this is the first time that police cars were supplied for use in Burma Police Force. While it is not clear whether these vehicles are purchased or presented as a gift, analysts speculate that they might be gifts.

China is training police officers from Burma at its Public Security Institute and Police academies and colleges in Yunnan Province.

Special Statement of National League for Democray (NLD)

2008-05-23T12:44:00.005+07:00

Sub-Commission for the Apporval of the Draft Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

2008-04-09T16:10:00.001+07:00

The Pandemonium of USDA Chief of Yangon Division

2008-04-09T13:35:00.000+07:00

The Pandemonium of USDA Chief of Yangon Division
for NLD's call for battle

On April 3, 2008, at 1p.m afternoon, Yangon Mayor Brig-Gen. Aung Thein Lin, USDA Chief of Yangon Division, met USDA Secretaries and Executives from 41 Townships, Yangon Division, at USDA office, Kyaikkasan Rd, Yangon, and instructed them to closely watch the feedback of the people on the NLD statement casting the protest vote issued on April 2, 2008 and to explain the people not to accept the destructive action of the Opposition.

The Secretaries related to Townships also gave the presentation on their organizational activities to their Chief. Finally, the meeting was ended at 3p.m afternoon after the Mayor instructed them to improve the organizational works.

Burma's Greatest Guiding Star, Ludu Daw Ah Mar, 93,

2008-04-07T15:13:00.003+07:00

Burma's Greatest Guiding Star, Ludu Daw Ah Mar, 93,
Passed Away

Today, on April 7, at 8:37 a.m , our beloved mother of Burmese people and one of the greatest guiding stars of Burmese literature, Ludu Daw Ah Mar passed away with heart attack in hospital in Mandalay, Upper Burma.
This is our priceless loss to our people and country.
Therefore we are extremely sad for her demise in the same way as our people and her family are.
May god bless her.

Sincerely,
Members of Vimutti Blog

"Not Permanent National ID Card, Only Temporary Safe Conducts for Voting"

2008-04-07T15:09:00.001+07:00

"Not Permanent National ID Card, Only Temporary Safe Conducts for Voting"

Now SPDC are issuing the white cards to the people eligible for voting, but it was temporary safe conducts and not the standard pink cards regarded as permanent IDs. The white card states clearly that it could not be used to verify one's citizenship.

The Referendum explained to The World

2008-04-03T13:12:00.001+07:00

The Referendum explained to The World
(Cedric Snodgrass)

Burma has laws.
The Military does not obey them.
So why does Burma have laws ?
Burma has laws because

1. they are tools to repress The People

2. the Military Regime can say to The World

"Look ! We are a country like any other.
We have laws.
We have Justice."

Burma will soon have a Constitution,
drafted by the Military Regime
for the Military Regime.

The People do not want it.

The Military will not obey it.

Why should the Military obey its own Constitution
when for decades it has been disobeying its own laws ?

The Military Regime wants a Constitution for the same reasons it wants laws.
(see above)

What the Military Regime wants will soon be unimportant.
Its days are numbered.

A Silly Rat

2008-04-01T10:52:00.002+07:00

A Silly Rat

2008-04-01T10:19:00.002+07:00

A Silly Rat

By: Rimond Tha Htoo.
Karenni State

Date: 27th March, 2008.

Once there was a silly rat,
He saw a fish in the trap,
Asked his mother to eat the fish.
"Oh my dear don't be foolish;
It's the trap my little one"
Said the mother to her son.
But silly rat; didn’t listen,
And through the trap then he ran.

Then poor little silly rat,
Later been caught in the trap.
Silly rat felt with great regret,
On what his mother has said,
But it's too late for silly rat.

----------------

We should consider carefully,
On the report of Gambari
To Security Counci,
On his visit to Myanmar,
The Briefing of the date,
18th March, 2008.

On Briefing of Gambari
Going to be as the story,
It look like the silly rat,
Which tried to eat fish in the trap.

Are we going be a silly rat,
And been caught and killed in the trap?
Here the trap means " Referendum "
Which'll make SPDC in power.

They're dictators and fascist,
As well as the terrorists,
No pity and no mercy,
Killing Monks and their own People.
Why we should make them in power,
Whose has killed their own people?

Oh! People of Burma,
We should think for the future,
Don't be foolish and been treaded,
By SPDC's Road Map,
Otherwise down to the hell,
We'll made ourselves going to dwell.

But ,If we refuse to vote " NO "
Down to hell we've no way to go.
If we are going to vote " YES "
Then down to hell we're going to step.
End.

This story was told by my teacher to the class when I was 8 years old, 1952.
The lesson of the story: Obey and respect your mother, father and teachers, said the teacher.
Therefore; We should obey and respect the will of the people of Burma, otherwise they will become the silly rat. We should not make the people felt with a great regret after been caught into the trap.

SPDC-- State Peace and Development Council ( The present Burmese Regime )

An Appeal Letter From Members of Parliament from Burma (Myanmar)

2008-04-01T10:05:00.002+07:00

An Appeal Letter From Members of Parliament from Burma (Myanmar)

Joint Statement of CRPP, MPs and NLD State Committees

2008-03-20T16:02:00.003+07:00

(Unofficial Translation)

Statement released by
Members of the Committee Representing the People’s Parliament (CRPP),
Elected People’s Representatives and
Members of the NLD State and Division Organising Committees

Our Position

17 th March, 2008

1. The entire population is aware of the fact that the government has adopted the dictatorship system and ruled the country from the year 1962 to date.

2. To prolong and entrench the system of military dictatorship the military government has issued its Order Number 1/2008 pronouncing that a referendum will be held in May to confirm its biased draft constitution.

3. To make the people confirm this draft constitution the writing of which was not by the elected representatives of the people is against the wishes and desire of the people.

4. The legally constituted CRPP, legally elected People’s Representatives and the members of the National League for Democracy’s State and Division Organising Committees still exist to implement the wishes of the people and have a duty and the mandate to fulfill their legal obligations to the people.

5. Therefore we declare that there is no way, absolutely no way, that we can accept or confirm a draft constitution that will firmly establish a military dictatorship form of government. Together with the entire population of the country we will continue the fight for democracy.

Members of the Committee Representing People’s Parliament (CRPP)
Elected People’s Representatives
Members of NLD State and Division Organising Committees

Industrial Zone Workers' Union (Provisional)

2008-03-20T15:56:00.001+07:00

Industrial Zone Workers' Union (Provisional)

A plea to the workers

We Industrial Zone Workers' Union (Provisional) has already expressed our intention to fight till victory for rights entitled to workers. We have also taken part in the September Saffron Revolution led by monks. During that uprising, monks were struck and tortured. Similarly, some of our workers' leaders were arrested by military authorities who are planning to prosecute them on unfair charges and pass jail sentences on them.

Besides having no freedom of association, workers' biggest issue of unequal pay and wages is being ignored by the military junta who is collaborating with the employers to enjoy benefits. We fully believe that as long as the military junta is in power, our workers' life could never improve and prosper.

We are now hearing that the military junta is going to hold a referendum in May to approve a constitution to their liking. This is a schedule to transform the coup d'etat military junta into a lawful military junta which would continue to rule the country with dictatorship. Hence it is certain that our workers' life would in no way change towards good.

As we workers have a great tradition of standing up to abuses in history, we solemnly request all workers now to cast negative votes en masse to show again our resolute opposition to the constitution that would legalize the continued existence of the military dictatorship.

Where there are workers, workers' unions must exist.
Only workers' unions would make our life better.

Industrial Zone Workers' Union (Provisional)

People's Movement Committee (NLD)

2008-03-19T10:50:00.003+07:00

The military junta has now utterly turned down the UN and international community's efforts to help settle the Burma issue. In contrary to people's wish, and misusing people's sovereignty, the military regime has announced that, by means of a sham referendum in May, it would approve the constitution drafted by themselves to their liking to perpetuate the military rule.

This announcement is a blatant violation of:
1. Assurances given to the people by the junta at the time of 1988 coup d'etat.
2. Results of '90 elections held by the junta themselves.
3. Law 1/90 passed by themselves.

