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BurmaNet News: February 19, 1995
- Subject: BurmaNet News: February 19, 1995
- From: burmanet@xxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 19 Feb 1995 17:31:00
************************** BurmaNet **************************
"Appropriate Information Technologies, Practical Strategies"
**************************************************************
The BurmaNet News: Sunday, February 19, 1995
Issue #112
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
No Christians, only Karen Buddhist's are allowed to go.
No Christian will be given safe passage.
Letter from "pacifist" DKBA monk inviting
Karen refugees to return. <SEE DKBA/SLORC:
"SAYADAW WRITES THIS LETTER TO YOU ALL.">
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Contents:
**********************INSIDE BURMA****************************
IPS: LEARNING TO LOVE SLORC
*****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI***********************
IPS: KAREN CHILDREN LEARN THE HARD WAY
NATION: EMBATTLED KAREN MOVEMENT IN DISARRAY
DKBA/SLORC: "SAYADAW WRITES THIS LETTER TO YOU ALL."
BRC-J: TWO REPORTS FROM THE BORDER
BRC-J: MORE FROM THE BORDER
NLM/SLORC: ARTICLE ON THE CAPTURE OF MANERPLAW
BRC-J: TO THE DEFENDERS OF KAWMOORA
************************THAILAND******************************
SEASIA-L: THANONG MAY BE EXTRADICTED ON DRUGS CHARGE
BURMANET: LETTER--AKHA HERITAGE FOUNDATION (AHF) NEEDS SUPPORT
**********************INTERNATIONAL***************************
SCB: BURMESE-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
BRC-J: IN BURMA MISERY DOES NOT LOVE COMPANY
BRC-J: PROTEST NISSEKI
U.WASHINGTON: STUDENT SENATE RESOLUTION
UWD: REGENTS ASKED TO SUPPORT SHAREHOLDER'S RESOLUTIONS
****************************************************************
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**************THE BURMANET NEWS--FEBRUARY 19, 1995************
**************************************************************
**********************INSIDE BURMA****************************
IPS: LEARNING TO LOVE SLORC
February 13, 1995
By Leah Makabenta
BANGKOK, Feb 8 (IPS) - Burma's military leaders are as unpopular
as ever among human rights activists, but it is becoming clear
that some governments and investors have decided that the
generals in Rangoon are capable of retaining power indefinitely
-- and the future lies in doing business with them.
Last week, activists were joined by the U.S. and Australian
governments in criticising the State Law and Order Restoration
Council (SLORC) -- as the junta calls itself -- for not honouring
a self-declared cease-fire with Burmese ethnic rebels and
attacking the Karen minority group.
But later that same week, French, Thai and U.S. companies
signed a lucrative natural gas deal with Rangoon, indicating that
Burma's considerable profit potential far outweighs the country's
political difficulties.
Indeed, securities analysts and regional diplomats say Burma has
become the new mecca for foreign investors constantly in search
of economic opportunities ever since SLORC declared an 'open door
economic policy' in 1990 and ended decades of self- imposed
socialist isolation.
Singapore appears to have been the quickest to respond,
leading the pack with tourism, hotel and airline projects. The
foreign business community in Bangkok is not far behind, packing
the daily flight to the Burmese capital, barely an hour away.
The belief seems to be that if money is to be made there, the
deals have to be sewn up now -- regardless of what activists have
bitterly described as the dubious competence and lack of
legitimacy of the country's military rulers.
''Investors are not concerned about Burma's long-term
political development, they only answer to one criterion:
profits,'' says a Thai activist who works with Burmese refugees.
Not too long ago, Burma had been put in the diplomatic and trade
basement for a bloody military crackdown on pro-democracy
activists in 1988.
The international image of the Rangoon junta was tarnished some
more two years later, when it refused to hand over power to the
opposition, which won a landslide victory in the 1990 polls.
Instead, the military dug in its heels and put opposition leaders
and supporters in jail.
