87-07 BURMA PRESS SUMMARY Monthly Summary of the Rangoon Working People's Daily compiled for the Burma Studies Group by Hugh C. MacDougall, 32 Elm St. Cooperstown, New York 13326 Vol.I, No. 4, July 1987 The items summarized are those which seem most likely to be of interest outside Burma, including official appointments, foreign relations, economic and other statistics, military communiques, narcotics arrests, and cultural information. Except for quoted passages, stories are paraphrased in the interests of brevity, but every effort is made to be faithful to the intent of the original. +-+-+-+-+ This publication is available at cost from the compiler, for $25.00 per year (12 issues) or $2.50 per issue, post paid in the U.S. Available from April 1987, but subscriptions may begin with any issue. Checks should be payable to Hugh C. MacDougall. +-+-+-+-+ Table of Contents Diplomatic Israeli Envoy Approved . 2 Bangladesh Envoy Approved 2 Chinese Envoy Approved . 2 US Ambassador Calls on Education Minister . . 2 Iraq Envoy Approved . . . 2 Foreign Relations Prime Minister Visit to Indonesia and Malaysia 2 Burmese ILO Del. Returns 3 Soviet Badminton Team . . 3 Chinese Swimming Team . . 3 Golf Team to Indonesia . 3 Japanese Grants . . . . . 3 Veterans to Moscow . . . 4 Educ. Team Returns . . . 4 Soviet Boxing Team . . . 4 West German Loan . . . 4 Sein Lwin Returns . . . 4 Chinese Weightlifters . 4 French Locomotive Arrives 5 Thai Football Team . . . 5 Chief of Staff Visits Thailand . . . . . . . 5 Track Team to Thailand . 5 Yunnan Badminton Team . 5 Burma Gazette . . . . . . . 5 Government Sports Officials Named . 6 Pyithu Hluttaw Vacancy . 7 Arzani Day Ceremonies . . 7 San Yu Appendicitis . . . 7 War Veterans Meet . . . . 7 Military Insurgents Surrender . . 7 BCP and KIA Attacked . . 7 Attacks against KNU . . . 8 Action in Kachin State . 8 Heroin Seized from KIA . 9 Kachin Insurgency . . . . 9 KIA Narcotics . . . . . . 10 Economic Syriam Telephones . . . . 10 Operation Myaseinyaung . 10 Fingerlings For Sale . . 11 Timber Ship Delivered . . 11 Co-op Council Meeting . . 11 Rainfall in Rangoon . . . 12 Culture Religious Exam Results . 12 Waso Full Moon Observed . 12 Pagan Period Writers . . 12 Literary Duties . . . . . 13 Miscellaneous Opium Seized . . . . . . 13 Drug Dealers Jailed . . . 13 U Chit Thoung Dies . . . 13 Daw Eva Min Dies . . . . 13 Sao Saimong Mangrai Dies 13 U Maung Gyi Dies . . . . 13 Daw Saw Khin Dies . . . . 13 Train Robbers Caught . . 13 New Phone Numbers . . . . 13 Dengue Symptoms Noted . . 14 Rooftop Riders Seized . . 14 Illicit Liquor Seized . . 14 Rail Thief Nabbed . . . . 14 Floods in Sagaing . . . . 14 --------- DIPLOMATIC Israeli Envoy Approved July 6: The Burmese Government approved the appointment of Mr. Menashe Zipori as the new Ambassador of Israel to Burma. He was born in 1938 and educated at Jerusalem's Hebrew University before serving in the army from 1956-69. Joining the Foreign Ministry in 1962, he served in Liberia, Costa Rica, Kampuchea, the Republic of Korea, Turkey, and Thailand. Since 1985 he has been Deputy Director of the Asia Department in the Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry. He is married with two children. (WPD 7/6) Bangladesh Envoy Approved July 24: The Burma Government approved the appointment of Mr. AZM Enayetullah Khan as new Ambassador of Bangladesh to Burma. Ambassador Enayhetullah Khan was born on October 1, 1939 and obtained an MA degree in 1960 from Dhaka University. He started a journalistic career in 1958, and was Minister for Petroleum in 1977-78. He is now Ambassador to China. (WPD 7/24) Chinese Envoy Approved July 28: The Burma Government approved the appointment of Mr. Cheng Ruisheng as new Ambassador of China to Burma. Mr. Cheng was born September 1934 in Anhui Province. After graduation from university he served as Attache in the Chinese Embassy in Rangoon. He was appointed Deputy Chief of Division, Chief of Division, and Deputy Director-General of the Foreign Ministry Asian Department. Later he served as Counsellor of Embassy in India. He is now Vice-President of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs. (WPD 7/28) US Ambassador Calls on Education Minister July 29: United States Ambassador Burton Levin paid a courtesy call on Minister for Education U Kyaw Nyein. (WPD 7/30) Iraq Envoy Approved July 31: The Burma government approved the appointment of Mr. Monir Shihab Ahmed as Ambassador of Iraq to Burma. He is resident in Bangkok, where he is concurrently accredited. Ambassador Ahmed was born in 1936; he served as Assistant Cultural Attache in Prague in 1970-71 and later in Beirut, Paris, and Conakry. He is married and has one son. (WPD 7/31) FOREIGN RELATIONS Prime Minister Visit to Indonesia and Malaysia June 30: Prime Minister Maung Maung Kha, on an official goodwill visit to Indonesia, called on and talked with President Soeharto. At the same time talks were held between Defense Minister U Kyaw Htin and the Indonesian Minister Co-Ordinater for Defence and Security. (WPD 7/1) -- July 1: The Prime Minister and his party flew to East