In other words, this is the military junta's testing the waters or challenge to the people. Therefore, under the historical destiny, we have established the "People's Movement Committee of the National League for Democracy." We hereby announce that this People's Movement Committee will lead and wage mass struggles throughout Burma for elimination of military dictatorship, democratization and settlement through tripartite dialogue based on 1990 election results.

People's Movement Committee
National League for Democracy

18 March 2008

The provisions (articles) omitted in SPDC's Constitutional Referendum Law

2008-03-17T14:18:00.003+07:00

The provisions (articles) omitted in SPDC's Constitutional Referendum Law

Comparison of the laws

Sr.	SPDC's Referendum Law 2008	International Laws
1	SPDC not yet published. They should publish adequate copies for the eligible voters for their study as soon as possible.	published 500,000 copies of draft constitution for 25 million voters in Congo i.e. a copy for every 50 voters
2	Right to free speech and movement of political parties on constitution draft explaining to the voters and the people. SPDC doesn't allow it and prohibit under section 24(b) in Chapter 10 Referendum Law which carries imprisonment not exceeding 3 years.	According to international standard, public propaganda is allowed until 24 hours before voting started.
3	This provision is not included in SPDC's Referendum Law.	Voting is NOT mandatory in international standard clearly prescribed in 'Way and Voting on a Referendum' Chapter which says 'The citizen cannot be called for on responsibility for voting on a referendum'.
4	There is no provision in SPDC's law.	There is a provision to include the voting instruction written on ballot papers.
5	There is no such a provision in SPDC's law.	There is a provision to assist illiterate and handicapped persons in voting allowing to accompany them a person and to assist them by polling station officials.
6	The SPDC cleverly evaded such provision, not at all in their law omitting any time frame. Sending of ballot boxes (papers) to different levels of commission and counting procedure will be conducted at snail's pace. In some cases, the ballot papers will be counted collectively on deferred date, which seemingly give the authority a chance to replace the ballot boxes intentionally.	There must be provision of 'Time Frame' in 'Deciding on referendum result' Chapter. In the referendum law of Macedonia which recently got independence, there is a provision which says to send the minutes and counting to different levels of higher referendum commissions and Central Commission within 24 hours and the Central Commission has to announce the result within 48 hours from voting concluded.
7	The SPDC's law threatens the voters with 3 years let alone protecting the voters.	There is a 'Safeguarding the right to vote' Chapter in international referendum laws. Under this chapter, the voters have right to lodge complaint to referendum commission against the polling stations officials on their irregularities and injustices in voting and counting. The commission must decide on complaints within 24 hours from receipt of the complaints. The voters have right to appeal to regional commission if they do not satisfy with the judgment on their complaint decided by original commission. The higher commission (court) must give their judgment within 48 hours which protect the voters from rigging and injustices unleashed by the polling station officials.
8	This was not found in BSPP era and no hope in SPDC era too. It is very important in multi-racial, multi-language country of Burma.	The draft constitution copies must be published in other languages of all races and tribes besides the official language. For instance, in Congo, the draft constitution copies were printed in other 4 African tribal languages besides the official language, French.
9	There is no such provision in SPDC's referendum law, how to approve the draft constitution, omitting the most important provision. There is no clear provision in their law, how to approve their draft, say, 50% of total eligible voters or 50% of total votes cast.	The quorum for approving the draft is prescribed clearly in international referendum laws, some with 50%, and some have 60% of total eligible voters.

SPDC's plot to suppress and crackdown on people's protests

2008-03-17T12:40:00.003+07:00

SPDC's plot to suppress and crackdown on people's protests

The SPDC reviewed the current situation as volatile and sees that the protests and violence can take place at any time. Thus they sent their instructions to army, police, Union Development and Development Association (USDA), Swanahshin and prison department to get ready for suppression of these unrests. The following are their concrete preparations to suppress the people's protests.

1. Directorate of Army sent its instruction to police force in all States and Divisions including the riot police force across Burma on 20th February to get standby and to regroup their forces. And also they are instructed to conduct anti-violence training and mock drill in association with local armed forces.

2. The State of Emergency imposed at midnight on 6th September 2007 has not yet withdrawn and instructed all police forces and riot police forces, State reserved forces to regroup and get combat readiness.

3. Increasing the fighting force of each riot police battalion to 500 from current 300 by extracting from State and Division police forces.

4. Forming the security platoon, reserved security platoon and logistics platoon in each riot police battalion comprised of the dependents of police personnel mostly the female members for the battalion HQ security.

5. Sent instruction for repairing and reissuing of anti-riot 12 Bore Grenna guns, reissuing and repairing of 40 mm shell launchers, 37 & 38 mm shell guns, supplying additional 100,000 smoke grenades to all 16 riot police battalions in Burma on 15th February in addition to current issue of 540 each. Similarly supplying 150,000 cartridges for 12 Bore Guns to all 16 riot police battalions on 29th January for the second time. Supplying bayonets for .303 rifles, .30 carbines, M 16, M 21 being used in riot police battalions. Instructed all riot police battalions and police training schools to submit their required equipments list before 1st February such as batons (long and short), shield, catapults, catapult balls, slingshots (round and flat), scarves (ties), water bottles, torch light, barbed wire, beret cap, beret slings, portable electric shock machine, stretcher, loud hailer, loud speaker, camera, bullet proof helmets, flak jackets, gas masks, military binoculars, walkie-talkie, wireless sets, vehicles and reserved and restricted ammunitions for reinforcing. Instructed all riot police battalions to conduct small arms training lesson and crowd control lesson daily plus 9 types of parades. Moreover police force in Rangoon Division is attending special training on crowd control codenamed 'Red Hat' starting from 22nd February.

6. Local authorities are giving social welfare assistance to dependents and female police personnel of all riot police battalions. And also these riot police battalions are instructed to stock 1,000 rice bags in each battalion for reserved food in countering domestic unrests and foreign invasions.

7. Instructed to select the key land and strategic land in advance in the respective area and to make grouping and to take battle stations by 50 police personnel along with Swanahshin, allied forces from NGOs in the respective Division, Districts and Township offices. And also they are instructed to submit the scheme to control the strategic land and gathering intelligence in advance with detail list of personnel strength, arms equipped and coordination plan with local organizations.

8. The Directorate of Army instructed the Burma Police Force to fill all the vacant allotted strength before 2010. Under this instruction, the recruitment is intensified starting from 1st January with the scheme codenamed 'Minthar Scheme – Phase II'. The recruitment task forces were formed led by Police Col. in each area with the aim of recruiting 1,000 new recruits each month. These task forces are visiting State High Schools and Middle Schools, persuading and organizing the students to join the police force.

9. The Prison department is instructed to build model wards in 39 prisons in Burma to house the political prisoners when the unrest breaks out. The political prisoners categorized as reserved and ordinary reserved will be detained in these new wards which will ensure deprivation of contacts with each other in specially designed small cells. The security personnel were increased and relocating, demolishing the houses near these prisons for the safety of the prisons.

10. Giving terrorists, sabotage and anti-riot trainings to mercenary terrorists under the name of 'Swanahshin'. Under the instruction of Directorate of Army, the riot police battalions are giving anti-riot trainings to extracted force from local army units and Swanahshin from respective districts in each regional military command. In these trainings, the trainees are given the lessons on dispersing the crowd by using force, current political situation at home and abroad, and SPDC's political roadmap. The hardcore Swanahshin were grouped and trained in each level of township, district, division and state to use them when required.

11. The regime is expanding their USDA organization which is claimed to have the current strength of 24 million members. All the government employees and their families plus the dependents are forced to join this organization. And also the students from Sate Middle Schools and above are forced to join this organization. The USDA Basic Organizational trainings are given in each township.

12. District PDC Chairman U Than Aung gave speech in USDA meeting on 3rd January at Rangoon Division, Mingalataungnyunt Township USDA office. In his speech, he said, "The image of the armed force was tarnished when they had to take leading role in cracking down the September 2007 unrest. Now we plan to use USDA and Swanahshin in leading role to crackdown the future unrests with in the name of people. For this purpose, you have been trained. The police force and army will take the second and third line force behind you and get ready. As we will issue notice to all monasteries not to go outside their premises when the unrest breaks out so that all the monks found on the streets at that time will be resumed as bogus monks and must be eliminated. The State will take full responsibility for the security of the USDA members. You are advised to lodge complaint to the authority concerned at the earliest time when you receive threats and harassment against you. I urge the USDA members to perform the duty assigned by the State dutifully and bravely".

