Burma Underground

Bhamo students start poster campaign

The Editor — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 16:13:23 -0700

September 19, 2007
From Kachin News Group

Students in Bhamo University have emulated those in Myitkyina University by launching an identical poster movement aimed at the Burmese military junta yesterday. The demands are the same as those of Myitkyina University students in Kachin State.

Over a hundred A-4 size posters were pasted on the key buildings in Bhamo town including four state high schools, Bhamo University, Computer College, Nursing College, government offices and the junta's administrative offices called Ma-Ya-Ka and Ya-Ya-Ka, a student leader told KNG today.

The five-point charter of demands in the students' posters are identical to those put up in Myitkyina-- to roll back oil and essential commodity prices, to immediately stop the Myitsone Hydroelectric Power project, to release all political prisoners and to solve the country's problems by initiating a "Tripartite Dialogue" which should including the ruling junta, political opposition political parties and ethnic leaders.

In Bhamo, the authorities have tightened security and the posters were torn up by security personnel, local students and eyewitnesses said.

This is the first students' movement in Bhamo, the second largest city of Kachin State after the 1988 people's pro-democracy movement in Burma. They will continue with protest against the regime, student leaders said.
Meanwhile, Buddhist monks in Myitkyina continue to be under virtual house arrest and have been kept under tight control inside the rooms of their monasteries to prevent them from protesting against the junta on the orders of Kachin State's Commander Maj-Gen Ohn Myint since Saturday night.

The two main monasteries of Wuntu and Suu Taung Pyi in Myitkyina are being closely watched all the time by the authorities, said local residents.

According to Myitkyina residents, the commander Maj-Gen Ohn Myint is trying to prevent any demonstration in the township.

Undercurrents in Kachin State

The Editor — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 09:35:58 -0700

Although much of the news recently has been focused on the protests triggered by the fuel price hikes in Burma, there are other events that deserve to not be overlooked. In Kachin State, a protests have unfolded in the form of a poster movement in response to both the price hikes and the closing of the Junta's National Convention.

On September 3rd, the junta finally brought to a close after 14 years the convention to draft an outline for the constitution. During the final round of proposals, the Kachin Independence Organization submitted a 19-point proposal calling for autonomy and a federal governing system, as well as for the ethnic armed groups to be integrated into the national forces. The government's predictable response blocking discussion of the proposal, as well as threats and a continued increase in military posturing in Kachin State, makes it difficult to think the KIO's proposal was anything but calculated.

World Refugee Day

The Editor — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 15:45:59 -0700

Malaysian newspaper The Star has a great article about Kachin refugees in Malaysia, in honor of World Refugee Day. It's a pleasant departure from the typical articles focusing on the negative conditions of refugees - the jungle camps and overcrowded apartments - and does a good job of reflecting the personality and character of those interviewed. They also have a related article about a new class being held for the Kachin children.

A tidbit from the first article for you:

Unlike most of his countrymen, Kam Li is fluent in English and was able to represent his community in encounters with the locals.

“The name ‘leader’ is high-sounding but my work is really at the ground level. I go to the different settlements, I bring the sick to the clinic, look into the education programme and the welfare of the pregnant women and such.

“Sometimes our people are detained at the police station. These people are from my community, and I’m their leader so I have to go and explain their situation. Some police do not even know what UNHCR is,” says Kam Li who holds a UNHCR card that identifies him as a refugee entitled to protection under the international human rights law.

I am now missing my friends. Go read the article, and if you know a refugee, wish them a happy day and give them a hug.

Kachins Condemning SPDC's order to demolish Bum San Kachin Baptist Church in Burma

The Editor — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 10:53:24 -0700

Dated: 18th June 2007

We, the Kachin National Organization, strongly condemn the recent State Peace and Development Council's (SPDC) order to demolish the Bum San Kachin Baptist Church, located near the 105-mile gate office in Muse, Northern Shan State of Burma. The SPDC confiscated many Church buildings and lands, and restricted religious freedom in Burma for several decades. We appeal to the SPDC to dismiss its order to remove Bum San Kachin Baptist Church and to return all confiscated Churches and Church lands to the respective church bodies. We also ask SPDC to treat Christians and people of other religions on equal footing; and to fully abide by the laws and respect freedom of religion in Burma.

