KAO WAO NEWS No. 62

An electronic newsletter for social justice and freedom in Burma

February 8-25, 2004

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READER’S FRONT

BREAKAWAY LEADER SEEKS OPINION FOR TALK

CHOLERA CLAIMS SIX PEOPLE AT THE BORDER

MON LEADER NAI DHAMMA NAY HAS PASSED AWAY

DEPORTED WORKERS DIE IN CAR ACCIDENT

MONS GATHER AT SENIOR ABBOT’S CREMATION

CHIN POLITICAL PARTIES COME TOGETHER

ETHNIC ORGANIZATIONS CALL FOR UNITY

BURMESE URGED TO BE REALISTIC

TRIPARTITE DIALOGUE AND NATIONAL CONVENTION

MON NATIONAL DAY IN LONDON

LOGGING MENACE WORLD’S HOTTEST BIODIVERSITY SPOTS

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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 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, kaowao@shaw.ca

www.kaowao.org

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Dear editor,

It is encouraging to note that farmers in Mon State are pushing the Prime Minister on the restrictions re-imposed on the rice trade (Farmers fed up with junta: Kao Wao No. 61).  One would wish, though, that the KaoWao correspondent had tried to find out more information from his source on the letter that was sent to the PM. To have some credibility and impact, this letter must surely have gone forward in the name of an organization in Mon State that presumes to speak for farmers. That such an organization does exist and is not afraid to speak out is in itself newsworthy.  Certainly, it will be worthwhile to follow up and learn what the PM's response, if any, will be.   Please keep us informed and encourage your journalists to be more aggressive in pushing their sources and reporting the news.

Eric Snider

(Victoria, Canada)

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A fighting peacock always fights, never put the blame on others, my reminder is; please be careful when using pseudonym (Mighty Leader Was Humbled by a Small Chicken: By Fighting Peacock). Please, don't blame others but yourself and; it is not right using the name “fighting peacock” just to blame others.

Regards,

H S Win (via internet discussion)

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BREAKAWAY LEADER SEEKS OPINION FOR TALK

(Kao Wao: February 24, 2004)

Colonel Pan Nyunt, leader of Hongsawatoi Restoration Party has asked for opinions from Mons in exile and back home whether the group should opt for a cease-fire with the military junta.

The source from the HRP said Colonel Pan Nyunt received an ultimatum from National Security Council of Thailand and intelligence officers of the ruling Burmese junta (SPDC) on February 17, 2004.

After the HRP group, based opposite of Prajuab Kirikhan, Amphur Paskel, received this message it sent out an invitation for an emergency meeting to be held at a border area on March 10.

“It’s for the future of the Mons and we need opinion from the public first. If they don’t agree to a cease-fire agreement with the SPDC, then we have to respect their desires and won’t do anything to oppose our beloved people” said Nai Pann Nyunt during an interview with Kao Wao.

“We have not been permitted to travel from our base since they (Thai authorities) closed the border route” said the Chairman and Commander of the HRP who split from the New Mon State Party in September 2001. The HRP was restricted not to pass the border route since a month ago he added.

The invitation letter to the Mons says, “We have not yet reached a decision until we have consulted with the leaders of the Mon people, Buddhist monks, and organizations from both home and abroad”.

According to the HRP spokesperson, a delegation of HRP including Thai-Mons will meet with Major General Kyaw Win, a high ranking intelligence officer and General Ohn Myint, Coastal Region Commander on Feb 29 for a first round of talks in Ranong, the southern Thai-Burma border town.

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CHOLERA CLAIMS SIX PEOPLE AT THE BORDER

(By Taramon / Sangkhlaburi: February 19, 2004)

Six people have died of cholera in the Thai Burma border town of Three Pagodas Pass opposite to Kanchanaburi this month.

One six-year-old child, a woman and four men have died in the second week of this month. The epidemic first appeared around February 11, but four days later the health workers in the town were able to control the infected disease even though the disease halted business in the town with some people suffering from it said Mr Nai Saik Lyeh, a town resident recently.

According to MSF source in Sangkhlaburi, two of the six patients died at its clinic near the town.

The foods, he said, are believed to have caused the disease to spread from greasy pork curry, noodle, and ripen fruits, which were prohibited to sell in the town.

“The disease is also transmitted from unclean water,” said a local medic Nai Saik.