13. The USDA members are collecting and preparing the list of eligible voters starting from 12th February after the SPDC announced on 9th February that the constitutional referendum will be held in May this year and new election will be held in 2010.

14. Rangoon Division USDA boss and Mayor Brig. Gen. Aung Thein Lin and Joint Secretary U Thar Win attended the USDA meeting held on 22nd February and instructed over 2,000 USDA members who were at the meeting to visit the people, persuade and organize the people by explaining them chapter by chapter of constitution draft. And also these USDA members were instructed to organize the people not to listen to the voices of NLD and other opposition forces.

15. The SPDC instructed to hold the mass rallies led by USDA across Burma supporting the SPDC announcements 1/2008 and 2/2008.

16. National Unity Party (NUP) General Secretary U Khin Maung Gyi said to German news agency DPA that the USDA has the plan to contest in election by transforming their organization to political party. In preparation for this task, the USDA is approaching and organizing the respected and influential persons in respective areas to join their organization.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's code of dress: Symbolism with play of colors?

2008-03-17T10:37:00.005+07:00

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's code of dress:
Symbolism with play of colors?

UN Secretary General's Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari has visited Burma three times and met with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on:

1. 11 November 2006
2. 30 September 2007
3. 2 October 2007
4. 8 March 2008
5. 10 March 2008
totaling five meetings.

During those meetings, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi wore:

1. Yellow colored dress in the first meeting. This could be inferred as "hope" for the likelihood of dialogue.

2. In the second meeting which occurred after the Saffron Revolution of 2007 September, she was dressed in blue, implying "sorrow."

3. In the third meeting she wore a pinee (traditional fawn-colored cotton fabric) shirt which could be inferred as "grief" for monks and wish for "serenity."

4. In the fourth and fifth meetings soon after her message "Hope for the best and prepare for the worst!" came out, she was dressed in bright red, which should be implied as the "battle call" of our era's second Independence struggle just as her father Bogyoke Aung San had called for "Independence or Revolt!" in 1947 under British rule during the first Independence struggle.

PDC News Commentary

2008-03-12T10:52:00.002+07:00

PDC Monthly News Commentary - February 2008 (Eng)

Aung San Generation Statement No.(2)

2008-03-12T10:17:00.006+07:00

Burmese MP's Letter to UNSC

2008-03-07T11:37:00.005+07:00

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More Chinese-made military trucks for junta arriving at the border

2008-03-04T16:32:00.003+07:00

More Chinese-made military trucks for junta
arriving at the border

2008 March 3

Chinese-made Dong Feng brand six-wheeled military transport trucks destined for Burmese military junta are arriving in Ruili and Jegong on Sino-Burmese border, local residents reported.

Dong Feng brand six-wheeled military transport trucks started arriving in Ruili since yesterday night and would eventually number 500, a Chinese driver said.

Chinese-made Military Truck (Dong Feng)

Yesterday night, twenty trucks arrived and today, thirty more came to Ruili, it is learnt. These trucks are being cleansed at town's car washes and serviced at various workshops.

Last December, China delivered 450 Chinese-made FAW brand military use light trucks to Burmese junta at the border between Jegong and Mu-se.

Also in November, 2006, fifty LiFan-brand medium duty trucks were handed over to Burmese authorities at Jegong-Muse and in December, 2006, China delivered military equipment packaged in closed containers to Burma Army at the border.

Three hundred FAW brand six-wheeler military transport trucks were delivered in 2005 May, and over 100 each of Dong Feng brand six-wheeler military trucks and LJC brand six-wheeler military vehicles were sent to Burma through the border in 2004 July. In 2003 January, China gave spare parts and accessories for Burma Air Force jet fighters to Burma under heavy security. In 2002 November, 2001 August and 2001 December, over 200 Dong Feng brand 20-ton six-wheeler artillery hauling trucks, more than 300 FAW brand light personnel carriers and about forty artillery haulers with artillery shells, accessories and hi-tech communications equipment were respectively handed over to Burmese military authorities through the border.

All these are part of Sino-Burmese military agreement in 2000 to supply 5000 military vehicles to be used in logistics units and support troops. Military analysts believe Chinese-made military equipment was made available to Burma through gifts by Chinese government, credit or barter with teak, jade and agricultural produce.

Statement of Opinion Regarding the National Referendum

2008-03-03T14:31:00.003+07:00

Statement of Opinion Regarding the National Referendum

28 February, 2008

The main problem of the Union of Burma is a political problem. We totally reject Announcements No 1/2008 and 2/2008 and Declaration No 3/2008 unilaterally released by the SPDC Government since they do not contribute to national reconciliation or national unity and are merely aimed at perpetuating a military dictatorship. We hereby declare the following as our firm position:

1. Since the SPDC's state constitution does not reflect the will of the political parties which contested in the 1990 elections, or that of the ethnic leaders, or the people, it is illegitimate and we, the undersigned, totally reject it.

2. We strongly urge the people to join hands to courageously and determinedly oppose the referendum since it is a result of a unilateral action which ignores the results of the 1990 general elections, the role of the legitimate political parties and other political forces as well as the opinion of the international community.

3. Furthermore, we the undersigned reiterate our firm decision to commit ourselves to work together with the people in strongly opposing the SPDC's state constitution as well as all the phases of its "roadmap" which are attempts to ratify its state constitution.

4. Should the SPDC continues to ignore the wishes of the people and the international community and unilaterally holds its national referendum, we urge the people to clearly express their will by casting "Nay" votes to overwhelmingly reject the SPDC's state constitution.

(1) National Council of the Union of Burma
(2) National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma
(3) Ethnic Nationalities Council (Union of Burma)
(4) Women's League of Burma
(5) Forum for Democracy in Burma
(6) Students and Youths Congress of Burma
(7) Nationalities Youth Forum

Contacts:
U Maung Maung (087) 979-0794
Dr. Salai Lian H. Sakhong (081) 029-6100
Dr. Sann Aung (089) 768-5853
Nang Hseng Noung (081) 884-4963

Click Here.

NLD has rejected the junta's referendum again

2008-03-03T10:16:00.002+07:00

NLD has rejected the junta's referendum again

National League for Democracy
97B West Shwegondaing Street
Bahan Township, Rangoon

Date: 28 February 2008

Special Announcement 2/02/08
(Unofficial Translation)

In the multi-party generation elections held in 27 May 1990, by the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) (now State Peace and Development Council, SPDC), the National League for Democracy party won a landslide victory with obtaining 82% of majority in nationwide constituencies. Then, during the coordinating meeting of the SLORC and its State and Divisional Branches at the operational meeting room at the Ministry of Defense on 3 July 1990, the Commander-in-Chief again pledged as follows.

Quote; "What would be the next step after the election? It shall be to write the constitution. As I mentioned on 5 July 1989, the SLORC will not write the constitution. We don't want to be an accused (in history)...Writing of the constitution should be done by elected representatives, coordinated with the election winning parties," Unquote.

Again, the SLORC (now SPDC) issued statement 1/90 on 27 July 1990. The Paragraph (20) of that statement said as follows.
Quote; "the elected representatives today are sole responsible to write the constitution for the future democratic country," Unquote.
However, almost all of the Members of Parliament-elect are not allowed writing the draft constitution of the Union of Myanmar 2008.

The authorities also haven't made its draft constitution public yet as of today. However, the authorities have already formed the "Commission for Holding Referendum for the Approval of the Draft Constitution of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar 2008." When we looked at the Commission, we found that Chairman of that Commission is the same person who chaired the Chairman of National Convention Working Committee, which in instrumental to lead and adopt the fundamental and detailed principles from National Convention, and the Commission to Draft the State Constitution 2008. Furthermore, some members of that Commission are also delegates of the National Convention and members of the Commission to draft the state constitution.