Kalimantan, where they visited the oil refinery at Petamina Balikpapan. (WPD 7/2) -- July 2: The Prime Minister overflew the Handel Oil Field at Mahakam Delta, and visited the Bontang Liquid Natural Gas Plant and the Kai Hold Plywood Factory at Samarinda, before flying on to Bali. (WPD 7/3) -- July 4: The Prime Minister visited Bali, including the Ratnasiri Museum and the Sari Busana Garment Industry. (WPD 7/4) July 4: The Prime Minister and his party arrived in Kuala Lumpur, on the second leg of his official goodwill visit to Indonesia and Malaysia. He was welcomed by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and Foreign Minister Abu Hassan Omar. Speeches were given at a banquet hosted by the Malaysian Prime Minister. Malaysian Speech: Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad expressed appreciation for the Burmese doctors and specialists serving in Malaysia, and offered continued technical training for Burmese officials. He suggested increased exchange of trade delegations and exhibitions, and said he was convinced that "both the national enterprises in Burma and the private sector in Malaysia could seize the opportunities available in the fields of trade and joint venture investment." He went on to praise ASEAN and refer to the problems of Kampuchea and growing world protectionism. He praised the recent International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (ICDAIT) and thanked Burma for supporting his canditature at it. [text given] Burmese Speech: Prime Minister Maung Maung Kha called for greater cooperation between the two nations. He reaffirmed Burma's adherence to the five principles of peaceful co-existence. Referring to continued international economic stagnation and deteriorating terms of trade affecting the third world, he called on industrialized countries to "display political will, followed by concrete measures to resolve this undesirable situation." In approaching them, he said, "we should seek the conciliatory approach rather than a confrontational one." [text given] (WPD 7/5) July 5: The Prime Minister flew to Penang and visited the Datuk Keramat Smelting Company. (WPD 7/6) -- July 6: He called on Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, King of Malaysia, and visited the Prime Minister's Economic Planning Unit, before returning to Kuala Lumpur where he toured the Rubber Research Experimental Station and the National Museum. (WPD 7/7) -- July 7: He visited the Palm Oil Research Institute, the Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, and Petronas (Petroliam Nasional Berhad). (WPD 7/8) -- July 8: The Prime Minister flew on on Singapore. (WPD 7/9) -- July 12: He returned to Rangoon. (WPD 7/13) Burmese ILO Delegation Returns July 1: The Burmese delegation to the 73rd International Labour Organization Conference in Switzerland, headed by Joint Secretary of the Workers Asiayone Central Body U Nyunt Lwin, returned to Rangoon. (WPD 7/2) Soviet Badminton Team July 1: A Ukrainian Badminton Team departed after playing goodwill matches. (WPD 7/2) July 4: A feature article by U Khin Aung Tin gives details of the games and players. (WPD 7/4) Chinese Swimming Team July 1: The Yunnan swimming team departed after playing goodwill matches. (WPD 7/2) Golf Team to Indonesia July 1: A selected Burmese golf team headed by Major Nyunt Tin (Air), left to participate in the July 9-12 Putra Cup Team Golf Tournament in Djakarta, Indonesia. (WPD 7/2) -- July 15: The team returned; member Nay Win Myint finished third with a score of 282. (WPD 7/16) Japanese Grants July 7: Deputy Minister for Planning and Finance U Nyunt Maung and Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Ohtaka exchanged Notes concerning four Japanese government grants totalling Yen 4,974 million (ca. Ky 231.03 million) in FY 1986-87 and 1987-88. The grants will be used for construction and procurement for the Seed Bank Project (Yen 1,613 million); Central Forestry Development Training Centre Project (Yen 2,725 million); Maritime Education and Training Project (Yen 591 million); and procurement of a scanning electron microscope for the Universities' Central Research Centre (Yen 45 million). (WPD 7/8) Veterans to Moscow July 8: A War Veterans Organization (WVO) delegation, composed of WVO Central Executive Committee Treasurer U Khin Maung Kyaw, WVO Central Auditing Body member U Kyaw Khin Win, and WVO Central Executive Committee member U J Naw, left on a visit to the USSR under the Burma-Soviet cultural exchange program. (WPD 7/9) - July 21: The WVO delegation returned. (WPD 7/22) Educ. Team Returns July 15: The delegation led by Deputy Director of Basic Education U Nyunt Yin, which began a study visit to Japan June 23, returned to Rangoon. (WPD 7/16) Soviet Boxing Team July 16: A nine-member Soviet boxing team arrived to play goodwill matches on July 18 and 20, under the bilateral cultural exchange program. (WPD 7/17) - July 18: The Soviets won three matches and Burmese boxers two. Soviet Embassy Counsellor Afanassi F. Jabreev and team leader Alexandre Semyonov joined Director General of Sports and