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MON LEADER NAI DHAMMA NAY HAS PASSED AWAY

(Kao Wao: February 13, 2004)

A well-known poet and nationalist leader passed away at his home in Mon State on February 9, 2004.

Nai Dhamma Nay, a native of Karoppi, near Zobbu (Thanbyu Zayat) city joined the Mon Peoples Front (MPF) and remained in the jungle when the MPF led by Nai Aung Tun entered legal fold with U Nu government in exchange for democracy in 1958. He later joined with Nai Shwe Kyin, the founder of New Mon State Party and resumed the armed struggle while the majority of Mon leaders changed their strategy into a non-violent tactic.

“He was a symbolic leader, his contributions for the sake of the Mons will be remembered”, said Calgary based Mon community leader Nai Chit (Simon) who came from the same community back home in Monland.

The 76-year-old Mon veteran suffered from paralytic stroke and passed away at Karopi Mon community, according to local source. Due to his poor health, Nai Dhamma Nay retired from the New Mon State Party and returned to his village in 1996 after the Party reached a cease-fire agreement with Burmese military government.

He was elected as a Central Committee and District Administration Committee member during his service with the NMSP.

Nai Dhama Nay, also known by his pen names Heymar Dhamma and AparNook Mon, did not only take up arms against the Burmese regime but expressed his wit and energy through his writings in the Mon language. The jovial and outspoken freedom fighter wrote poetry and articles published in the liberated area to inspire the Mon people to work for their rights.

President Nai Htin and NMSP members attended the funeral service of Nai Dhamma Nay to pay final respects on February 11, according to a source from the Party.

The Mon leader is survived by his two children Nai Mon Htow and Mi San San Yin.

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Migrant Watch

DEPORTED WORKERS DIE IN CAR ACCIDENT

(By Taramon / Sangkhlaburi)

February 20, 2004 – A truck accident killed six migrant workers and injured several others near the Thai-Burma border this morning according to the local authorities from Sangkhlaburi.

"Some victims suffered serious injuries and were taken to the Kanchanaburi and Bangkok hospitals. Over a hundred passengers were over crowded and most of them were wounded,” said Mr Nai Soe Min who visited the local Sangkhlaburi hospital, which was built last year.

The local source reported that about sixty injured workers were brought to the Sangkhalaburi hospital while seven ambulances took the severely wounded to Kanchanaburi and Bangkok hospitals

The tragedy in the area occurred after the Thai and Burmese governments reached an agreement to deport illegal migrant workers in Thailand to Burma. The migrant workers had been locked up at the Bangkok Detention Center before deportation.

According to one migrant worker in the accident, some of the deportees had valid work permits. The deportees were on the way to Three Pagodas Pass, Thai Burma border town opposite to Kanchanaburi.

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MON GATHER AT SENIOR ABBOT’S CREMATION

(Based on IMNA report and Kao Wao: February 19, 2004)

One of the biggest cremation ceremonies for a senior abbot of Rev. Baddanta Soila Wongsa was held at An Din Mon community in Northern Ye Township.

The ceremony, known in Mon “SaPaeng ZwehSaeng” was carried out in Mon traditional style with the abbot’s body being ritually placed in a beautifully designed of 127 feet high Prasard built in the grand palace style.

The cremation ceremony was presided over by monks from various monasteries, devotees, local villagers and several visitors from other areas from February 11 to 18, 2004.

According to the funeral committee members it cost over 50 million Kyat (Burmese currency), the Mon and Burmese Pwe (drama groups) and bands played throughout the 7-day ceremony. Many traditional Done groups performed and over 100 Ni Thaung gambling and several games took place.

“Thousands and thousands of visitors come here days and nights and it is the biggest ceremony I have ever seen for funeral”, said a villager from Palaing Sem, west of Ye city.

The senior abbot passed away on the 13^th day of 2^nd Mon lunar month this year at the age of 84. An Din is the second biggest Mon community in the PaLeen (Western Ye) area.

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CHIN POLITICAL PARTIES COME TOGETHER

(Chinland Guardian: February 10, 2004)

It is like a new day that has dawned in Chin politics as the main four political parties come together to strengthen unity and solidarity among the Chin people. As the New Year began, four political parties, who are key players in Chin politics, Chin National Front (CNF), Chin National League for Democracy (CNLD), Mara People Party (MPP) and Zomi National Congress (ZNC) have quietly and passionately discussed the developing collective strategies in order to respond to the political development in Burma.