That was against the advice and demands of international organizations, including the United Nations. All responsible persons should be included in the process of drafting the state constitution and the transformation of the nation. The one-sided act of the authorities not only harms the national reconciliation process but also cannot be accepted by the people.

According to the decision made by CEC meeting on 27 February 2008

Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy
Rangoon

Konwledge for All

2008-02-28T14:06:00.000+07:00

Environment

Environment for Student

Enivronment for Teacher

Globalisation

Globalisation and International Trade for Student

Globalisation and International Trade for Teacher

Health

Poverty and Health for Student

Poverty and Health for Teacher

Politics

Politics and Democracy for Student

Politics and Democracy for Teacher

To Boycott the 2008 Beijing Olympics

2008-02-28T14:03:00.000+07:00

To Boycott the 2008 Beijing Olympics

Political Veterans letter to Than Shwe

2008-02-25T10:32:00.003+07:00

To
The President,
State Peace and Development Council (SPDC)
Union of Myanmar

Dated 20 February 2008

Subject- Advice relating to Statement No 1/2008 and 2/2008 issued by the SPDC

1. Motivated by a desire to serve the people and for their good, we, the political veterans offer our advice with regard to Statements 1 and 2 issued on the 9th February, 2008 by the SPDC.

2. Since the 24th November, 1995, and consistently after that date, we have consistently maintained that the best way to bring about reconciliation, unity, peace and prosperity in all political, social and humanitarian spheres, all nationalities and parties should come together and find solutions by peaceful dialogue.

3. The United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council, world leaders, important international figures have all arrived at a consensus and passed resolutions that tripartite dialogue between the SPDC, the National League for Democracy (NLD), and the leaders of the Nationalities should be held to resolve constitutional and other matters to restore the democratic system of government in Burma. United Nations representatives have visited and spoken to your members and Senior General Than Shwe himself had given the assurance to Mr. Gambari that he would meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for talks. Also a senior minister was appointed who has met with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi three or four times. This sparked a glimmer of hope for the future in our hearts.

4. Now the SPDC is disregarding all that has been said and done and in issuing the above Statements, it has decided to flout the wishes of the people, the democratic forces, the advice and urgings of international figures and organisations and to march ahead according to its own agenda and its own wishes and desires. You have announced that a referendum will be held in the month of May, which is little more than two months away, but the draft constitution which will be put to the people for approval at that referendum has not been published and distributed to the people for scrutiny or study. The result of such forced and hasty action can only result in more problems for the future. The present problems that the people are suffering will not be solved and there is no way that reconciliation and unity can be achieved. This nation will be a disgrace in the eyes of the world. We therefore request you to seriously reconsider the position and adhere to Statement Number 1/90 issued by the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC).

5. We have misgivings also about the decision to hold another General Election when up to date you have not honored the results of the free and fair elections that you yourselves conducted in 1990. This has left a big black blotch in the country s history. You are not acting according to the people's wishes and we urge you to reconsider this decision.

6. However if you will not reconsider your position and will stubbornly go ahead with your plans to hold the Referendum we ask that
• the draft constitution which is the subject of the referendum be distributed to all the people in sufficient time and accessible places.
• a proper and systematic method be adopted in order that all eligible voters will be included and given the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.
• proper polling booths be erected to enable voters to cast their votes without fear and in accordance with their free will and desire.
• Polling booths be properly and strictly supervised to facilitate free and fair casting of votes.
• allow supervision and inspection by representatives of the United Nations, foreign correspondents and the media.
• All staff members in charge of polling booths to be given powers to act decisively for the achievement of a free and fair referendum.
• Abolish Law No 5/96 ( this law empowers the government to punish with impunity those who cast votes against them) which could instill fear of retribution in the hearts of those who go against the wishes of the government.
• Release all political prisoners and also allow other prisoners to cast their votes in this referendum.

We further urge that the SPDC announce their agenda should the referendum not result according to their desire because in life, things we do not wish to happen can happen and things that we wish for can fail to be obtained.

Signed (Thakin Thein Pe)
On behalf of Political Veterans

"Unoffical Translation By NCGUB"

Statement on Union Day of the 88 Generation Students (Rangoon)

2008-02-14T14:05:00.003+07:00

The Situation of Monasteries in Rangoon before and after the Saffron Revolution

2008-02-07T14:26:00.000+07:00

The Situation of Monasteries in Rangoon before and after the Saffron Revolution

It is learnt that before the saffron revolution of September, 2007, there were 29,658 monks living and studying Buddhist Scriptures at some 348 monasteries in Rangoon, and after that, there remained only 6391 monks at those monasteries due to a series of crackdowns of the military regime. The list of monasteries shown above was collected only within our reach and there may be others beyond our reach as well. The monasteries listed in the table are those where there are large numbers of monks living and studying Buddhist Scriptures.

(See details in the table)

Note: Names in red are monasteries that led or took main role in the Saffron Revolution

S/N	Monastery	Number of monks prior to 2007 September monks' rising Township	Present number of monks
1	State Paryatti Sasana University (Mayangone)	413	185
2	Weizawtaron Learning Monastery	210	57
3	Tipidaka Mahagandaron Monastery	192	53
4	Peitcimaron Learning Monastery	173	45
5	Kan-u Zaytawun Learning Monastery	149	55
6	Abbot Training Monastery	53	24
7	Yaykoo Masoyein Learning Monastery	61	18
8	Zawtikaron Learning Monastery	319	76
9	Arya-mandaing Learning Monastery	91	18
10	(9th mile) Masoyein Learning Monastery	81	35
11	Maha-thukha-rama Learning Monastery	179	47
12	Wizayar-rama Learning Monastery	54	12
13	Barvarnar Pahtamabyan Learning Monastery	67	25
14	Sasanart Aung Myay Learning Monastery	69	18
15	(8th mile) Masoyein Learning Monastery	83	22
16	Thamaing Myoma Learning Monastery	97	36
17	Paryatti Thadamapala Aung Myay Bonthar Shan Kyaung Learning Monastery	83	20
18	( Pauk Zedi Paryatti Learning Monastery	107	32
19	Zeyawuntha Learning Monastery	63	17
20	Pyinca-nikaron Learning Monastery	57	185