Whilst the Christian Solidarity Worldwide released a report highlighting the religious persecutions and discriminations against Christians and other religions in Burma, the SPDC bluntly denies any existence of such violations in Burma. The SPDC even forcefully asked the religious bodies to sign false declaration saying that they are enjoying full religious freedom. We have several evidences that the SPDC officials approached the religious leaders concerned to sign the confession papers. Contrary to the SPDC's claim, the recent act by the Burmese military government to demolish Bum San Kachin Baptist Church is purely a violation of religious freedom in Burma.

We, the Kachin National Organization warns the SPDC that your current treatment to other religions would create more consequences in Burma similar to that of U Nu's era. Many Kachin Christian believers joined Kachin Independent movement when U Nu bluntly declared Buddhism as a state religion for Burma. The history will repeat itself unless Burmese junta fully accepts co-existence and ethnicity diverse in the Union Of Burma.

Finally, we urge all Kachin Christians to protect our churches by all means and Christian from all over the world to condemn Burmese military junta’s fascist policy.

The Central Committee
Kachin National Council
Kachin National Organization

Contact for further information:

UK Office: knoffice_uk AT yahoo.com
Thailand Office: kno_office AT yahoo.com
India Office: kno_India AT yahoo.com
USA Office: kno_usa@yahoo.com
Denmark Office: knodk AT yahoo.co.uk
Japan Office: kno5japan AT yahoo.com

PROTEST AGAINST SPDC BARBARISM

The Editor — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 16:49:15 -0700

From the KNO:

A gang-rape case in Putao

March 22nd, 2007

On February 2nd, 2007, shocking news broke out from the highland plains of Duk Dang Village, Putao. This day of infamy will go down in history as evidence of the State Peace and Development Council's savagery, brutality, and oppression. Over a month has passed but we, the Kachin people around the world, have not forgotten the despicable act committed by Maj. Zaw Min Thet, Capt. Win Myint Oo, Capt. Kyaw Ze Ya, and four other service members of Infantry Battalion 138.

More than 10 years ago our Kachin people decided to try and resolve over 30 years of war with the central government by peaceful means. With solicitation from our Burmese counterparts we thought we could bury our differences and begin the mission of rebuilding our homeland. We have now reached 13 years since the ceasefire agreement and the results are extremely discouraging. Kachinland has been reduced to an international hotspot for the raging HIV epidemic, illicit drug production and deforestation is rampant, malnutrition among children is on the rise, and human rights violations continue unabated as the structures of civil society are weakened and torn down.

Urgent Appeal

The Editor — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 14:00:00 -0700

I received an email update the other day concerning the case of the four Kachin girls who were first gang raped by SPDC soldiers and then imprisoned because the story was leaked to the press.

The appeal below was also published at the Kachin News, although I'm not sure where it originated apart from the OMCT- and I couldn't find the original on that website. I'm posting here not only because it's an important case, but because the appeal includes the contact addresses, phone numbers, and emails of several key Burmese officials. I'm sure many people, and hopefully spambots, will be able to put this information to good use.

Happy (belated) International Women's Day

The Editor — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 15:56:32 -0800

March 8th was International Women's Day, and although this post is a day late, it's still a good time to reflect on the issue of women's rights. The International Women's Day 2007 site has a history of IWD. I find it unfortunate that in reading that page, I didn't come across one bit of information that I already knew. According to the site, the first National Women's Day was observed in the U.S on February 28th, a year after 15,000 women marched through New York city demanding better work conditions and the right to vote. In 1911, "More than one million women and men attended IWD rallies campaigning for women's rights to work, vote, be trained, to hold public office and end discrimination."