The four party meeting was held during the last week of January to convene and develop a Chin consensus building strategy for the near future. The meeting eventually formed a convening committee for Chin consensus building with four members; one person each from the four political parties CNF, CNLD, MPP and ZNC.

“This is the right time for all Chins to unite and work together to respond to recent political developments in Burma,” said Steven Suan Mang, a member of the convening committee for Chin consensus building and the chairman of external affairs committee for Zomi National Congress, which won two parliamentary seats in 1990 general election in Burma.

“This is a very important step to gain a deeper understanding among the different political parties among our people. I hope that we will be able to emerge as one united force in the near future” said Pu Tha He of Mara People Party which won one parliamentary seat in the 1990 general election.

When asked where and when they are going to have the Chin consensus building, Pu Thang Zen, General Secretary of CNF and a member of the convening committee for Chin consensus building responded that, “I can’t tell you now for sure where and when the consensus building is going to take place. But I can tell you that it will take place very soon, before the monsoon season begins, and somewhere that is convenient for every one of the delegates to attend”.

According to reliable source, the conference will not only be attended by delegates from the four main political parties, the convening committee will invite elected members of parliaments elected in the 1990 general elections, all members of Chin Forum Management Body, and all Chins social organizations and pressure groups along with intellectuals and activists including youth and women groups.

The CNF planed to initiate Chin consensus building a few years ago, but decided to cooperate with other political parties in order to find a common ground in national politics.

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57^th Anniversary of Union Day

ETHNIC ORGANIZATIONS CALL FOR UNITY

The umbrella ethnic organization has urged for unity and the immediate release of political prisoners in their statement to mark the 57^th anniversary of Burma’s Union Day, on February 12, 2004.

Nine ethnic nationality organizations inside Burma stated that Burma urgently needs unity, an imperative political factor for peace. The joint statement says that Union Day is significant because it manifests the alliance and solidarity of the ethnic groups that dwell and abide in Burma.

According to the source from Rangoon, the group comprised of the Mon National Democratic Front (MNDF), Shan National League for Democracy (SNLD), Karen National Congress for Democracy (KNCD), Arakan League for Democracy (ALD), Chin National League for Democracy (CNLD), Kachin National Congress for Democracy (KNCD), Kayah State All Nationals League for Democracy (KSANLD), Democratic Organisation for Kayan National Unity (DOKNU) and Mayan Peoples Party (MPP).

The group called for a tripartite dialogue as the best course of action to take while claiming the present political climate can only produce hatred and that consultation and deliberations between each is necessary at this time.

Meanwhile, the United Nationalities League for Democracy- Liberated Area (UNLD-LA) also issued a statement on Union Day.

The differences in political ideologies are the biggest obstacle in the building of a genuine Union in Burma. If the present authorities genuinely desire a true Union they must meet and discuss political issues with the political parties, and the ethnic nationalities issues must be regarded as true ethnic nationalities political parties. Otherwise a true and peaceful Union can never be established, said the UNLD.

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BURMESE URGED TO BE REALISTIC

(The Nation: Feb 13, 2004)

By Subhatra Bhumiprabhas and Pravit Rojanaphruk

Thai scholars yesterday urged the ethnic groups in Burma to be more realistic in their demands.

They said the Panglong Agreement of February 12, 1947, which enshrined the rights of different ethnic groups in Burma, was no longer relevant as the ruling junta was unlikely to agree to the arrangement.

Kiatchai Pongpanich, an expert on Burma, warned the ethnic and pro-democracy groups there not to be trapped in the past, but to try to begin fresh dialogue and negotiations towards a peaceful agreement.

"It is impossible to negotiate on this old agreement that has never actually been recognised by Yangon [Rangoon] governments," Kiatchai told a seminar on "Unity within Diversities".

The seminar was organised by the Thai Action Committee for Democracy in Burma to mark the 57th anniversary of the agreement signed by General Aung San and representatives of the Shan State, the Kachin Hills and the Chin Hills.

Pornphimon Trichote, a Chulalongkorn University researcher on Burma, said its people could no longer expect Aung San Suu Kyi, the ruling junta or leaders of the ethnic groups to solve all their problems. Ordinary people should form a civil society and help, she said, adding that the first step might be for groups like the Karen to stop from fighting one another.