S/N	Monastery	Number of monks prior to 2007 September monks' rising Township	Present number of monks
21	Shwe-kyin Monastery	38	9
22	Khemar-rama Kengtung Monastery	72	15
23	Wizaya-rama Monastery	37	11
24	Dhammay-thekkasila Nun's Learning Monastery	89	24
25	Salin Monastery (Kemmedine)	121	37
26	Sardu Paryatti Learning Monastery	111	25
27	Pyi-lone Chantha Learning Monastery	63	20
28	Bonpyan Monastery	36	9
29	Dhamma Pyinna Monastery	48	12
30	Abbar-rama Monastery	58	23
31	Paya-hnitsue Monastery	30	18
32	Kemmedine Kyaunggyitaik Monastery	98	31
33	Bagayar Monastery	83	26
34	Kwinkyaung Learning Monastery(Ahlone)	212	51
35	Zambu-yadanar Learning Monastery	82	27
36	Ahlone Paryatti Learning Monastery	98	13
37	Thaddamma-wuntharan Learning Monastery	72	24
38	Aung Mingalar Learning Monastery	218	35
39	Zawtanar-rama Monastery	86	19
40	Zeyawaddy Learning Monastery (Sanchaung)	121	32
41	Aung Mingalar Theiddi Learning Monastery	94	13
42	Kanmyint Monastery	74	27
43	Maha-razitarone Monastery	68	17
44	Shinsawpu Myoma Learning Monastery	56	25
45	Dhammazedi Shwe-kyin Learning Monastery	47	22
46	Naynattha Learing Monastery	115	35
47	Wuntha-maydinee Learning Monastery	110	51
48	Siri-weilar Learning Monastery	113	39
49	Shin Ottamathara Learning Monastery	85	15
50	Shwehlaing Learning Monastery	70	17
51	Shwetaung Learning Monastery	81	23
52	Maha-razikarone Learning Monastery	48	16
53	Uyin Monastery	52	11
54	Sanchaung Weluwun Monastery	129	37
55	Siri Mingalar Learning Monastery /td>	84	25
56	Aung Mingalar Theiddi Learning Monastery	43	9
57	Beelin Monastery	56	19
58	Aye-zedi Monastery	75	32
59	Weluwun Nikaya Monastery	36	13
60	Kyundaw Monastery	107	38
61	Sasana Aunglan Monastery	29	10
62	Linlunbin Learning Monastery	80	16
63	Six-storey Pagoda Monastery (Bahan)	360	97
64	Nyaungdon Monastery	250	52
65	Maha Aung Myay Bonsan Monastery	53	35
66	Maha Withoddaron Monastery	190	38
67	Thanyot Monastery	45	29
68	Mula Thanyot Monastery	56	34
69	Nan-oo Monastery	73	25
70	Bahan Masoyein Monastery	81	23
71	Taunggyi Paryatti Learning Monastery	106	38
72	Aungthukha Learning Monastery	38	14
73	Kanthayar Zambu-aye Monastery	29	11
74	Shwe-nanthar Monastery	17	9
75	Three-storey Monastery Shwekyin	50	12
76	Kyaikthimon Monastery	58	19
77	Five-storey Learning Monastery	105	36
78	Webyan Learning Monastery	63	27
79	Brahmar Neimmitaron Learning Monastery	111	31
80	Sasana-linkara Learning Monastery	63	17
81	Theingon Monastery	51	15
82	Phaungdaw-oo Learning Monastery	30	13
83	Seindar-rama Paryatti Learning Monastery	52	24
84	Wimalar-rama Nat-nyun Paryatti Learning Monastery	90	38
85	Sasanartwuntha Monastery (Lanmadaw)	30	15
86	Thayettaw Monastery	207	64
87	Tipidaka Monastery	57	19
88	Sasanawdaya Monastery	36	16
89	Twenty-eight Buddhas Monastery	31	15
90	Dhammaron Paryatti Learning Monastery	101	28
91	Kyarkoo Monastery (Dagon)	53	17
92	Dagon Paryatti Learning Monastery	88	31
93	Sasanart Tagun Learning Monastery	36	11
94	Maha Theindawgyi Learning Monastery (Pabedan)	98	33
95	Thuseittaron Learning Monastery (Kamayut)	89	24
96	Bodhigon Learning Monastery	63	28
97	Kamayut Pyawbwe Monastery	52	29
98	Sasanart Paragu Learning Monastery	95	27
99	Zeyawaddy Learning Monastery (Hlaing)	98	37
100	Yadanar-theinkha Learning Monastery	63	18
101	Aungyadanar Winyor Learning Monastery	65	13
102	Pandita-rama Monastery	115	45
103	Tattwin Paryatti Learning Monastery	55	21
104	Wireless Learning Monastery	70	44
105	Kyankhin Paryatti Learing Monastery	175	27
106	Nyaungsi-yekan Monastery	52	15
107	Nandar Shwebon Monastery	29	14
108	Zeya Mingalar Monastery	45	19
109	Thukhawaddy Learning Monastery	74	20
110	Panditta-rama Monastery	59	18
111	Zetawun Monastery	62	25
112	Alodaw-pyeit Learning Monastery (Dagon Harbor)	233	64
113	Development Paryatti Learning Monastery	55	23
114	Shinmataung Paryatti Learning Monastery (Eastern Dagon Myothit)	70	14
115	Tipidaka Mahagandawin Ni-keh Learning Monastery	40	23
116	Taxila Mahazeya-theiddi Pahtan Monastery	82	30
117	Sirithar-rama Monastery	71	32
118	Mingalar-rama Monastery (Northern Dagon Myothit)	51	18
119	Aungmyay Yadanar Monastery	138	47
120	Sasanart Zawtika Monastery	61	23
121	Sasanart Dipa Learning Monastery	41	12
122	Paryatti Sasanart Gonyi Learning Monastery	58	13
123	Weizayandar Paryatti Learning Monastery	60	26
124	Maha Gandaron Monastery	45	17
125	Dana Gonyi Learning Monastery	32	7
126	Aung Chantha Monastery	28	12
127	Mingalar-aye Paryatti Learning Monastery	57	19
128	Ywama Learning Monastery (Southern Dagon Myothit)	78	23
129	Kyarkan Monastery	19	14
130	Thaddama Zawtikaron Learning Monastery	79	28
131	Zeyar-theiddi Monastery	51	12
132	Kan-u Paryatti Learning Monastery	42	13
133	Wakhema Monastery	34	16
134	Dagon Siri Monastery	35	21
135	Shwe-kyin Monastery	28	15
136	Taing-tayar Monastery	31	18
137	Mingalar Rama Paryatti Learning Monastery	172	36
138	Pidaka Thonpon Ni-keh Learning Monastery	353	107
139	Payaphyu Monastery (Pazundaung)	100	27
140	Mya-theindan Monastery	109	32
141	Su-taung-pyeit Monastery	64	24
142	Dhammika-rama Monastery	47	15
143	Nyaungon Monastery	38	17
144	Brahma-wihara Monastery	43	20
145	Sarlin Monastery	52	21
146	Singapore Monastery	38	15
147	Thayagon Monastery	51	18
148	Pali University Monastery	66	23
149	Athee-ti Monastery	73	26
150	Kyauktaing Monastery	31	10
150	Kyauktaing Monastery	31	10
151	Gunawaddy Monastery	48	13
152	Norman Kyaungyi Monastery	72	32
153	Mon Paryatti Learning Monastery (Harbor)	69	33
154	Shin Ardeissa-wuntha Monastery (Mingalar-taung-nyunt)	70	25
155	Deva-thagara Theingon Monastery	97	36
156	Tu-lutsan Paryatti Learning Monastery	63	28
157	Theinbyu Monastery	69	21
158	Mingalar-rama Monastery	53	26
159	Pyinnyar Ramika Monastery	78	29
160	Dhammikaron Monastery	49	18
161	Thuseitta-linkara Learning Monastery (Thaketa)	110	15
162	Henzada Atwin Paddamya Learning Monastery	136	27
163	Aung Thapyay Recluse Monastery	88	30
164	Shwe-sar-yan Paryatti Learning Monastery	55	17
165	Abaya-rama Monastery	105	23
166	Aung Thidar Learning Monastery	110	38
167	Su-htoo-pan Buddha Weizzar Learning Monastery	139	46
168	Aung-mingalar Popa Learning Monastery	54	19
169	Tipidaka Linkara Paryatti Learning Monastery	110	65
170	Erawun Paryatti Learning Monastery	62	24
171	Yadanar Beikmarn Monastery	58	20
172	Maha Seittathukha Monastery	71	16
173	Mingalart Thukha Learning Monastery(Tamwe)	224	42
174	Aung Mingalar Monastery	56	19
175	Dhammar Linkara Learning Monastery	48	23
176	Sasanart Zawtiparla Monastery	27	12
177	Kyaukmyaung Monastery	97	36
178	Setkyar Yan Aung Monastery	13	5
179	Myanmar-Sri Lanka Monastery	85	37
180	Zeya Mingalar Monastery	69	28
181	Dhamma Vihara Monastery	52	18
182	Su-htoo-pan Monastery	146	87
183	Zambu-siri Monastery	34	16
184	Dhamma Thukha Monastery	126	37
185	Mingalar Zeyon Paryatti Monastery	150	45
186	Myote-u Paryatti Learning Monastery	80	29
