KAO WAO NEWS No. 22

 

An electronic newsletter for social justice and freedom in Burma

 

No. 22, June 26-July 6, 2002

 

READERS' FRONT

BORDER OFFICES CLOSE AFTER WARNING

BREAKAWAY LEADER AIMS TO BUILD CONSENSUS

MON POLITICIANS URGE COMPROMISE

NMSP EXPRESS DISSATISFACTION WITH THAI

THAILAND COUNTER ATTACKS IN WAR OF WORDS

ANTI THAI RALLY SPREADS TO WESTERN BURMA

WORLD CUP 2002: BURMA UNDER THEIR FEET

ARAKAN INDEPENDENCE BULLETIN: A CHALLENGE FOR FREEDOM

DRUG DEALERS ARRESTED BY NMSP

RAPE USED AS WEAPON OF WAR

 


READERS' FRONT

 

Dear Readers, We invite comments and suggestions on improvements to Kao-Wao newsletter. With your help, we hope that Kao-Wao News will continue to grow to serve better the needs of those seeking social justice in Burma and Thailand. And we hope that it will become an important forum for discussion and debate and help readers to keep abreast of issues and news. Above all, we hope the newsletter will be used as a vehicle for those who want to share their views and experiences.

 

We reserve the right to edit and reject articles without prior notification. You can use a pseudonym but we encourage you to include your full name and address.

 

Regards, Editor kaowao@hotmail.com

 

Thai-Burma Border Tension

 

 

BORDER OFFICES CLOSE AFTER WARNING

(Kao-Wao, July 4, 2002)

 

After Thai Defence Minister ordered authorities to arrest minority groups operating in Thailand, many NGO offices working on Burma's ethnic and democratic forces along the border closed due to security reasons.

 

The Bangkok Post on July 2, 2002 reported Defence Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh ordering Thai authorities to arrest any leaders of anti-Rangoon minority groups, especially the Shan State Army, found in the country.  The order was sent to the Armed Forces Security Centre of the Supreme Command.

 

"Leaders and core members of ethnic minority rebels often sneak into the towns and hold meetings here and there in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son," he said.  Gen Chavalit said if found in Thailand, these people would be arrested.  Military intelligence units were also trying to find out if SSA was operating a radio station on Thai soil.  "We will not let any group use Thailand as a sanctuary or as a operational base," said General Chavalit while addressing 1200 students of the Chulalongkorn Royal Military Academy in Nakhon Nayok.

 

Since the order of the Defence Minister, many NGOs offices including relief, health and women volunteers in Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son provinces were closed and are keeping silent.  A social worker from Chiang Mai said it is difficult to work under this condition because the government has no policy in dealing with the Burmese junta.

 

The order also affected Karnchanaburi Province of South Western Thailand where military local units closely monitor checkpoints preventing insurgents, refugees and migrants crossing over into Thailand from the Burma border.  "When the Burmese army closed the border since May we could cross the border by paying money.  But now that the Thai army closed the checkpoints, it is difficult for local people.  They only allow those who have Thai citizenship to pass the town," said Nai Tun, a villager from Three Pagodas Pass.

 

 

BREAKAWAY LEADER AIMS TO BUILD CONSENSUS

(Kao-Wao, July 4, 2002)

 

Colonel Pan Nyunt, the leader of Hongsawatoi Restoration Party, made his first visit to Thailand to seek support from the Thai Mon communities, to contact overseas Mons and to seek additional allies on his four-day tour beginning June 30, 2002.

 

At a monastery near Bangkok, the breakaway leader briefed the community gathering on the current situation. He spoke about his newly formed MRA (Monland Restoration Party), about the conflict between New Mon State Party, the abduction of NMSP leader and how Mon people continue to suffer under the Burmese junta in the Mon Areas.