"I try to be optimistic that the road to peace is not completely dark, but civil society must play its role," she said.

She said foreign investment in Burma was not a bad thing if it could be distributed on a large scale and benefit people from all walks of life. "The middle class is also needed in Burma," she added.

Burmese participants however said that there were only the very rich and very poor in their country now. "There's no space for the middle class, no space for civil society," said Teddy Buri, chairperson of the Members of Parliament Union (MPU-Burma).

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Opinion

TRIPARTITE DIALOGUE AND NATIONAL CONVENTION

(By J Lum Dau)

It is a great pleasure for me to regularly read Kao Wao News. One can learn not only the different pros and cons of issues, but also how to balance between the different information and reports in your News.

Through such observations, I wish to emphasize that one should not simply hope for rights and justice in participating in a forthcoming Tripartite Dialogue or National Convention (NC). Such a constitution or set of rights does not yet exist in Myanmar, so one needs to be realistic about anticipating any kinds of privileges for participants in political discussions. Instead we should all stand together to mutually build up an environment of rights and justice for ourselves. This can only be achieved through a strong cooperation and exchange of views.

Until such an environment for democracy is achieved, I feel that one should not simply talk about the end goal of democracy. Only through appropriate methods of first coming to understand one another can we all form a workable relationship from which Tripartite Dialogue, a democratic basis for discussions, and an accepted new constitution can develop.

Among many important issues at present, the Kachin people have been concentrating on the subject of Tripartite Dialogue when they meet with each other. In general, Kachin organizations consist of three armed ceasefire groups, different religious and cultural groups, parties that stood in the 1990 general election, and various community-based bodies among the population. With the intention of achieving greater understanding and unity, representatives of the Kachin people from all over Myanmar came together at Laiza in Kachin State during 21-25 October 2002 and formed the Kachin Nationals Consultative Assembly as part of preparations to join with other ethnic nationalities as a combined nationality group to participate in Tripartite Dialogue.

In pursuing this path, the Kachins have faced some difficulties along the way to organize among themselves and achieve a solid and united consensus. As with much of Myanmar, our peoples have suffered from decades of conflict and division. In addition, while trying to build peace and unity, we have been hoping to learn effective methods from other groups and parties in the country as to how such obstacles can be overcome. But, to date, we have found our own initiatives the most appropriate for our situation.

Thus it can be recognized that the process of a seven-stage road map to democracy may not an attractive policy to everybody. But in terms of reconciliation steps, it does suggest a method that will to lead a National Convention, which should act as a constitution drafting body. If this is successful, then further stages towards building democracy can follow in substantive ways. It is based on thinking and expectations like these that representatives of the Kachin people accepted to take part in the National Convention as a first stage in a long-needed process to build a lasting system of democracy for the country. The achievement of goals may take some time, but it is still vital that concrete steps are implemented which will allow the process of dialogue and democracy to develop.

J Lum Dau

Deputy Chief Foreign Affairs, KIO

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MON NATIONAL DAY IN LONDON

(By Ashley South)

On Monday 9^th February the Mon community in London met to celebrate the 57^th anniversary of Mon National Day. This was the third time Mon National Day had been formally observed in the UK, and the first time I had attended this event in my own country (last year I was in Rangoon on MND; the year before I celebrated with the Mon community at Mahachai, in Thailand).

When I arrived at Ealing Town Hall at 6 PM, it was obvious that a great deal of hard work had already gone into the preparations. As well as a photo display of the previous two years’ events, there was an impressive stage and sound system, featuring a portrait of the great Mon king Rajadhirat, and a flying hongsa (Golden Sheldrake) emblem (in fact, the NMSP flag). I was a bit worried though, that there wouldn’t be enough people to fill the large hall.

However, it soon became clear that this was definitely not a problem. By the time we all stood up to pay respect to the flag, the hall was almost full; by the time the speeches ended - about forty-five minutes later - there were many more people than seats.