Physical Education U Aung Din in the opening ceremonies. (WPD 7/19) - July 20: The Soviets won four out of five matches in the final day of goodwill boxing. (WPD 7/21) - July 22: The team departed. (WPD 7/23) - July 25: Feature article discusses players and matches. (WPD 7/25) West German Loan July 17: Deputy Minister for Planning and Finance U Nyunt Maung and West German Charge d'Affaires Franz Erwin Ring exchanged diplomatic Notes concerning the West German General Commodity Loan of DM 27.3 million. The loan will be used for procurement of raw materials, parts, agricultural machinery, and industrial products. It is repayable in 50 years, with a 10-year grace period, and has a service charge rather than bearing interest. (WPD 7/18) Sein Lwin Returns July 19: BSPP Joint Secretary General U Sein Lwin, accompanied by his wife, returned to Rangoon after medical treatment in the United States. (WPD 7/21) Chinese Weightlifters July 22: Mr. Wu Yuesong, President of the All-China Weightlifting Federation and a team of six arrived for goodwill competitions on July 25 and 27 under the bilateral cultural exchange program. A 1984 Olympic gold medalist and the Chinese 1987 champion and runner-up are on the team. (WPD 7/23) - July 25: Competitions began. Sports and Physical Education Department Director-General U Aung Din and Chinese Charge d'Affaires Fu Shunhe presided at the opening ceremonies. Three Burmese weightlifters broke their old records, and, in the 67.5 kilo division, Chinese athlete Li Jinhe set a new Asian snatch record of 143.5 kilos. (WPD 7/26) - July 28: Second day of competitons. (WPD 7/28) [details of results provided] - July 29: The team departed. (WPD 7/30) French Locomotive Arrives July 22: The first of 15 2000 HP diesel electric locomotives produced by the French Alsthom Company arrived in Rangoon. They have been purchased by the Burma Railways Corporation with a French government loan. The remaining 14 will arrive during 1987. [photo] (WPD 7/23) Thai Football Team July 23: A selected youth football team from Thailand will arrive to play goodwill matches with the Burma Football Federation selected youth team at Aung San Stadium on July 26 and 27. (WPD 7/24) - July 25: The 22-member team arrived. (WPD 7/26) - July 26: The Burmese team won 1-0. (WPD 7/27) - July 28: The Burmese team won 2-0. (WPD 7/29) Chief of Staff Visits Thailand July 27: A delegation headed by Defence Chief of Staff General Saw Maung, member of the BSPP Central Executive Committee, left on a visit to Thailand on the invitation of Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh. Also in the delegation are Vice Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear-Admiral Maung Maung Khin, Eastern Command Commander Brig.-Gen. Tun Shwe, South-East Command Commander Brig.-Gen. Nyan Lin, Central Command Commander Brig.-Gen. Aye Thoung, Defence Services Intelligence Director Col. Khin Nyunt, and General Staff Colonel (Air) Thein Win. They were received by senior Thai military officers, and given a dinner by General Chavalit. (WPDS 7/28) - July 28: General Saw Maung was received by Thai Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda. He visited the Chuylachomklao Royal Military Academy, and then went to Phuket. (WPD 7/31) - July 30: He returned to Rangoon. (WPD 7/31) Track Team to Thailand July 27: A Burmese Track and Field Team, headed by coach U Kyaw Khin, left for Bangkok to participate in the July 31-Aug.1 invitational meet celebrating the Thai King's 60th birthday. (WPD 7/28) Yunnan Badminton Team July 29: A 13-member Chinese badminton team from Yunnan Province arrived to play goodwill matches on July 30 and August 1-2, under the bilateral cultural exchange program. (WPD 7/30) - July 30: In the opening matches, Burma won five to one. (WPD 7/31) BURMA GAZETTE July 31: The Council of State appointed U Than Swe on probation as Director-General of the Settlement and Land Records Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests. He was Director of the same Department. The Council of State confirmed the following appointments after the one-year probationary period: U Maung Maung Hla as Chairman, Union of Burma Bank, Ministry of Planning and Finance. U Soe Thwin as Director-General, Foreign Economic Relations Department, Ministry of Planning and Finance. U Khin Maung Lin as Managing Director, Paper and Chemical Industries Corporation, Ministry of Industry 1. U Tun Hla as Managing Director, Ceramics Industries Corporation, Ministry of Industry 1. U Tun Aung as Director-General, Directorate of Regional Industrial Co-ordination and Industrial Inspection, Ministry of Industry 1. GOVERNMENT Sports Officials Named July 1: The Ministry of Health named the Presidents and Secretaries of the various sports federations of the Department of Sports and Physical Education, as follows: Burma Football Federation: Pres.: U Aung Din, Director-General of the Sports and Physical Education Department. Sec.: U Than Lwin, football coach, SPED. Burma Volleyball Federation: Pres.: U Thaung Wai, General Manager of the Medicine and Medical Stores Corporation. Sec.: U Soe Thein, volleyball coach, SPED. Burma Track and Field Federation: Pres.: U Aye Ko Ko, Director of Engineers (Admin), Construction Corportion. Sec.: U Kyaw Khin, track and field coach, SPED. Burma Badminton Federation: Pres.: U Maung Maung Ohn, General Manager, Burma Airways Corporation. Sec.: U Khin Maung Tin, Radiation Head, Rangoon General Hospital. Burma Table Tennis Federation: Pres.: Commander Tun Oo (BN), General Staff Officer, Grade 1, office of Chief of Staff (Navy). Sec.: U Ohn Khin, Assistant Divisional Education Officer. Burma Basketball Federation: Pres.: U Pe Kyi, Director, Rangoon Division, People's Police Force. Sec.: U Khin Maung Gyi, basketball coach. Burma Chinlon Federation: Pres.: Dr. Khin Maung Win, Director-General, Technical, Agricultural and Vocational Education Department. Sec.: U Khin Maung Myint, chinlon coach. Burma Swimming Federation: Pres.: U Myo Win, Director, Pharmaceutical and Toilet Industries Corporation. Sec.: Lieutenant (SG) Win Htut Kyaw (BN), Irrawaddy Naval Regional Command. Burma Gymnastics Federation: Pres.: Lt. Col. Aung Tin, General Staff Officer (Grade 1), Ministry of Defence. Sec.: U Saw Hla Myint, gymnastics coach. Burma Hiking and Mountaineering Federation: Pres.: U Ba Than Haq, Prorector, Rangoon University. Sec.: Dr. Paing Soe, Institute of Dental Medicine. Burma `Thaing' Federation: Pres.: U Htin Kyaw, Adjutant-General, People's Police Force. Sec.: U Tin Oo, Thaing coach. Burma Shooting Federation: Pres.: Lt. Col. Maung Maung Thwin, Commanding Officer, Base Ammunition Depot. Sec.: Major Ba Hlaing, Office of the Director of Ordnance Services. Burma Cycling Federation: Pres.: Commander Tin Tun (BN), General Staff Officer (Grade 1), Office of the Chief of Staff (Navy). Sec.: U Zaw Myint, cycling coach. Burma Weight Lifting Federation: Pres.: Capt. Bo Shein (BN), Commander, Irrawaddy Naval Regional Command. Sec.: U Myo Nyunt, Director of the Pyithu Hluttaw Office. Burma Boxing Federation: Pres.: Lt. Col. Maung Aung, Director, Immigration and Manpower Department. Sec.: U San Myint, Deputy Township Sports Organizer. Burma Judo Federation: Pres.: Major Thura Myint Shwe, Director, Customs Department. Sec.: U Ba Hein, judo coach. Burma Yachting Federation: Pres.: Capt. Mya Thein (BN), Office of Chief of Staff (Navy). Sec.: Lt. Commander Thein Tun, Naval Engineering Depot. Burma Tennis Federation: Pres.: U Joe Ba Maung, Chief Traffic Manager, Burma Railways Corporation. Sec.: U Aye Thein, Assistant Director, General Industries Corporation. Burma Chess Federation: Pres.: U Khin Aung Kyi, Rector, Rangoon Institute of Technology. Sec.: Dr. Kyaw Tint, Deputy Director, Forest Department. Burma Golf Federation: Pres.: Col. Tun Aung (Air), Office of Chief of Staff (Air). Sec.: Lt. Col. Maung Maung Lay (Air), Deputy Base Commander, No. 501 Air Base. (WPD 7/2) Pyithu Hluttaw Vacancy July 9: Because of the death on June 21, of Pyithu Hluttaw member U Mu Lein, the seat for Mong Ton Township, Shan State, was declared vacant by Council of State Notification No. 71/87. (WPD 7/10) Arzani Day Ceremonies July 19: On the 40th anniversary of Arzani Day [martyrdom of Burmese national hero U Aung San], Prime Minister U Maung Maung Kha led the wreath-laying ceremonies at the Arzani Mausoleum where Bogyoke Aung San and the other martyrs are buried. Family members, government and BSPP officials, religious leaders, diplomats and others participated in the ceremonies, and over 137,000 working people visited the Mausoleum on July 19-20. Other ceremonies were held throughout Burma. (WPD 7/21) San Yu Appendicitis July 21: President U San Yu was admitted to the Defence Services General Hospital in Mingaladon with acute appendicitis, and was operated on successfully. (WPD 7/21) - July 29: The President, having "recovered fully well", left the hospital. (WPD 7/30) War Veterans Meet July 30: The second meeting of the War Veterans Central Body began under the chairmanship of U Myint Maung. He noted that on July 30, 1986 the first WVO Conference elected 150 Central Body members. Various measures, including the resignation of U Kyaw Dun from the Central Body, and action taken against members violating WVO basic organizational rules were approved. (WPD 7/31) MILITARY Insurgents Surrender July 7: 24 insurgents turned themselves in, with their arms, between June 1-7. (WPD 7/8) - July 8: 53 surrendered between June 9-13. (WPD 7/9) - July 9: 33 surrendered between June 14-29. [Names and details given]. BCP and KIA Attacked July 8: Following up on a December 1986-January 1987 offensive against BCP [Burma Communist Party], KIA [Kachin Independence Army], and Madata columns, the Burma Army 99 Light Infantry Division captured Mong Ya (June 2), Mong Hawm (June 3), Kha-bauk (June 8), and Namtawn (June 14) in Muse Township, Shan State. There were 25 clashes and the insurgents fled. Tatmadaw (Burma Army) losses were 2 killed and 12 wounded. Insurgent losses were 15 surrendered, 7 captured, and 12 found dead. 290 buildings, including a hospital and paddy [rice] warehouse, 67 arms (including four 60 mm mortars, 30,000 rounds ammunition, 1,700 grenades and mines), a huller, a duplicating machine, 22 vis of opium, and 2,900 baskets of paddy were seized. [map showing sites captured; photos of captured weapons] A column of the 88 Light Infantry Division clashed on June 4 and 11 with Shan and Wa insurgents under BCP domination in the Mahin Taung area of Mong Ton Township, Shan State. Tatdmadaw losses were one killed and five wounded. 