BURMA NEWS INTERNATIONAL

 

30 November 2004 ______________________________________________________________________

 

(1) Ceasefire leader fighting fit

(2) Business premises built for the workers' welfare demolished in

    Akyab

(3) Convention reps: one more, one less

 

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Ceasefire leader fighting fit

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Shan Herald Agency for News

30 November 2004 (Politics)

 

The leader of the Mongla ceasefire group, who had been rumored to be

in poor health the past few weeks, is in great shape and on the go,

according to one of his officers on a visit to Maesai, reports Tai

Touch from Chiangrai.

 

Sai Leun, a.k.a Lin Mingxian, 58, a former Communist commander who had

made peace with his erstwhile enemy, Rangoon, together with other

ethnic groups that broke away from the Communist Party of Burma in

1989, has been in excellent health since his spectacular recovery

early this year from the stroke that left him paralyzed for a year,

said the source, an officer from his 369th Brigade. "He hasn't missed

any monthly meetings since his return," he claimed.

 

Politics, the military, health, trade and development are said to be

the main topics discussed at each monthly gathering of his National

Democratic Alliance Army - Eastern Shan State.

 

"Our current policy is to follow political developments closely and

strengthen ties with our allies," the source, who requested his

identify be withheld, stated. "All units have also been placed on full

alert since Oct. 19 (when Gen. Khin Nyunt was

dismissed and reportedly detained)."

 

So far, the only government agencies in Mongla, officially labeled as

Shan State Special Region No.4, are Immigration and Customs. "We have

been requested to let in a small police force to help keep order," the

source said, "but we told them we could manage our own affairs."

 

With regards to its northern adjoining neighbor, the United Wa State

Army, he confirmed that Bao Youxiang, its commander-in-chief, was in

China for medical treatment. However, the officer was unable to say

what the Wa leader was suffering from.

 

Mongla, Wa and Kokang had, during the latest National Convention,

proposed that their territories be placed under direct authority of

the President of the Union of Burma instead of the Shan state

government.

 

 

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Business premises built for the workers' welfare demolished in Akyab

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Narinjara News

 

Akyab, Nov 30: Business premises built for the welfare of government

employees are now being demolished by the local authority, who claims

these premises are violating government policy guidelines.

 

The premises were already rented to private businesses at a high price.

 

"The local authority demolished the shop premises that we rent from

the Electrical Power Corporation paid by 1.2 million kyats as deposit

for a shop. They are not going to refund the money we have already

paid. We lost a lot here," said a victim who lost her shop in the

demolition.

 

The people lost their deposits as well as large sums they contributed

to building the premises. At the same time, they also lost their

businesses.

 

"Government policy is always changing, and it is really hard to know

what their policy is," the victim continued. "It was the local

authority that made government employees set up these premises for

their welfare. Now they are the ones who destroy these premises,

saying it is in accord with the policy. At the end of the day, it is

the ordinary people who suffer from this."

 

The Arakan State Electrical Power Corporation built shops in front of

their Akyab office to benefit the employee's welfare and have been

renting the premises out since 2000. The demolition of the shops comes

about after the abolition of fund collecting for government employees.

 

"We don't know what is going to happen. We paid three million kyats

for a shop each for deposit. Because of the rumors of demolition of

all the premises that have been built, those concerned are really

anxious now," said a businessperson who rented a shop at the Akyab

Police Headquarters.

 

In Akyab, 30 shops for university staff, 45 at No. 1 Police Station,

seven for Myanmar Air, four for Post and Communications, and 12 for

Waving School staff members are said to be in danger of demolition.

 

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Convention reps: one more, one less

===================================

Shan Herald Agency for News

30 November 2004 (Politics)

 

At least one replacement is necessary to complete the full quota of

1,088 delegates attending the next round of the National Convention to

be held in February, reports Tai Touch from Chiangrai:

 

Yawna, 50, leader of the Lahu militia force from the village of

Kaeolong, Hawngleuk tract, in Tachilek township opposite Maesai,

passed away on Nov. 18. He had been chosen by military authorities as

one of the delegates of the National Races grouping during the May 17 -

 July 9 National Convention.

 

He had for years been suffering from tuberculosis, said sources. Yawna

was one of two known delegates addicted to methamphetamines at the

Convention, the other being Col. Mahaja, a former officer in the

defunct Mong Tai Army of Khun Sa and currently president of the Homong-

based Shan State South Company.

 

"Both of them had gone to Nyaunghnapin (where the National Convention

was held) well stocked with dope," said a resident of Tachilek who

knows both,"But authorities conveniently turned a blind eye to them."

 

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Burma News International is a network of nine exiled media groups

such as Mizzima News, Shan Herald Agency for News, Kao Wao News Group,

Khonumthung News Group, Narinjara News, Kaladan Press Network,

Independent Mon News Agency, Karenni Information

Network Group and Network Media Group.

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