Alan Rabinowitz in the Myanmar Times

The Editor — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 21:47:10 -0800

US conservationist confirms gold mining threatens world's largest tiger reserve

From the Kachin Development Networking Group

Alan Rabinowitz of the Wildlife Conservation Society last week confirmed that gold mining was "one of the biggest challenges" to the world's largest tiger reserve in Burma's Hugawng valley, polluting waterways, posing a threat to human health and contributing to a reduction in wildlife.

In an interview with the Myanmar Times on February 12, 2007, Rabinowitz said there were many gold mines in the valley despite government plans to shut them down by the start of 2007.

Valley of Darkness , a report released last month by the Kachin Development Networking Group (KDNG) detailed that there are 31 main gold mining areas with over 100 active mines throughout the tiger reserve. According to the report, the ruling military junta grants concessions to gold mining companies in the valley, collecting handsome taxes and bribes. A new concession was recently granted to the Sea Sun Star Company allowing them to mine in the valley until 2008.

In the interview, Rabinowitz remained optimistic saying that "the future looks great for Hugawng valley" and calling for a "balance between development and conservation." A spokesman for KDNG said this was unrealistic given the junta's profits from the gold mining industry. "According to the Kachin proverb, Hkan hpe U hkum rim Sha u, ngu tsun ai ga malai, asking the junta to stop gold mining is like asking a wild cat to stop hunting chickens" said Tsa Ji. "Development can only be sustainable under a democratic system that allows local people to participate in decisions about the use of their natural resources."

Valley of Darkness also details the social impacts of gold mining, including the booming sex and drug industries, land confiscation and militarization. The report is now available in Burmese as well as English at: www.aksyu.com

Statement on 46th Kachin Independence Revolution Day

The Editor — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 04:00:00 -0800

The Central Committee
Kachin National Organization

Monday February 5th, 2007 marks the 46th anniversary of the Kachin Independence Revolution against ethnocentric Burmese military regime. After more than four score years, we remain to be enslaved under the maniacal of militarism and our basic human rights to live and freedoms to survive are increasingly endangered evermore than the past. KNO has witnessed the build up of troops to an unprecedented level during the cease-fire era, and such action will force us to set another revolt against the Burmanization.

Obituary for U Maran Bawk La

The Editor — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 22:57:54 -0800

From the KNO

U Maran Bawk La passed away this morning the 23rd of January in Myitkyina, Kachin State at the age of sixty.

U Bawk La graduated from Rangoon University in 1973 with a B.A. and subsequently practiced law, completing his MA in 1979. He was a member of the Myitkyina Bar Association until his license was revoked in 1988.

Bawk La was a steadfast political activist throughout his life. In 1963 he joined the Kachin Independence Organization until he was arrested for his underground activities in 1965 and imprisoned for sixteen months. In 1971, he was again imprisoned for eleven months for his participation in the underground student union at Mandalay
University.

Valley of Darkness

The Editor — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 22:09:10 -0800

World’s largest tiger reserve being ravaged by Burmese junta’s greed for gold

Valley of Darkness, a new report by undercover local researchers, exposes how Burma’s military junta is promoting extensive gold-mining in the Hugawng Valley Tiger Reserve in northern Kachin State, devastating not only the environment but also local communities.

The junta has expanded control of the valley, confiscating farmlands and homes to accommodate its military infrastructure, and selling off vast tracts as gold-mining concessions. The valley’s forests and waterways are now being ravaged by over 100 hydraulic and pit mines using mechanized pumps and dredges and dumping mercury-contaminated tailings. Thousands of desperate migrants from all over Burma are working in squalid mining communities throughout the once pristine valley, where drug addiction and HIV/AIDS have become rampant.

“Under the regime’s increased control, the rich resources of Hugawng valley have turned out to be a curse.” said Tsa Ji, one of the authors of the report. “Only the junta and a handful of businessmen are benefiting from the gold while the local people suffer the consequences.”