10 insurgents were found killed, one was captured alive, and six weapons were seized. [map] An Eastern Command force on June 7 attacked the Madata central column and captured the Karenni insurgents' central headquarters at Hwe Ponglao in Bawlake Township, Kayah State. Five clashes occurred, in which one Tatmadaw member died and eight were wounded. One insurgent body was found, and 40 buildings including the insurgents' central headquarters, three communications sets, and ammunition were seized. [map and photos of buildings and communications gear] (WPD 7/9) Attacks against KNU July 9: A column of the No. 44 Light Infantry Division on July 1 attacked a toll gate camp and the Thekaya timber smuggling camp held by the KNU [Karen National Union] No. 7 brigade in Myawaddy Township, Karen State. In two clashes with 30 insurgents there were no Burma Army casualties, and three KNU insurgents were "captured dead." Seized were 2 M-l6 rifles, an elephant, 14 vehicles, one bulldozer, one tractor, two motor-cycles, eight motors, 10 circular saws and over 200 huts. [map] A Burma Army column, in skirmishes with the KNU No. 3 brigade, captured the Du Tu Hta camp (June 20) and the timber-smuggling Dagwin camp (June 17) in Papun Township, Karen State. Three Tatmadaw members were wounded and three insurgents were "captured dead." The insurgents fled across the Salween River in powered boats. Seized were two weapons, a walkie-talkie, one tractor, one generator, 500 tons of sawn timber, 150 logs, and 50 buildings and sawmill buildings. [map] (WPD 7/10) Action in Kachin State July 10: A feature article by Sai Hsae Naw, "Annihilation of Insurgents", describes a visit to army operations in Kachin State. A briefing on the May capture of KIA headquarters at Nahpaw and Pajao villages, Momauk Township, stated that there were over 400 KIA [Kachin Independence Army] insurgents. Those led by Bransai and Zaung-hara occupied rearguard headquarters at Pajao, while those led by Zaw Hmaing had foreward headquarters at Nahpaw. 400 insurgents were deployed at Jabu, Kazu, and Namsangyang battalion camps. "The KIA insurgents are serving the BCPs with the humbleness of a tattered longyi used in rubbing one's feet and of a snake with a broken fang with the aim of receiving military aid." Beginning May 22, the No. 1 Bureau of Tactical Operation Control and Northern Command regiments attacked KIA camps, capturing Kazu (May 24), Khalayang (Namsangyang) (May 25), Jabu (May 26), and Pajao rearguard headquarters (May 29). Tatmadaw (Air) planes gave aerial support. KIA leader Zau Hmaing fled. In six major battles and 35 engagements, five Burma Army men were killed and 35 insurgents "captured dead." Two surrendered. Seized were 95 weapons (including three 75 mm recoilless rifles and one 66 mm mortar), 60,000 rounds of ammunition, hand grenades, communications equipment, medical supplies, 1,500 vis of raw jade, and 100 kilos of raw opium. [photos] (WPD 7/11) Heroin Seized from KIA July 15: Following the seizure of the KIA camp at Nanphaw on May 26, the Burma Army on July 1 discovered 15 packets of heroin, weighing 6.028 kilos and worth US$ 1.2 million, hidden in a ravine at point 6667 east of Nanphaw. The 1/2 kilo packets were labelled Chu-hna-kaung Kabalone brand, and had Chinese characters on them. The BCP began refining heroin at Panpwe village in the Panghsan area about 1980-81. At the beginning of 1986, the KIA, in cooperation with the BCP, started refining heroin east of Tima village, near Namhpakka in Muse Township. The Chu-hna-kaung Kabalone brand heroin was sold to traffickers from Namhkam, Bhamo, and Myitkyina. Chemical raw materials were transported through the western frontier of Burma, and the heroin smuggled out to frontier areas through the Kale/Tamu [Indian frontier] and Kengtung/Tachilek [China-Laos-Thailand frontier] areas. [map of heroin site, map showing BCP/KIA opium refineries at Se Lan, Mu Se, Kyu-Hkok, Tima, Namhpakka, Ta-Mong Nge, and Kutkai in Shan State] (WPD 7/16) Kachin Insurgency July 18: In a feature article entitled "The days of the KIA insurgents are numbered," Zau Lun reports a July 6 interview in Myitkyina with an old Kachin friend, Zau Bauk. In it, Zau Bauk describes the June 12 bombing of the Myitkyina No. 1 Basic High School, causing damage of Ky 100,000. On the same night two bombs exploded at the Myitkyina Immigration and Manpower Department office, gutting the building and wounding the night watchman. 