 

In an interview with Kao Wao, Col. Pan Nyunt talked about the abduction of NMSP leader Nai Rot Sa, he explained that, " Nai Rot Sa is also our respected leader and politician. I can't tell you everything about what we have discussed. But we brought him only to discuss the future of Mon national affairs, we will bring him back very soon after our discussion".

 

Kao-Wao insisted that the abduction of Nai Rot Sa is not a peaceful action, as he was taken by force, the militant leader replied: "Time will give the true answer". Adding that while NMSP's agrees to a cease-fire with the junta, which is in conflict with HRP's vow to fight, he felt that they (NMSP) are of the same spirit as (HRP), both of us love to serve the Mon people.

 

 

MON POLITICIANS URGE COMPROMISE

(Kao-Wao, July 1, 2002)

 

Australia based Mon National Council issued a statement urging the New Mon State Party and Hongsawatoi Restoration Party to avoid renewed conflict among the Mon people.

 

The statement, comprised of seven recommendations, co-signed by Nai Than Tin, Nai Pe Thein Zar and Nai Shwe Lwin, urged both sides to restrain from fighting each other.  It said problems and conflict should be solved through peaceful political means and communication; that individuals restrain from armed conflict with other Mon fighters; to avoid arresting soldiers from the other side; to let soldiers move freely, and not to take action against those who join other armed forces.  The statement released on June 29, 2002 urged leaders on both sides to meet immediately to discuss problems under the supervision of a fair and unbiased negotiator, which is agreed upon by both sides.

 

The three former Central Committee members of NMSP, Nai Than Tin, Nai Pe Thein Zar and Nai Shwe Lwin resettled in Australia after New Mon State Party reached a cease-fire agreement with the military junta in 1995.

 

The statement from the Mon politicians was supported by the General Secretary of the Mon Unity League Nai Sunthorn Sripanngern.  Talking from the Thailand Burma border with Kao-Wao, MUL leader said the negotiation between the two groups failed because both sides are reluctant to negotiate seriously and to act upon advise by the negotiation mission team.

 

The Hongsawatoi Restoration Party abducted a senior leader of the New Mon State Party, Nai RotSa and his assistant on June 18, 2002 in eastern part of Ye, Mon State while he was traveling along Ye river to the NMSP headquarters.  Following this incident, various Mon communities expressed concern about conflict between the two groups, while HRP and NMSP have made no formal statements for reconciliation.

 

 

Inside Mon State

 

NMSP EXPRESS DISSATISFACTION WITH THAI

(Kao-Wao July 2, 2002)

 

The New Mon State Party issued an opinion statement on the current Mon conflict and expressed disappointment with the Thai authorities allowing HRP to set up a base in Thailand used to shelter the Hongsawatoi Restoration Party.

 

Talking from headquarters, a senior leader of NMSP concluded that the Thai authorities should reconsider their relations with the breakaway group Hongsawatoi Restoration Party led by Colonel Pan Nyunt.  The leading body of the NMSP, Central Executive Committee, called an ad-hoc meeting at NyiSar, the strong hold area of NMSP and issued the statement regarding the abduction of its Secretary General Nai RotSa by the HRP.

 

The CEC (Central Executive Committee) statement said the NMSP was disturbed with the Thai authorities for permitting the HRP military and medical training, and for allowing it to hold the NMSP leader in Thai territory. The statement also protested against the aggressive action of HRP by taking its leaders as ransom to pressure the NMSP and has demanded his release immediately.

 

But a former member of NMSP said the statement was way off the mark in setting up negotiations between the Mons.  It is time for NMSP leaders to reconsider the party's position and to find other positive options for reconciliation instead of complaining about HRP and the Thai, he added.

 

After the cease-fire agreement between the NMSP and the Burmese military junta on June 29, 1995, the relationship between the Mon and its neighbour Thailand grew cold because the NMSP was not allowed to contact with other alliance forces, including Thailand.  In return, the Mon can operate business and border development projects and the President of NMSP, Nai Shwe Kyin is given freedom to live in Moulmein, the capital of Mon State.