Malaysia 12-05-06: The KDO

The Editor — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:52:35 -0800

On December fifth, I met up with Kam Li, the director of the Kachin Development Organization, to talk shop. The KDO started about two years ago, but have had an office and drop-in center for less than a year. When I met up with them last year, Kam Li wasn't working as the coordinator yet. A Kachin friend of mine in Chiang Mai put me in touch with his brother who lives in Malaysia; he works in a swanky restaurant in KL, but is also involved with the KDO. Kam Li came to meet me with a tape recorder, and as we sat in the tea shop he asked me about how they should organize, and what activities they should do.

Malaysia 12-01-06

The Editor — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 03:43:09 -0800

For my first full day here, the CRC had a meeting with the UNHCR to discuss re-opening registration, so I made arrangements to visit with Li from the Kachin Development Organization. We met up after my requisite breakfast of ijagwe, Chinese doughnuts made Burmese style, and sweet milky coffee.

When I was here a year ago, the KDO was just starting to get organized, and they didn't yet have a proper office to operate out of. They had asked me lots of questions about organizing and operating that I'm hardly qualified to answer, and told me that next time I visited, they would be able to show me their office. Li did just that. Besides the advocacy work he does, like helping Kachins with employment, getting referral letters for hospital visits, and networking with other NGOs, they are also starting up a Kachin radio program, and a handicraft program to generate income. He showed me the room where they have their office set up, with a computer on a low table, and a pile of equipment I didn't recognize that was used for their radio program. He asked what I thought of it and I told him it looked just like a student office. He asked if it didn't look like an 'underground' office - I'm not sure I've ever seen an underground office before, but said it probably did.

Background on Malaysia Trip

The Editor — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 15:31:27 -0800

Before I take off for Malaysia, I thought it would be worthwhile to post a general overview of the situation with Burmese refugees there, and what I will be doing.

My first trip to Malaysia was just over a year ago - I stayed there during November and December after I left Thailand, and before I returned home to the U.S. I went after being asked to do so by Victor, a Chin community leader who lives and works in Chiang Mai. The idea was to help the Chin Refugee Committee with improving their office operations - stuff like organizing, writing reports and grant applications etc. At least, I think that's what the idea was, although I'm not sure how much I actually helped with that. I did write up a few reports for grant applications, and I wrote a couple official letters to other agencies. I also helped facilitate a few meetings with the Executive Committee to determine priorities for the CRC's future development, and come up with ideas for restructuring the organization to fix some problems they were facing. Unforutanetly, many of these solutions, like having staff members who were focused on community outreach, and developing a communications strategy, required money that's hard to come by. The CRC was formed with the moral support of the UNHCR, and they were tasked with managing the Chin community and handling pre-registration of asylum-seekers, but to the best of my knowledge, that moral support was not backed up by financial support. All of the CRC staff were volunteers, working for room and board, and small stipends to cover some work related costs.

Burma Online

The Editor — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 23:58:17 -0800

I missed blogging about the video of Thandar Shwe's wedding video when it first hit the internet a few weeks ago. If you happened to have missed all the fuss, there are now multiple video clips from what would appear to be nearly an hour-long video up at YouTube. Odds are slim I'd be able to find the reference, but I seem to recall one commentator referring to the wedding of Senior General Than Shwe's daughter as having the style of the gaudy (or was it tacky?) nouveau-riche. That sums it up fairly accurately.

One of the YouTube users who's posted multiple clips of the wedding is maungde, from whom I received an email last week about his (or her) most recent video posting. Thanks to Google Earth, we are treated to rather clear footage via sattelite of the new capital of Naypyidaw, as well as the General's own home. The video clips go by pretty quick, so it's worth pausing at the end to get a decent look at his palace. It comes complete with an inground pool and what's likely a pool house, and more rooves than you could shake a stick at.