16 firemen and others were injured fighting the blaze, and one was wounded by a mine. Zau Bauk reviewed the history of Kachin insurgency from 1961, when Zau Seng founded the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), and he and Naw Seng "turned some Kachin youths into insurgents" by "exploiting the nationalistic and religious sentiments." Zau Bauk described destructive activities of the insurgents, and their forced recruitment of manpower. After 1965 the KIA turned to the BCP for support; there was a split and in 1975 the KIA Brang Seng group under BCP sway assassinated Zaw Seng, Zau Tu, and secretary Pong Shwe Saw Seng. Subsequently the KIA sent parcel bombs, killing a police officer and his family. It destroyed the Myitkyina power station, bombed a cinema with loss of life, tried to destroy the Washaung Dam, and killed some teachers and students who opposed it. On February 4, 1987, the KIA bombed the Shwe Naga Shop and the Padamya Tea Shop in Myoma Ward, Myitkyina, wounding 12 people. When the Burma Army captured KIA headquarters camps in May, KIA military leader Zau Hmaing barely escaped. KIA Chairman Brang Seng was away meeting with the KNU, seeking to be made chairman of the Ma Da Ta. On June 28 the KIA destroyed the railway lines between Malaukchaung and Kyargyikwin, with a mine, and on July 1 mined the Myitkyina-Mandalay down express near the Nankwe Bridge. On July 4 it mined the railway 400 yards towards Myitkyina from Hopong station. As a result of these activities, Zau Bauk said, "They are now being censured and condemned by the people." The interviewer concluded that the days of the KIA insurgents were numbered. (WPD 7/18) [photos of bomb damage] KIA Narcotics July 26: A feature article entitled "The menace of the narcotics drugs of the KIA insurgents" by Aung Kyi Tun gives background to the recent seizure of 6.028 kilos of heroin hidden by fleeing KIA insurgents. According to the article, the BCP began producing heroin in Pamweyan, Pangsan area, in 1980. Last year the KIA began refining heroin east of Timar village, near Namh-on village in Muse Township, Shan State. They sell it to traffickers in Namhkam, Bhamo, and Myitkyina, and trade narcotics for jade in the Karmaing and Hpar-kant areas. They are smuggling out heroin through Hpiso Naga insurgents in the Tamu-Kale area [Indian border], and sending jade and heroin to Hong Kong. Even when the KIA was led by Zau Seng and Zau Tu, it carried jade and opium to the KIA foreign relations camp of OKFA on the Burma-Thailand border. Now, under Brang Seng and Zau Hmaing, the KIA is producing blackmarket jade, and collecting opium from Kasadon, Samar, Mohnyin, and Hukong in the Myitkyina region; Seinlon, Lwekye, Mansi, and Momauk in the Bhamo region; and from the Muse, Lashio, and Kyaukme areas. They sold opium to Chinese KMT agents; receiving Ky 15 million for 16 tons of raw opium a year. Now they are selling more heroin than opium. They forced villagers to grow opium, charged poppy-growers up to Ky 5,000 per year. The article reviews military operations against narcotics growers since 1974. It calls on people to join with the Army in "crushing the BCP and KIA Kachin insurgents and others including the SSA Shan insurgents and underground Loimaw Hkun Hsa group." (WPD 7/26) ECONOMIC Syriam Telephones July 6: An auto telephone exchange was inaugurated in Syriam, Rangoon Division. (WPD 7/9) Operation Myaseinyaung July 13: Five columns of Operation Mayseinyaung Phase II for 1987, comprising over 1,500 soldiers, sailors, airmen, and police, left for high-yield paddy project townships in Rangoon Division to help with crops for two weeks. From June 30-July 12, Phase I of the operation, including over 23,300 military volunteers, transplanted 459.15 acres of paddy, gathered 138,593 bundles of paddy seedlings, weeded 255 acres, ploughed 353 acres, strengthened 294,075 cubic feet of embankment, repaired 870,409 cubic feet of bunds [dykes], dug 338,923 cubic feet of drainage canal, stirred one acre of land, repaired 250,005 feet of road and seeded 20 acres. They held 625 discussions with 10,219 farmers and gave medical treatment to 517. (WPD 7/14) - July 27: Phase III was inaugurated, with 1,500 military and police in five columns leaving for the Mingaladon, Hlegu, Kyauktan, Htantabin, and Kungyangon high yield paddy townships in Rangoon Division. During Phase II, 1,053.83 acres of paddy were transplanted, 185,172 bundles of paddy seedlings gathered, 786 acres weeded, 618.60 acres ploughed, 27,746 cubic feet of embankment strengthened, 439,063 cubic feet of bunds repaired, 146,210 cubic feet of drainage canal dug, 30.5 acres stirred, and 11 acres fertilized. 