Lately, however, Rangoon has been dusting the red carpet not just
for trade and investment delegations but high-ranking officials,
including Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen, Singapore Prime
Minister Goh Chok Tong and assorted U.N. officials and U.S.
congressmen.
And incredible as it may seem to observers who say the
country's political situation is deteriorating, some financial
analysts see Burma as becoming the next economic tiger, perhaps
with even better prospects of taking its place alongside the
'little dragons' of East Asia than Vietnam.
In the latest upbeat assessment, Gary Biesty and James Chapman of
Johnson Stokes & Master say Burma has all the ingredients that
have attracted investors to other Asian emerging markets -- vast
natural resources, including oil and gas, a large, well-educated
workforce, high literacy rate and 45 million potential consumers.
Moreover, Burma has one clear advantage over communist and
Francophone Vietnam: a legal system based on English law offering
an attractive legal environment for investors.
The analysts see last week's deal to export gas to Thailand as
providing a boost to the economy making available much needed
funds for infrastructural development. The venture is the largest
foreign investment in Burma to date and is estimated to amount to
some one billion dollars over its life.
Critics of the deal believe SLORC's attack on the Karen
stemmed from the need to secure the gas pipeline route, which
passes through Karen and Mon ethnic rebel territory so that
financing and construction of the project could continue.
''Although there are problems to be overcome, it is not
difficult to see Burma becoming another economic tiger,'' the
analysts said in their report, adding that the time to start
looking at the country's potential is now.
Another eager drumbeater is the newly organised Hong Kong- based
Myanmar Fund, which aims to raise 100 million dollars for
business ventures in Burma.
The people behind the fund are an overseas Chinese family from
Burma that controls the Ho Group in Thailand and Robert Kuok, the
Hong Kong-based Malaysian Chinese tycoon.
The fund's research report refers to Burma as Asia's awakening
'Sleeping Beauty', a new frontier where just about everything
offers economic opportunities.
These include low-cost labour, tropical rainforests and fishery
resources so abundant Burmese fishermen say ''the fish die of old
age''.
Although many critics discount such figures as ''manipulated'',
SLORC has claimed economic success, reporting GDP growth of 10.8
percent in 1993 based on an official rate of inflation of 30
percent.
'Constructive engagement' advocates like the Association of
South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN) have seized on this positive
economic performance as encouraging signs that trading with SLORC
will bring about the prosperity that will push the country's
leaders to democracy.
But the Burmese democracy movement that has been trying to
persuade the world community to impose trade and investment
sanctions on Burma says the limited economic gains are being
used by SLORC not to improve the life of the Burmese people but
to buy weapons to ensure that the regime stays in power.
''Because of investments and trade, SLORC has lots of money to
buy weapons from China, it's become very difficult for us to
fight them,'' says Sann Aung, minister for health and education
of the exiled National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma
(NCGUB).
Meanwhile, a diplomat with years of experience in Rangoon
behind him agrees that Burma's investment laws and regulations do
offer a reasonably attractive package for investors. But, he
says, the unresolved conflict over political power makes
investing in the country a risky, if not questionable, venture.
''No matter the opportunities in the country, the regime is
thoroughly detested by the people and that puts the whole society
under an unbearable strain,'' says the diplomat.
Analysts say Burma -- despite its enormous economic potential --
will only prosper if it can solve both its economic and
political problems. That means a negotiated settlement between
SLORC and its political rivals, including opposition leader Aung
San Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest since 1989.
They add that anyone serious about doing business with Burma
cannot ignore the ethnic insurgents who have been fighting for
autonomy since the late 1940s, and the democratically elected
political leaders who are either in prison or in exile.
As Sein Win, the NCGUB prime minister in exile, warned last
week: ''When democracy is restored in Burma, we will remember who
our friends are.''
*****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI***********************
IPS: KAREN CHILDREN LEARN THE HARD WAY
Inter Press Service
By Ron Corben
MAE SOT, Thailand, Feb 7 (IPS) - The students at the Huay Kalok
school are bent over their books, furiously trying to prepare for
exams that are just days away.