 

 

THAILAND COUNTER ATTACKS IN WAR OF WORDS

(Based on The Nation and Bangkok Post, June 27-28, 30, 2002)

 

In defiance of its reputation of being non-confrontational, over two hundred Thai military radio stations struck back at the Burmese government's denunciation of Thailand.

 

Beginning June 26, several commentaries broadcasted the Burmese government's failure at maintaining peace in the ethnic areas. In strongly worded statements, Thai radio announcers blamed the Burmese government for not honoring the Panglong agreement of 1947, a historical situation that goes back to the time when Burma gained independence from Britain. It argued that this is why Burma has had problems with governing, with Thailand being on the receiving end of it all.   The problems include hundreds of thousands of people fleeing Burma, escalation of drugs and human trafficking, and ongoing civil war. One commentary stated the ethnic minorities had no choice but to take up arms against the Burmese government who have been denied freedom in their own land, and who in turn have been "labeled as rebels" and who have been suppressed by the junta ever since.

 

Furthermore, the Burmese government's continues to exercise legitimate ties with the ethnic Wa who are responsible for the huge influx of drugs.  Adding that: " As long as the Burmese government continues to suppress the ethnic minority groups and refuses to embrace democracy, the fighting will continue?[and] unless Burma solves its problems justly and sincerely, there won't be peace in that country or in this region".

 

Defense Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh resisted waging a war of words but finally gave in when his personal advisors and military officers convinced him to do otherwise. Chavalit and the defense ministry wanted to solve the problem through diplomatic means but the military argued that the Thai monarchy was insulted and something needed to be done. Chavalit ordered the counter attack to shut down on June 28, shortly after on June 30 there were signals that Burma is willing to talk again to Thailand.

 

 

ANTI THAI RALLY SPREADS OUT TO WESTERN BURMA

(Kao-Wao, June 30, 2002)

 

Mass rallies denouncing Thai and ethnic insurgents took place in Rakhine State of western Burma on June 29, 2002 according to the New Light of Myanmar, the military junta's mouthpiece newspaper.

 

The rally at Sittway, Rakhine State, was attended by members of government organized organizations USDA (Union Solidarity and Development Association), Red Cross, Fire Brigade, War Veterans Organization, teachers, students, and civil servants, accompanied by bands and cultural troupes.

 

The columns were ordered to march to the city sports ground in the rain, chant slogans denouncing Shan and Karen insurgents as drug-traffickers against the sovereignty of the state.  Similar to other rallies, the USDA leader served as master of ceremonies explaining how insurgents were encroaching on security and peace at border areas and the people of Myanmar have to show respect for sovereignty.

 

The speakers repeatedly accused Thai (Yodaya) as supporters of Shan and Karen insurgents, and who lack good-neighbourly practices in attacking Burma's territory while Myanmar maintains the five principles of peaceful coexistence in international relations with her good-neighbourly practices. The government-organized rally accused that Thailand (Yodaya) does not observe neighbourly practices and codes of conduct of ASEAN nations. Yodaya is trying to expand the territory and dominate Myanmar using insurgents as a decoy.  From the written paper, a speaker said Myanmar has to show that their blood is red if one harms its sovereignty according to the state run NLM daily paper.

 

 

WORLD CUP 2002: BURMA UNDER THEIR FEET

(Reported by Gong Ong, July 1, 2002)

 

At the height of World Cup fever, people from Burma also enjoyed watching the game, but at risk of losing their life's earnings.

 

Gambling enthusiasts in Rangoon forked over 2 US $ as entrance fee to one of many privately own theatres in hotels.  Members of the audience enjoyed the live game with a glass of beer or soft drink.  Sai, a technical student from Mandalay, said soccer games were widely watched, the entrance fee varies from 80 to 2000 Kyats in Rangoon, Mandalay and other cities, depending upon whether it is a private video house or a theatre.