News from Kachin State

The Editor — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 12:34:55 -0700

About two weeks ago I'd mentioned here that the Kachin Independence Organization had held an emergency meeting amid rumors that the Burmese army was preparing to seize parts of the Kachin liberated areas from the KIO. There has been no confirmation that the emergency meeting was in fact related to the rumors, or to the build-up of Burmese troops near Laiza which had sparked the rumors, but there have been a few developments in the situation since then.

The KIO meeting resulted in the formation of a "political working committee to find solutions to existing problems between the junta and ceasefire or peace groups." (from the DVB). There was also speculation that this committee was formed as a means of involving the younger generation of Kachins who've become disillusioned with KIO leadership - but again, there's no confirmation of the veracity of this claim. KIO leadership say simply that it is meant to be a "committee which could always advise the KIO Central with the best available means when it comes to dealing with current political situation in Burma."

Statement of Kachins in Malaysia

The Editor — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 06:31:44 -0800

We, Kachins, are living in northern part of Burma, so-called Kachin State bordered by China and India.

On January 2,2006, five freedom fighters of the Kachin Independence Army ( KIO/KIA) were deliberately shot dead by Burmese Infantry Battalion (68), led by Major Hla Moe, near Naung Hant village in Northern Shan State, Burma.Two other civilians were also injured during the attack and have been taken to a military hospital. This is such an incident since KIO/KIA took ceasefire with SPDC ( State Peace and Development Council ) in 1994.

Chronological events of KIO/KIA Servicemen Killed By Burmese Junta after 1994 Ceasefire Agreement

1996 Sergeant Mahka La Seng, a well known Infantry Intelligence Chief of Battalion 6, under KIO/KIA 2nd Brigade.
Arrested from Seng Tawng Village in Hpakant Township, Kachin State and secretly killed on the road between Namya and Ntau Villages, by Burmese Army Infanty Battalion 74

1997 4 KIA soldiers from Battalion 6, under KIO/KIA 2nd Brigade.
Arrested on the road between Seng Ra and Lawng Hkang Villages in Hpakant, Kachin State, and killed secretly by Burmese Army Infantry Battalion 74

1998 Njai Naw, a well known KIO/KIA Intelligence Agent.
Arrested from Mashi Kahtawng Village of Hpakant, Kachin State and killed secretly. The culprits have not yet been identified.

19 March, 2001 11 KIO/KIA Servicemen
Arrested from where they were working in their agricultural field in Battalion 9, under KIO/KIA 4th Brigade, Norhteast Shan State, and killed secretly by Burmese Army Battalion 242 led by Maj. Nyo Win

Thus, we, Kachin people in Malaysia, strongly condemn the recent killings and urge all the International Communities to support the causes of ethnic nationalities in Burma.

Names of those were shot dead by Burmese Infantry Battalion 68
on January 02, 2006

(1) Mr. Labang Gam Hpang
(2) Mr. Zehkung Hkawng Hkam
(3) Mr. Maran Zau Mai
(4) Mr. Maran Tu Shan
(5) Mr. Maran Brang Shawng

Further Information:
Kachin News
Kachin Post

From the Kachin National Organisation

The Editor — Thu, 05 Jan 2006 10:39:39 -0800

The following statement references a recent attack by the SPDC on a unit of the Kachin Independence Organization at their base in Muse, in Shan State. Article Link

KNO Statement on SPDC killing of KIA soldiers and violating the Cease-fire Agreement against KIO/KIA

4th January 2006

Five freedom fighters of Kachin Independence Army (KIO/KIA) were deliberately shot dead by Burmese Infantry Battalion near Naung Hant village in Northern Shan State, Burma on January 2, 2006. Two other civilians were also injured during the attack and have been taken to a military hospital. This is the second incident since KIO/KIA took ceasefire with State Peace and Development Council in 1994.