187	Sasanart-zeya Mingalar Learning Monastery (Yankin)	77	25
188	Satu-bommika Learning Monastery	82	31
189	Pyinca-nikaya Sasanart-beikman Learning Monastery	306	54
190	Kyaukkon Recluse Maydinee Learning Monastery	198	47
191	Arya Maggin Monastery	92	30
192	Kyaukkon Recluse Maydinee Learning Monastery	198	46
193	Kyaukkon Kyaungyi Learning Monastery	102	35
194	Mingalar Bodhi Monastery	274	55
195	Mogaung Monastery	114	29
196	Aung-chanthar Learning Monastery	102	36
197	Dhammika-rama Monastery (Kyaikpi)	142	41
198	Aung-thukha Beikman Monastery	198	69
199	Mingalar-rama Learning Monastery (Botataung)	160	45
200	Kyaikkasan Shwe-kyin New Monastery(Thingangyun)	57	17
201	Kyaikkasan First Shwe-kyin Monastery	69	22
202	Sagaing Learning Monastery	327	55
203	Shwe-man U Thurya Monastery	105	32
204	Atu-la Mar-aung Monastery	186	48
205	Five Scriptures Reciting Tavoy Monastery	57	13
206	Thaddamma Mandaing Monastery	45	15
207	Mandalay Paryatti Learning Monastery	78	31
208	Paryatti Dhamma-beikmarn Learning Monastery (Phet-pin-aing)	126	41
209	Nandar-rama Monastery	43	28
210	Kyaikkasan East Hostel Monastery	32	16
211	Peace Monastery	19	11
212	Maykha-waddy Monastery	50	24
213	Dhamma-lawka Learning Monastery	67	25
214	Sagaing Learning Monastery	85	32
215	Yadanar Theingi Monastery	28	9
216	Wazo-u Monastery	19	10
217	Chan-aye Monastery	35	12
218	Maha Vithoddar-rama Learning Monastery	99	25
219	Amata-dayee Learning Monastery	150	33
220	Aung-yarmyay Paryatti Learning Monastery	108	29
221	Aung-myay Yadanar Learning Monastery	81	16
222	Zeyar-siri Paryatti Learning Monastery	35	12
223	Yanmyoaung Payagyi Learning Monastery	53	20
224	Shwe-narpan Paryatti Learning Monastery	134	32
225	Pariyatti Myitzu Learning Monastery	101	24
226	Yadanar Theiddi Learning Monastery	65	21
227	Asoka Thidagu Learning Monastery	78	43
228	Maha Souvanna Learning Monastery	109	38
229	Minkyaung Learning Monastery	73	25
230	Satubommika Maha-thadi-pahtan Monastery	56	21
231	Pyathad Paryatti Learning Monastery (Dawbon)	73	26
232	Wazo Paryatti Learning Monastery	59	18
233	Sasanartwuntha Monastery	82	32
234	Sasanart Alinyaung Learning Monastery	113	35
235	Dhammazedi Monastery	48	19
236	Lamudan Monastery	36	22
237	Mingalar-rama Learning Monastery	89	27
238	Asokar-rama Learning Monastery	61	17
239	Marn-aung Monastery	17	10
240	Souvanna Learning Monastery (North Okklapa)	81	31
241	Aung-waddy Learning Monastery	87	24
242	Ananpin Recluse Learning Monastery	67	15
243	Thaddama-vadee Henzada Learning Monastery	75	28
244	Aungthawaddy Learning Monastery	83	37
245	Dhamma Yaungchi Learning Monastery	112	32
246	Dhamma Theingi (Pyawbwe) Learning Monastery	52	19
247	Okkala Siri Paryatti Learning Monastery	39	10
248	Mawgyun Paryatti Learing Monastery	127	38
249	Pyawbwe Monastery	25	17
250	Marn Aung Monastery	15	12
251	Popa Monastery	42	13
252	Zambu-aye Monastery	37	16
253	Manaw-thukha Monastery	29	11
254	Myote-u Paryatti Learning Monastery	68	26
255	Dhamma Desana Monastery	17	9
256	Dhamma Sila Monastery	22	15
257	Aung Yadanar Paryatti Learning Monastery	87	24
258	Pit-his-maron Monastery	35	21
259	Mawgyun Monastery	19	10
260	Four Victories Monastery	8	6
261	Abayar-rama Monastery	58	17
262	Aung Mingalar Zawti Monastery	23	18
263	Dhamma Thukha Monastery	18	12
264	Aung Maggin Monastery	22	15
265	Mandalay Kyaung Learning Monastery (South Okklapa)	88	39
266	Mingalar Theiddi Paryatti Learning Monastery	57	27
267	Ngwe-kyar-yan Paryatti Learning Monastery	225	12
268	Maha-gandaron Paryatti Learning Monastery	67	12
269	Sein Yadanar Paryatti Learning Monastery	150	19
270	Dhamma-deikhtan Paryatti Learning Monastery	40	16
271	Dhamma Theikpan Monastery	175	28
272	Aung Pinle Learning Monastery	129	25
273	Shwe-taungmaw Learning Monastery	72	19
274	Aungmyay Yadanar Learning Monastery	125	37
275	Theikparlara Learning Monastery	116	46
276	Zaytawun Aungsan Learning Monastery	104	55
277	Yadanardepan Learning Monastery	72	32
278	Maha-theikpan Monastery	49	25
279	Theikpan Myitzu Learning Monastery	56	18
280	Aleh Kyaungyi Pariyatti Learning Monastery (Dala)	127	67
281	Maha Myitzimaron Learning Monastery(Syriam)	352	45
282	Zeya Mingalar Learning Monastery	78	27
283	Four-storey Pariyatti Learning Monastery	100	31
284	Mingalar Kan-u Learning Monastery	130	42
285	Minkyaung Pahtamapyan Learning Monastery	168	70
286	Shwebo Monastery	35	21
287	Shwenanthar Monastery	25	10
288	Su-taungpyeit Parahita Monastery	78	51
289	Asoka-rama Monastery (Kyauktan)	58	35
290	Minkyaung Paryatti Learning Monastery	70	42
291	Zeyapura Paryatti Learning Monastery	70	38
292	Aung San Recluse Learning Monastery(Shwe-pyi-tha)	104	37
293	Shwe-pyi-tha Paryatti Learning Monastery	115	48
294	Dhamma-thukha Learning Monastery	86	26
295	Henzada Learning Monaster	60	35
296	Shwe Pauktaw Learning Monastery	53	17
297	Shwe Pyi-aye Learning Monastery	52	21
298	Siri Mingalar Learning Monastery	34	13
299	Ywama Paryatti Learning Monastery(Insein)	548	307
300	Byoogon Recluse Learning Monastery	119	49
301	Myat Thandar Learning Monastery	71	28
302	Asokaran Learning Monastery (Shwe-kyin)	104	39
303	Kan-u Paryatti Learning Monastery	96	30
304	Mingalarsiri Learning Monastery	120	43
305	Yadanar Bodhi Monastery	89	25
306	Wa-u Monastery	75	41
307	Phaungdaw-u Paryatti Learning Monastery	64	27
308	Marlar-rama Paryatti Learning Monastery	72	19
309	Shwe-nyaungbin Recluse Learning Monastery	240	50
310	Yadanar Kangyi Learning Monastery	51	21
311	Zaygon Paryatti Learning Monastery	116	35
312	Ottamawuntha Learning Monastery	45	25
313	Deva Neimmitaron Monastery	22	10
314	Sasanart Zawtikaron Monastery	49	18
315	Siri-mingalar Kan-u Monastery	18	15
316	Somitaron Monastery	52	31
317	Sasanart-hati Monastery	29	19
318	Dhammika-rama Monastery	37	25
319	Yadanar-sikha Monastery	15	8
320	10th mile Ywama-gyi Monastery	56	27
321	Vithoddaron Monastery	39	17
322	Mahabodhi Monastery	20	15
323	Siri-mingalar Monastery	32	18
324	Maha-myaing Monastery	17	14
325	Cularmani Monastery	28	19
326	Mingalar-thiha Monastery	21	13
327	Sasana-hita Paryatti Learning Monastery (Hlaing Thayar)	122	56
328	Maha-thiha-narda Learning Monastery	67	32
329	Padan Paryatti Learning Monastery	180	35
330	Thayagon Paryatti Learning Monastery	132	28
331	Siri-mingalar Kanhla Learning Monastery	117	47
332	Sixth Tipidaka Shwe Okkan Learning Monastery	78	25
333	Yoe-lay Learning Monastery	127	68
334	Maha Aungmyay Yeikthar Learning Monastery	81	23
335	Akyaw Paryatti Learning Monastery	70	31
336	Sein-mya Dhamma-sarlar Monastery (Ye-okkan)	48	20
337	Aungzeyarmin Paryatti Learning Monastery	140	65
338	Thaungyi Paryatti Learning Monastery	60	29
339	Shwe-kyee-tha Paryatti Learning Monastery (Mingladon)	259	106
340	Tipidaka Maha-gandaron Monastery	85	61
341	Aryudiga Pyo-uyin Monastery	62	30
342	Kanthonsint Learning Monastery	81	24
343	Tawtaik Dhamma Yeiktha Learning Monastery	221	101
	Total	29658	6391