 

With very few outlets for entertainment, those who watch the matches are mostly men, when the game was highly competitive the theatre would fill to capacity.  People are drawn to the hotels to bet from anywhere from a thousand to a million Kyats, according to a gambler from Moulmein, the capital of Mon State.  Brokers or owners of theatres he said generally manage the soccer gambling.

 

RaeJae a teenager who has never been abroad and who lives in a country that has little contact with the outside world knows all the soccer stars such as Ronaldo, Beckham and Owen. He lives in Durae, Ye township, where there are six satellite dishes in the village. Villagers also gather to gamble with one another.  Mi Myint from Wae Galong village said her husband went to Thanbyu Zayat town to watch the World Cup and stayed away for over 3 nights. She argued with her husband to come home but to no avail, he lost 100,000 Kyats.

 

Layeh, a migrant worker who just returned from Paung, northern Mon State said that back in his home town most of his unemployed friends hang out with others in the teashops playing the under-ground lottery (Chae) and soccer gambling. Soccer is a very popular sport, not to play but to gamble, he added.  "All prices are sky-rocketing, many young people leave home for better jobs and those remained try their luck by gambling." he added.  After working in Thailand for over seven years he returned home to visit his parents, but will have to leave again for Thailand as life is the same as when he left, no prospects for a better future.

 

A former Shan State soccer team selection player, Mann, said Burma soccer was famous in the region but after General New Win took the state power soccer became worse due to political and economic centralization.

 

According to an article from Irrawaddy magazine, Burma back in the 1960s and early 1970s was part of a professional league winning two Asian Games crowns in 1966 and 1970, four Southeast Asian Peninsular Games titles and numerous other soccer awards. Burmese soccer champions were recognized internationally, as stated by historian John F. Cady in his book, ?The United States and Burma,' is composed of narratives of Burma's soccer champions, which contributed to Burmese identity that represented the country to the outside world.  Today, military centralization and patronage have degraded that professional league, and strict media controls imposed by the military has snuffed out local support. "Nobody in Burma cares about domestic football?nobody thinks it's real football anymore."

 

The Arakan Independence Bulletin reported that the residents of Sittwe, the capital of Arakan State in western Burma, since February 2001, are ordered not to screen foreign sports and games after the PA (personal assistant) of the Commander of the Western Military Command lost a fortune in football betting.  The video house owner Aung Saw Tha of Sittwe was arrested when the military officer lost 60 million Kyat (valued at 100,000 US $ at that time) to him in the soccer gambling.  After this game, viewing of all matches and foreign movies has been banned in Arakan State.

 

But like elsewhere in Burma, many TVs are turned on for soccer matches and a huge amount of money is put out for gambling.  However, Nai Rot from Mudon, Mon State said that yes gambling is going on, while the authorities turn a blind eye and do not care at all unless politics are involved.  Anyway, he added, not a whole a lot of money is being betted because the economy is very poor in his town.

 

 

ARAKAN INDEPENDENCE BULLETIN: A CHALLENGE FOR FREEDOM (Kao-Wao, July 1, 2002)

 

Arakan Independence Bulletin was published in the liberated area to give free voice among Arakanese freedom fighters in their struggle for freedom and self-determination.

 

The first volume of the bi-lingual Bulletin was distributed in June to Arakanese readers and overseas friends.  The 20-page black and white bulletin with simple layout, comprised of editorial, poetry, news and articles in Arakanese and English languages.

 

Quoted from the article of the Bulletin, the population of Arakan today is approximately five million, comprised of seven indigenous peoples inhabiting the State, including the Mro (Khami), Thauk (Chakama), Dainuk, Maramagree (Brua), Kamen (Muslim), Mron and Arakanese.  Arakan State is situated on the western coastal region of the Union of Burma adjacent to the India sub-continent and Chittagong Hill Tract, the southern part of Bangladesh on the coast of Bay of Bengal.