484 rounds of discussion were held with 9,422 farmers, and medical treatment was given to 2,108 people. (WPD 7/28) Fingerlings For Sale July 27: The Fisheries Department will sell fingerlings beginning July 21 to fish breeders. Nga-myit-chin and Shwewa Nga-gyin fingerlings will be sold for ky 10 per 100 and fisheries stations throughout Burma. (WPD 7/28). Timber Ship Delivered July 16: The Yadanathit-3, a 150 ton timber carrier landing craft type, built by the Dockyards Corporation in Rangoon, was handed over to the Timber Corporation. It is the 190th ship built by the Dockyards Corporation. At the same time the keel was laid for a timber raft towing boat. (WPD 7/17) Co-op Council Meeting July 23: The Central Co-operative Society Council opened its 14th meeting at Saya San Hall in Rangoon's Kyaikkasan Grounds. The Chairman of the Council, Minister for Co-operatives U Than Hlaing, outlined statistics for the co-operative sector of the economy. There are now 21,183 co-operative societies in Burma. Output of the sector is as follows: (in million kyats) 1985/86 1986/87 Production 2,578 3,289 Services 371 Trade 1,580 TOTAL 5,240 1987/88 Inc. (target) Inc. 27.57% 5,016 52% 467 26% 1,742 10% 7,225 38% The 1986/87 total of 5,240 was 26.11% over the 1985/86 target of 4,155, although less than the target of 5,568. In the production area, figures were: (in million kyats) 1985/86 1986/87 Inc. Agric. 1,021 1,252 22.62% Indust. 948 1,399 45.57% This showed progress even though plan targets were not met. Overall, the Fifth Four Year Plan goal of having State and Co-op Production exceed that of the private sector has not yet been achieved. Nor has the co-op agricultural ownership ratio reached the 50% target set for 1993-94 under the 20-year Long-Term Plan. The Minister stressed the need to improve production in livestock such as poultry, pigs, and goats, and said the Ministry was seeking to improve fish and prawn production and distribution. he called on Co-ops to increase production of lacquerware, woodcrafts, and cosmetics for export, and to expand oilseed and rice milling. In the trade areas, especially in kitchen items such as oil, salt, chilli, onion, potatoes, beans and pulses, and coal, he asked Co-ops to set up brokerage centers and commodity depots to reduce middle-men and improve distribution and prices to the working people. Co-ops in 1986/87 purchased 103.571 million baskets of paddy [unmilled rice], or 75.54% of the target of 137.1 million baskets. The Minister called for better training of Co-op employees and better supervision by Co-op Executive Council (EC) members. Deputy Minister for Co-operatives Dr. Chit said there were over 21,000 Co-operative Societies at different levels, with 7,400,000 members, and 72,000 staff performing services worth 12,500 million kyat. Full and part-time Executive Council (EC) members totalled some 180,000. Various reports were read and discussed. Attendance was 426 out of the 447 members of the Central Co-operative Society Council, or 95.3%. (WPD 7/24) -- July 24: The meeting concluded with the election of new officers, as follows: Central Co-operative Society Executive Committee: Chairman: Deputy Minister for Co-operatives Dr. Chit; Vice-chairman (1): U Aye Khaing; Vice-chairman (2): U Tin Hla; Secretary: U Ohn Sein; Joint Secretary (1): U Thein Han; Joint Secretary (2): U Sein Hlaing; Members: U Tha Tun, U Phone Hlaing, and U Tin Aye. Works Scrutiny Body: Chairman: U Tun Aung; Secretary: U Than Kywe; Member: U Po Ku. In a closing address, Dr. Chit said that, calculated in constant 1969-70 prices, the ownership ratio of the co-op sector had increased from: 1973/74 -- 2% 1977/78 -- 3.3% 1981/82 -- 3.7% 1985/86 -- 5.4% 1986/87 -- 6.8% 1989/90 -- 9.2% (target) Plans are to increase co-op production as follows (in million kyats): 1985/86 1989/90 Agriculture 308 955 Meat and Fish 21 86 Industrial 86 122 Total value of co-op production and services, in constant prices, in 1985/86 was Ky 1,168 million (47.5% trade; 14% services; 38.5% production). By 1989/90 that ratio should be changed to 34.6% trade, 13.4% services, and 52% production. (WPD 7/25) Rainfall in Rangoon Rainfall since January 1, 1987, in inches, at Rangoon's three weather stations of Rangoon Airport (RA), Kaba-Aye (KA), and Central Rangoon (CR) was: As of RA KA CR July 1 28.07 32.52 31.46 July 15 42.72 47.87 46.50 July 30 53.39 59.96 55.32 CULTURAL Religious Exam Results July 2: Results were announced of the 1987 Dhammacariya and Pali Pathammabyan Examinations conducted by the Religious Affairs Department of the Ministry of Home and Religious Affairs. In the Dhammacariya Examination held at 19 centers, 68 Sangha members passed the three treatises; 78 the two treatises; and 131 one treatise. Four passed with Burmese Honors and two with Pali Honors. In the Pali Pathamabyan Examination held at 176 centers, 672 Sangha members passed the Pathamagyi Examination; 802 the Pathamalat Examination, and 4192 the Pathamange Examination. (WPD 7/3) Waso Full Moon Observed July 10: Dhammacakka Day (the Fullmoon Day of Waso, 1349 BE) was observed at pagodas in Rangoon and Mandalay, with the offering of waso robes, soondawgyi, water, lights, and flowers. 