In total, over 250 people attended the celebration; of whom I think about 50 were Mon. When I was living in the UK between 1997-2001, writing my book on Mon nationalism, there were almost no Mon people here. However, the past two or three years has seen the arrival of scores of young men and women from Monland, most of whom are studying in the UK. It was great to see so many Mon nationals gathered together so far from their homeland, many wearing Mon costume, and all here to celebrate and confirm their pride in being Mon. As well as a few westerners, there were also a great many other people from Burma, including Karen, Kachin, Rakhine and Burmans. It was very encouraging to see representatives of different nationalities celebrating Mon National Day together.

Speeches were given in Mon and Burmese by members of the organising committee, who reminded the audience of the history of the Mon people, and of Mon National Day, and the importance of preserving and celebrating Mon national identity. I’m afraid that I don’t speak Mon, so my short talk - on Mon identity and the current political situation in Burma - had to be given in English.

After the speeches, it was time to eat and drink, sing and dance. The noodles and spring rolls were delicious (‘dangoon’ to the cooks). The songs and dance numbers which made up the rest of the evening were a real pleasure too. Many of those present proved to be excellent singers. The most popular performances were probably the traditional Mon songs, many of which were sung by individuals and groups who had clearly been rehearsing for some time. These were greatly enjoyed by all in the audience – especially when accompanied by dance routines. For me, the highlights of the evening were the traditional dances performed in colourful Mon costumes and head-pieces. I was particularly impressed by the beautiful Mi Sorn from Moulmein, who sang and danced with great skill.

In conclusion, this was a very enjoyable social occasion – but one with a serious meaning. Like Mon communities the world over, the UK Mon are rightly proud of their ancient heritage, and keen to celebrate the continued relevance of Mon identity in the twenty-first century. Congratulations to all involved in organising this impressive event – and please invite me again next year.

Ashley South

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Environment

CHINESE LOGGING MENACE WORLD’S HOTTEST BIODIVERSITY SPOTS

(The Kachin Post: February 12, 2004)

Chinese logging projects in northern Burma has threatened one of the world’s most biodiverse environments, said experts.

“One of the world's most exceptional biodiversity hotspots is being plundered by two of the parties, Burma and China,” said in a statement released from the 7th conference on the Convention on Biological Diversity held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 2,000 experts on biodiversity and sustainable development attended the conference, which is being held from February 9 to 20.

Destructive logging industry under the corrupt deals brokered between wealthy Chinese businessmen and cash-strapped armed insurgent groups are the main culprits threatening one of the most valuable pieces of real estate in the world due in large part to its forests, but also to its jade, gold and mineral reserves, said the statement.

“Logging in the Kachin State is severe and chaotic, and it is clear that the local population has benefited little in economic terms,” said Jon Buckrell from Global Witness, a British-based non-governmental organization, which focuses on the links between natural resource exploitation and conflict.

Of particular concern are the forests of the N’Mai Hku area, which form a critical watershed for the Irrawaddy River, which is of strategic importance to both Burma and China. Chinese companies are carrying out large-scale, unregulated logging and mining operations on the Burma side, because the Chinese government only protects natural resources on its own side, said the statement.

“It is crucial that the N’Mai Hku Project be halted immediately: people's livelihoods are being destroyed,” said Buckrell. “China has started to protect its own environment. We simply call on them to apply the same principles to their activities in Burma.”

Global Witness’ report ‘A Conflict of Interests: The uncertain future of Burma’s forests’ points out estimate timber exports from Kachin State to China’s Yunnan province is 600,000 m3 a year, worth approximately US$150 million. The number shows Chinese companies carry out rampant logging in pristine forests in Kachin State.

The exploitation of Kachin's forests has risen to alarming levels as a consequence of ceasefire arrangements between the Burmese military government and local insurgent groups, combined with a growing demand for timber in China and a countrywide logging ban in China, which has increased the demand for Burmese timber.

“China must suspend logging activities in Burma immediately and place a moratorium on the cross border trade in timber,” said Buckrell. The action will give time for proper planning to ensure the preservation of the area's outstanding biodiversity and it is vital that the forests are used for the benefit of the people of Kachin State, he explained.

Last October, the UK based environmental organization Global Witness released a report ‘A Conflict of Interests: The uncertain future of Burma’s forests’. The reports revealed the first time in detail the history of logging in Burma, the reality of current logging by the ruling military regime, logging by insurgent groups, rampant logging in ceasefire areas, and the cross-border trade in particular with China.

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KAO WAO NEWS GROUP

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ABOUT US

Kao-Woo 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 lasting peace and change.

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