 

Khaing Munn Nyo, the Editor of the Arakan Independence Bulletin said the bulletin aims for freedom of expression among the Arakan people. Many publications are distributed in the liberated area with a focus on the policies of their respected parties and organizations.  Khaing served as the Deputy In Charge of Foreign Affairs of NUPA (National United Party of Arakan), but the bulletin is independent from any party and is self-funded.

 

 

DRUG DEALERS ARRESTED BY NMSP

(Kao Wao/ NMSP, Sangkhalaburi, July 5, 2002)

 

The New Mon State Party arrested three villagers of Palai Japan who are alleged to be dealing in methamphatamine (Yaba) with three Thais, near Three Pagodas Pass, Thai- Burma border on 25/6/2002.

 

According to the liaison office of the NMSP, Nai Ong, 45 years old, a former village headman and Nai Goon bought two thousand pills from two Karen nationals at Phayathonezu (Three Pagodas Pass) on 20/6/2002. Two men were arrested by NMSP and detained at Phayathonezu for dealing Yaba.  The other two Karen nationals Saw Pha Lu and Ah Too have disappeared.

 

Three Thais, two women and a man, came to the border seeking Yaba with Ah Too, Nai Goon and Nai Ong at 4:30 PM on 25/6/2002. While trading Yaba at Gu Bao village, the truck from the Thai authority approached the trading place and the group fled from the scene at once.  Ah Too, the Karen national belongs to Battalion No.999 of pro-Rangoon DKBA (Democratic Karen Buddhist Army) group.  Ah Too and Saw Pha Lu received 400,000 Kyats for 2000 pills.

 

Nai Goon and Nai Ong were in contact with three Thai through Nai Ohn who live in the same village. Three villagers are under interrogation by NMSP and the Thai authorities are also looking for the three Thai who fled at the western border.

 

 

RAPE USED AS WEAPON OF WAR

(Kao-Wao, July 4, 2002)

 

In a recent press release, Shan Women's Action Network expressed gratitude to the U.S. State Department's comment on a report published by the Shan Human Rights Foundation and the Shan Women's Action Network.

 

The report documents 173 incidents of rape, involving brutality, of which 25% ended in death and which puts forth a strong case for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

 

The U.S. State Department commented: "We are appalled by reports that the Burmese military is using rape as a weapon of war against civilian populations in the Shan States. We have raised our concern with the Burmese regime and urged them to fully investigate any and all allegations of the systematic rape of ethnic minority girls and women in Burma and appropriately punish those guilty of such heinous crimes. We condemn the pervasive use of rape or other forms of sexual violence by military forces against a vulnerable population. If the alleged abuses in the report are true, the Burmese regime must take immediate steps to end such violence within its borders."

 

Meanwhile, a day after the State Department's comment, Burma's military government rejected allegations that its troops have used rape as a war weapon against the ethnic Shan minority. The Burmese ambassador to the U.S. stated that, "it is not the policy of the government of Myanmar to condone or encourage the violation of human rights of women." He also questioned the credibility of SWAN and SHRF's report.

 

SWAN and SHRF, welcomed and appreciated calls by Congresswomen Ileana Ros.Leehtinen and Cynthia McKinneyon to the SPDC to end such heinous of sexual violence and other atrocities.  The two groups call on the international community to speak out strongly against the military regime for their crimes, including sexual violence and other crimes.  They also call on the United Nations to set up a fact-finding mission to investigate sexual violence and other crimes against humanity committed by the SPDC and its army. The report is available on the Internet www.shanland.org/shrf/shrf-frame.htm.

 

 

KAO WAO NEWS GROUP Email; kaowao@hotmail.com, Tel;  + 66-1 561 0860

 

ABOUT US Kao-Wao Newsgroup is committed to social justice, peace, and democracy in Burma. We hope to be able to provide more of an in-depth analysis that will help to promote lasting peace and change within Burma. Editors, reporters, writers, and overseas volunteers are dedicated members of the Mon activist community based in Thailand. Our motto is working together for change.

 

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