600 trainees of the 5th Buddhist Culture Course recited Dhammacakka scriptures at the meeting hall of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka committee. (WPD 7/11) Pagan Period Writers July 22: First of three brief feature articles by U Aung Moe on Ananta Thuriya, a Pagan Period scholar who escaped execution by King Narapatisithu in 1173 AD by writing a poem which moved the King to spare him -- and to order that all future executions be stayed for a month to avoid possible injustice. (WPD 7/22) - July 29: Second article on the Thanbyin Princess, who inspired a monk to write the Thanbyin Commentary in the reign of King Kya Swa which began in 1234 AD. Literary Duties July 24: The Literary Workers Organization Central Executive Committee met with Rangoon literary officials recently. "It is the duty of all literary workers to create literature which will reorientate the views among the working people so that they will have correct outlooks and attitudes. The main tasks of the literary workers are to produce literary works which conform to the principles and programmes for building a socialist society; to prevent decadent literature from penetrating into ours; to promote national unity; to act as a bridge between the State and the people; to enrich the general knowledge of youths and children and to raise the literary standard." (Editorial, WPD 7/24) MISCELLANEOUS Opium Seized June 30: Kengtung (Shan State) police on June 2 seized 22.6 kilos of raw opium; three suspects fled. (WPD 7/1) -- July 1: Kengtung police on June 23 seized 43 bundles of raw opium, weighing 66.8 kilos, from nine suspects at Wamton Jetty. (WPD 7/2) Drug Dealers Jailed July 3: The Kyauktada Township Court (Rangoon) on June 26 sentenced Ma Khin Toe to separate terms of five, five, and fifteen years, and a 50,000 kyat fine; Khin Maung Latt to separate terms of five, fifteen, and three years, and a 50,000 kyat fine; and Saw Wai to five years. On October 26, 1985, police seized a total of l.07 kilos of heroin from Ma Khin Toe. (WPD 7/4) U Chit Thoung Dies July 9: U Chit Thoung, Minister for Culture/Industry/Mines and Labour in the Caretaker Government, died at the age of 89. (Obituary, WPD 7/11) Daw Eva Min Dies July 9: Daw Eva Min, Retired Headmistress of SMM 5 Kunchangon Hledan, died at the age of 80. (Obituary, WPD 7/11) Sao Saimong Mangrai Dies July 14: Sao Saimong Mangrai, son of the late Saophalong of Kengtung, and husband of writer Daw Mi Mi Khaing, died in Rangoon at the age of 74. (Obituary, WPD 7/15) U Maung Gyi Dies July 18: U Maung Gyi, retired Deputy Director of the Central Court, died at the age of 68. (Obituary, WPD 7/19) Daw Saw Khin Dies July 19: Daw Saw Khin, widow of Mr. George Philip and mother of Daw Ethel Hla Gyaw, Personel Assistant at the American Embassy, Rangoon, died at the age of 82. (Obituary, WPD 7/21) Train Robbers Caught July 21: Four robbers, who held up passengers at knife-point on the Tharrawaw-Kemmendine train July 16, have been arrested and charged. (WPD 7/22) New Phone Numbers As a result of the installation of new auto telephone exchanges in Rangoon's Lanmadaw and Mingala Taungnyunt townships, telephone numbers in the Lanmadaw exchange area which began with 3, 7, or 8 will now begin with 2, while numbers in the Mingala Taungnyunt area that began with 5, 7, or 8 will now begin with 9. (WPD 7/24) Dengue Symptoms Noted July 23: The Health Department, noting an increase in infants suffering from dengue haemorrhagic fever in some areas, reminds that the best prevention is control of stagnant water and mosquitoes, and the use of mosquito nets for infants. Children with symptoms should not be given Buspro, APC or Analgesin, or injected with Bonpyrin or Analgesin, but should be given only Paracetamol tablets. Suspicious cases should be sent to hospitals or clinics. Symptoms are described. (WPD 7/24) Rooftop Riders Seized July 26: Since January, railway and military officials have arrested 624 persons for riding on the roofs and couplings of trains on the Rangoon-Mandalay, Circular [Rangoon commuter], Rangoon-Lashio, Thazi-Shwenyaung, Rangoon-Prome, and Rangoon-Martaban lines. (WPD 7/27) Illicit Liquor Seized July 28: Rangoon police on July 27 seized 42 gallons of illicit liquor in Insein Township, Rangoon and arrested three people. Earlier, on July 24, the police team seized 3,900 quarts of "ownerless fermented liquid", 14 jars, and two drums near Yedwinchaung and Theinchaung villages. (WPD 7/29) Rail Thief Nabbed July 29: Saw Su Ni, of North Okkalapa, Rangoon, was arrested July 27 in possession of two 2-foot lengths of railway rails. Other pieces of rail, etc., were later seized in Tamwe Township, from Maung Aye alias Kapali. (WPD 7/30). Floods in Sagaing July 30: Heavy rains starting July 23 have caused flooding in Sagaing Division, inundating villages and warehouses in Wuntho Township on July 27. Villages and warehouses in Kawlin Township were also affected. Myitkyina-Mandalay and Naba-Mandalay train services were interrupted July 26 and 27. Over 1,000 volunteers aided in repair work. (WPD 7/31) ------------------------------ Hugh C. MacDougall 32 Elm Street Cooperstown, N.Y. 13326 Please enter a one-year subscription to the Burma Press Summary, beginning with the ( ) April 1987 issue ( ) current issue ( ) ____________(other). I enclose a check for US25.00 in payment, payable to Hugh C. MacDougall. The Summary should be sent to: ______________________________ (name) ______________________________ ______________________________ (address) ______________________________ (city) (state) (Zip) Burma Press Summary No. 4, July 1987 06/09/9609/20/87