The similar atrocities happened in Si Za Pa village in Northern Shan State on 22nd March 2001. In that incident, the Burmese troops intentionally killed nine soldiers of the KIA’s army and two other civilians. Despite the ceasefire, the Burmese army continued their genocidal activities all over Kachin inhabited areas.

Evidence shows that the Burmese army resumed exterminating all the ethnic nationalities in Burma. Thus, we, the Kachin National Organization strongly condemn the recent killings and urge all the International Communities to support the causes of ethnic nationalities in Burma.

We, KNO call up all the Kachin National individuals and organizations living inside and outside Burma; and the International Communities:-

-          To condemn the violation of the Cease-fire Agreement.
-          To urge KIO/KIA to withdraw from sham National Convention.
-          To take immediate action against SPDC by UNSC.

Central Committee
Kachin National Organization

Contact: 8, Dene Avenue,
TW3 3AH, London, UK.
Tel: 44-1234 360 725,
Fax: 44-1295 273 225,
Email: knoffice_uk@yahoo.com

78, Soi- 4, Bumrungrat Rd.,
Waket, Muang, Chiang Mai, 50000, Thailand.
Mobile: 66 - 955 38030, Fax: 66 - 53 – 249 114,
Email: kno_office@yahoo.com

More Censorship

The Editor — Mon, 17 Oct 2005 01:32:15 -0700

The Kachin Independence Organizations, one of the cease-fire groups within Burma, has censored an environmental report due to be released by the Pan Kachin Development Organization here in Chiang Mai. The report assesses the impacts of development, particularly logging, on the environment of Kachin State.

The KIO, which won forestry and mining concessions in its cease-fire agreement with the junta, fears the report may harm its image and relationship with the junta.

The KIO is also one of the cease-fire groups which are refusing to lay down their weapons at the behest of Rangoon, expressing distrust in the junta's promises of protection and development.

The KIO can stand up to the junta with its guns, and call the generals dishonest, but they're worried an environmental report may damage the relationship?

Downsizing

The Editor — Thu, 22 Sep 2005 05:55:09 -0700

The class I've been teaching for the last three months is no more. Originally, our plan was that I would volunteer with these guys, who are from the AKSYU, until I went home at Christmas - doing research training, and helping with editing or whatever else came up. But Tuesday night they cracked open the beer after dinner, and announced that there would be no more classes. A surprise going away party for me, I guess they thought beer would soften the blow. Its terribly dissapointing, for so many reasons. But, where they've been living has been operating as sort of a satellite office for their organizations, and there just isn't the funding to keep it open anymore.

Its also incredibly dissapointing to get this news a day after I read this. USAID has awarded the IRC an annual funding of $24.4 million for an "ambitious five-year program aimed at improving education and health services for Burmese refugees and migrants in Thailand." Part of this new program will also include working with local organizations on capacity building in the areas of education and health care.

Education Schmeducation

The Editor — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 23:04:23 -0700

The Burmese Junta has been doing an excellent job of ensuring there will be no more student uprising. Heck, if there are no students, there can't be an uprising! Ridiculously low teacher salaries, government controlled curricula and costs of tuition have made it so that only those with connections to the military can get a decent education in Burma. Everyone else is left to choose between their schooling and their livelihood.

Here's an excellent article on education in Kachin State, from Irrawaddy Magazine.

Kachin Forests

The Editor — Fri, 12 Aug 2005 07:05:16 -0700

I was forwarded the attached article "The War on Kachin Forests" recently, and although it was published a few years ago, it offers some good background info on the environmental/logging issue. The forest in Kachin state is a "Biodiversity Hotspot", making one of the most valuable and endangered ecosystems in the world. A more recently published article in The Kachin Post discusses the same issue. Its good to see how much has been done in the three-plus years between articles. The Chinese government of course denies that it is engaged in illegal timber trading. Which begs the interesting question of where all of the trees in Kachin state have been disappearing too. And what are all of those new Burma - China highways and bridges are being used for if not the export of resources? They're certianly not for tourist busses.