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

2008-01-30T12:11:00.000+07:00

If you want to read completely, you can download Here.

CHIEF OFFICER OF MILITARY AFFAIRS SECURITY LT. GEN. YE MYINT

2008-01-29T11:27:00.000+07:00

CHIEF OFFICER OF MILITARY AFFAIRS SECURITY LT. GEN. YE MYINT
JOURNEYING TO MEET WITH CEASEFIRE GROUPS FROM NORTHERN SHAN STATE

27 January 2008

According to a news source from ceasefire groups in Northern Shan State, Lt. Gen. Ye Myint, Chief Officer of Military Affairs Security, traveled to the headquarters of these organizations to meet with them.

On 22nd of this month, he visited Hsen Kyawt, headquarters of the Shan State Army (North) (SSA-N) and met with Chairman U Loi Mawng and other leaders. On 23rd, he met with leaders of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) led by Kokang leader Feng Kya-shin at its headquarters in Lautkai Town. On 24th, He met with Ma-htu-naw and other leaders of Kachin National Development and Security Army (KDA) at its headquarters in Kaungkha Town.

It could not be confirmed yet whether MAS Chief Lt. Gen. Ye Myint went to Panghsang to meet with Wa leader Bao Yu-chang of Myanmar National Solidarity Party aka United Wa State Party (MNSP or UWSA), ceasefire group news source said.

The same source believed that he would consecutively meet with other armed ethnic groups like the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) led by Zaung-khra, National Democratic Army-Kachin (NDA-K) led by Zakhong Teng Yeng and National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) (Akha) located along Sino-Burmese border.

Although no details have come out, MAS Chief Lt. Gen. Ye Myint has also summoned officials from ceasefire groups based in Northern Shan State region such as UWSA (Wa), MNDAA (Kokang), SSA-North (Shan) and KDA (Kachin) separately to meet in Lashio in early December, last year.

Also on December 14, 2007, Minister of Culture Maj. Gen. Khin Aung Myint, deputy leader of SPDC spokes-authority team, met with leaders of ceasefire groups in Northern Shan State like UWSA, MNDAA, SSA-N and KDA, in Lashio, forcing them to announce their views renouncing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's statement publicized through Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Burma.

2007 GENERATION STUDENTS UNION (BURMA)

2008-01-28T16:20:00.000+07:00

2007 GENERATION STUDENTS UNION (BURMA)
STATEMENT 1/2008

Dated: 2008 January 24

Today our country, Burma, is facing failures in all aspects like economy, social affairs, education and even religion under the evil military dictatorship. All the citizens are suffering a lot daily from such general hardships as starvation, forced labor, poor health care, substandard educational system and loss of freedom and human rights because of oppression by a handful of bureaucratic military dictators. All democracy-loving Burmese people have the responsibility to break free from these dire troubles.

Like all Burmese people of all walks, we students highly yearn for values of liberty, democracy and human rights that every free people of the world are enjoying. In order to fulfill our hopes, we believe that we students too have as much responsibility as the Burmese people. History has given proof that we students have served in the forefront of all stages in Burma's struggles for liberation and democracy along with other classes, sacrificing blood, sweat and tears. Hence, the duty to work for democracy is the one relayed by history to be borne by us.

To accomplish this historical task to our utmost by risking our lives, we have established the "2007 Generation Students Union" consisting of students all over Burma. We "2007 Generation Students Union" would peacefully fight for fundamental rights and democracy for the entire student mass. Therefore the "2007 Generation Students Union" solemnly urge all students throughout Burma to work together with uniform spirit so that our student strata's stature would be glorious.

"We have responsibility for our history"

ေက်ာင္းသားရွိရင္ ေက်ာင္းသားသမဂၢရွိရမယ္
ေက်ာင္းသားသမဂၢရွိမွ အနာဂတ္လွမယ္

Power of Dhamma

2008-01-25T15:20:00.000+07:00

Diamond Studded Night (English)

2008-01-25T15:10:00.000+07:00

THE VALENTINE CODE:

2008-01-25T11:42:00.000+07:00

THE VALENTINE CODE:
A POEM ABOUT LOVE CAUSING THE POET LAND IN JAIL

24 January 2008

Poet Saw Wei wrote a poem in January 21st issue of A-chit (Love) journal to commemorate Valentine's Day but authorities accused him of insulting Senior Gen. Than Shwe in code and arrested him.

The poem 'February 14th' is ostensibly about love but is alleged by authorities to display the words 'power crazy Senior Gen. Than Shwe' when only the first letters of the eight lines of verse are read out. Due to the news about coded words, more than 10,000 copies of the journal are sold out in a short time with the remaining copies confiscated from newsstands by authorities.

The A-chit journal is published by Maung Pan Hmwe, a poet and teacher who was granted rights to produce a periodical after turning in his asylum status in Japan and surrendering to the junta in 1998. The journal's chief editor is Myat Khine, a known flunky of the regime. Both of them were summoned by the notorious Press Scrutiny Board to explain the matter. In Burma, all references to Valentine's Day are also banned from display in press.

Earlier this month, editor Ms. Nwe New Aye and chief correspondent Win Kyaw Oo of pro-junta Myanmar Times managed by Australian Ross Dunkley was also forced to resign from job for publishing news about 16,600% increase in license fees for satellite dish.
Poet Saw Wei is also a member of 'White Rainbow' group working for the relief of HIV/AIDS victims' orphaned children.

Burma Update

2008-01-24T12:04:00.000+07:00

2007 January

Burma Update 283 - SPDC Intelligence Chief touring in CFG Areas - 28 Jan 2008

Burma Update - 282 - 2007 Generation Students' Union Statement - 28 Jan 2008

Burma Update - 281 - The Valentine Code - 24 Jan 2008

Burma Update 280 - More Chinese Military Truck for SPDC - 16 Jan 2008

Burma Update - 279 - Friendly Fire Among SPDC Troops - 15 Jan 2008

CHINESE-MADE MILITARY TRUCKS DESTINED FOR BURMA

2008-01-23T11:29:00.000+07:00

CHINESE-MADE MILITARY TRUCKS DESTINED FOR BURMA

ARRIVED AGAIN AT THE BORDER

2008 January 16

Chinese-made FAW brand six-wheeler light trucks for military use has arrived again in Ruili and Jehong on Sino-Burmese border destined to be handed over to Burma.

The trucks arrived in Ruili since yesterday evening and are now undergoing cleansing at car washes around Ruili. There are about 100 vehicles, it is learnt.

FAW Trucks in Ruili (Shwe Li)

Also in last December, a total of similar 450 FAW brand six-wheeler military light trucks were delivered to Burma Army authorities on the border at Jehong-Muse.

LIFAN Trucks

Since 2001, military vehicles with FAW, Dong Feng, LJC and LIFAN brands along with accessory military equipment were handed over to Burmese military authorities through the border checkpoints. These goods were delivered to Burmese military junta as gifts, sale on credit or barter with teak, jade and agricultural produce. Military analysts supposed that Burma Army is chiefly relying on Chinese made military equipment.

Friendly Fire Among SPDC Troops

2008-01-23T10:52:00.000+07:00

Friendly Fire Among SPDC Troops
Resulting in Death of Two Men

14 January 2008

According to military sources, a friendly fire occurred in Mongnawng Town, Shan State (South), resulting in death of two privates and AWOL of one warrant officer II.

The story is as follows: On January 13th at 8:00 PM, a squad led by WO II Kyaw Thein from Mongnawng-based No.2 Military Operations Command (MOC-2) was patrolling inside the town when they met Pvt. Zaw Tun from Laicha-based IB 64 behind the central market. Questioning led to a quarrel in which WO II Kyaw Thein struck Pvt. Zaw Tun and in the ensuing gunfight, two privates were killed instantly, it is learnt.

One of the casualties was from WO II Kyaw Thein's squad and another was Pvt. Zaw Tun. Both of them died from gunshots. Though WO II Kyaw Thein was not wounded, he fled from the scene with an MA rifle he bore, it is learnt.

Troops under the command of Mongnawng-based MOC-2 are now hunting out WO II Kyaw Thein who has escaped and have been given the order to shoot him if he refuses arrest.

Also on October 11, 2007, Pvt. Thiha Aung from IB 246 operating in Homong region killed his Vice-Battalion Commander Maj. Myo Hlaing who had been bullying and torment his subordinates, with his MA-1 rifle. Thiha Aung shot his superior till his magazine was empty.

Ashin Gambira

2008-01-17T14:31:00.000+07:00

Ashin Gambira

Rev. Gambira

Clerical title: U Sandawbartha
Lay name: Nyi Nyi Lwin

U Gambira was born on 19th June, 1979, Tuesday, in Kaing-leh village, Pauk Township, Magwe Division, of parents U Min Lwin and Daw Ye.

A Glimpse of Family Background

U Gambira's father is a former military serviceman who had served in the army for more than ten years. As he has a justice-loving spirit and an altruistic mind, he got into squabbles with his superiors and eventually has to retire from army. After his retirement, he married Daw Ye and earned his livelihood as a merchant dealing in tea, tiger bones, tiger skins and gems.

U Gamibira's mother Daw Ye is a former school teacher who had served in Tha-boot-su and Kaing-leh villages in Pauk Township for thirteen years. It was only because of her dedication that she was able to serve as a teacher for thirteen years in such a time when BSPP officials and toadying school principals were flaunting their power shamelessly.

Ashin Gambira ( far right) and his family

When Daw Ye was working in Tha-boot-su village, all other teachers were provided dwellings but Daw Ye was made to commute from Pauk daily. At that time, she has two children with the younger daughter aged only fifty days. Then, when a niece of BSPP administrative official wished to get her post, Daw Ye was transferred to Kaing-leh village which is eight miles away from Pauk.

At that time, U Gambira's father U Min Lwin was building his business hard by founding rice mills and edible-oil mills, becoming somewhat well-off. He had to single-handedly undertake the tasks of caring for the two children, rice mill and oil mill business and cooking family meals. Daw Ye was still refusing to bow down and quit her job but daily suffering the headmaster's flaunting of abusive power.

And so on she went on till she retired from her job eleven years after she was moved to Kaing-leh village. U Min Lwin was frequently questioned by BSPP authorities who queried him why he got rich. He was often framed up for arrest too. The reason behind BSPP officials' hatred upon him was that his status rose due to his hard work while he was not a local and that he opposed injustice. Due to these circumstances, they moved to Pauk in 1983.

When the 1988 uprising broke out, U Min Lwin became a strike leader of Pauk Township. Next he became an NLD member and got elected as an independent member of parliament. During the '88 uprising, U Min Lwin had been a man of peace guiding oppressed people's rage and sense of revenge and retaliation toward peaceful outlets. If he wished so, he had the power to inflict vengeance upon the BSPP officials but he did not opt for an eye for an eye. During the '88 uprising, all his possessions were used up for the people. Only the oil mill remained in his hands. With the exception of the youngest kid, all his children were students then. The youngest child was four years old. After the uprising, U Gambira's father and his elder brother were convicted respectively for one and a half year and three years in jail. Therefore mother had to go around dealing with their cases and her second daughter Ma Khin Thu Htay had to drop out of matriculation class to undertake housework. Only when all her younger siblings had passed matriculation was she able to sit for matriculation exam, passing it in a single attempt with a flying color.

Childhood
He has seven siblings out of which he was the fifth. At the age of five he started schooling at No.4 Primary School in Aungtagon Ward, Pauk. He always got first in the class in his primary school years, getting the headmistress' admiration.

Child soldier life
Along with breakup of family and slump in business, it seems that political senses started to take hold in his mind since 1988. As schools were closed for two years and parents' guardianship was disrupted, U Gambira became a loafer at early life. In response, his parents imposed stricter controls which made him more rebellious eventually landing him in the living hellhole. Thus at the age of twelve, the fifth standard student became a child soldier.

Beginning of religious life
Parents hotly looked for their son who suddenly disappeared from home. After learning that he was in a military installation in Rangoon, they took him out of it. Regarding the case, authorities came to Pauk for investigation. Fearing arrest and military service or imprisonment despite his under-age if authorities found him, he was novitiated by the abbot of Laythartaung Monastery, Pauk, and then sent to Insein Ywama Monastery in Rangoon. Enjoying religious life, he learnt the scriptures and passed elementary, junior, intermediate and senior religious exams as well as the exam on four nikayas with distinction.

Ashin Gambira ( with fan )

He had stayed in various monasteries. These included Insein Ywama, Htaukkyant Tawya , Thaddammawuntha Ahlone, Pakokku East, Pakokku Central and Mandalay Masoyein monasteries. At the age of twenty, he was ordained into monkhood sponsored by U Thein Oo and wife of Hlegu Town together with his family. During his religious learning years, he spent five years in Karen State Myaingyingu Town on missionary work.

Ashin Gambira alongside the family sponsoring for his monkhood

Natural psyche
U Gambira is a deep lover of his own country and people, devoted to justice and freedom. He abhors oppression and bullying. As an enthusiast for literature, he frequently purchased and collected books on religion, English language and computer technology. He also donated books to libraries throughout Burma. He set up a library in his native Pauk Town and donated books to it. He also made blood donation every year.

Ashin Gambira ( standing in the far left )

Ambition

While living at Htaukkyant Tawya, the abbot was particularly fond of U Gambira and assigned him teaching duty. He was also invited to serve as the abbot of a monastery in Arakan State. However he turned down the offer as he intended to attend the Missionary University after finishing Dhammasarya class. He aimed to learn the scriptures in India after graduation from Missionary University and work as an international missionary preacher (Dhammakahtika). He also learned English language and computer science at his spare time. He also studied political science, aesthetic literature, poetry and music. He has also written religious articles, short stories and poems.

Changing of course
While studying for Dhammacariya class in 2005, he became particularly aware of people's poor livelihood, education and religion status to which he could not close his eyes and so he started campaigning among the monks. He highly detested Maj. Gen. Soe Win's dressing up of long-term convicts as monks to kill Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and students during the Depayin massacre. Because of junta authorities' such atheism, sacrilege, defamation of clergy by faking monks and looking only for conservation of junta's power hold, he let his ambitions dissolved, abandoned studying and led the September uprising.

His tireless hard work is a wonder. As a consequence, he was able to unify the clergy nationwide leading to the successful launching of 2007 September uprising. However, he has never expected the despotic generals to brutally massacre monks, students and the people as events bore out. He explained afterwards that he has taken to the streets as he did not anticipate such wickedness.

Whenever he recalled the atrocities, he suffered nervous tension and his health weakened. In spite of poor health, he has to keep up the momentum of the uprising while evading and hiding from arrest. Though his colleagues and friends urged him to go into exile, he faithfully upheld the vow among freedom fighters "not to flee abroad until the struggle is won."

Arrested!
Now he has been caught by authorities who were hunting him by leaving no stone unturned. On November 4th, he was arrested in Sintgaing area, Mandalay Division, where he was hiding and is now sojourning solitarily in Room No. 23, Ward No. 2, Insein Jail, Rangoon.

Life in jail
On December 5th, his family got permission to visit him for the first time. With his family's business teetering and distance to travel great, they have to make a great effort to visit him regularly.

Rev. Gambira will be driving out loneliness in jail by meditating and no doubt listening to another call for battle by monks and laypeople remaining outside.

His usual words are, "We monks have no wife or wealth to cling to like the laymen. We came into life for missionary work, for humanity. And for us to be able to do missionary work, humans must be free from livelihood menaces, social perils and tyrants' hazards. We who have no attachment must clear up laymen's troubles. Since we instigate these jobs, we have sacrificed our self and lives. There are only two outcomes: arrest or death."