But it is hard to concentrate when, just a few km west, their
fathers, brothers, uncles and neighbours are fighting Burmese
government troops.
Indeed, the heavy thump of artillery can be distinctly heard here
amid the cackle of chickens and the occasional bark of a street
dog.
Huay Kalok is one of the oldest semi-permanent refugee camps on
the Thai-Burma border. It is also a sad reflection of a civil war
in neighbouring Burma that seems to still have no end in sight
after 46 years.
Various ethnic groups in Burma have fought for autonomy in the
last four decades. One of these groups is the Karen, which just a
week ago suffered a blow when its stronghold of more than 40
years fell to the control of the government soldiers.
But the Karen, among Burma's biggest and strongest ethnic
minorities, have not given up. Less than 10 km away from here, at
Kawmoora, the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) battle
against the troops of the State Law and Order Restoration Council
(SLORC), as the junta in Rangoon calls itself.
Amid the distant thunderous sound of shells crashing, Huay
Kalok's 1,000 students -- ranging from kindergarten to high
school -- sit dressed in uniform at long tables.
Beneath ceilings of thatch and surrounded by walls of plastic
sheets that serve as dividers among 'classrooms', the children
ponder over exercise books on geography, math and English.
Many of the older children have spent half their lives at the
refugee camp. Some have been here for the past ten years.
Huay Kalok was established sometime in the early 1980s. It comes
under the control of the Karen Refugee Committee (KRC), and gets
its funds from a broad range of international aid
organisations.
The students at the camp school were not supposed to have their
final exams until March, but the tests have been advanced due to
the fighting or what Hser Paw, one of the 27 teachers here, calls
''the situation''.
Until the fall of Manerplaw in late January, most of the
students would have been headed about 200 km to the north at the
former stronghold township to attend college once they passed
their Year 10 exams.
But that does not seem an option now, says Hser Paw. The 28-
year-old teacher is all too aware that whatever the students may
record in their exams, speculations on their future ring hollow.
And if fear and sadness are the prevailing sentiments among their
elders, many of the teenagers here are feeling angry and
frustrated.
''When we hear the attacks on the Karen, we are not interested in
studies,'' says 17-year-old Dorcas Mo. ''We are angry. The SLORC
talks about peace, but they are lying.''
By launching an offensive on the Karen, SLORC violated its self-
declared cease-fire with Burma's ethnic groups. The fighting also
displaced an estimated 100,000 people, with about 10,000 fleeing
in recent weeks to neighbouring Thailand that already hosts more
than 77,000 Burmese refugees.
Resting on the edge of the Thai border town of Mae Sot 480 km
from Bangkok, Huay Kalok itself has 4,400 residents. The nearby
main road teems with Thai border guards. Beyond them and into
Burma's jungles is the battle frontline.
Now is the time for study under clear, blue skies, while the
dusty road is still firm underfoot. A few short months away, the
dirt paths will be turned into virtual quagmires as monsoon rains
sweep in from the west.
But now that it is the dry season, it is also perfect for the
Burmese junta to mount an offensive aimed at quashing resistance
by the country's ethnic groups.
In 1993, SLORC succeeded talking the Kachin into signing a truce.
But it had mixed results with the other rebel minorities. The
Karen refused even to have formal talks with the junta in the
absence of certain conditions, among them the freedom of detained
dissident leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Suu Kyi is the head of the National League for Democracy
(NLD), which won a landslide victory in the 1990 Burmese polls.
But the military refused to relinquish power, and instead cracked
down on the opposition and its supporters. The move turned Burma
into an international pariah.
But Rangoon has been trying to refurbish its image recently, and
even publicised two meetings late last year with Suu Kyi. It also
said it wanted to negotiate peacefully with the ethnic
minorities.
Then the Karen suffered a split in December. Buddhist Karen broke
away from the Christian dominated Karen National Union (KNU) and
led government troops to the group's jungle strongholds.
Now, 17-year-old Blu So observes: ''The situation is very
difficult. We can only pray to God.''
''I want to help my Karen people,'' he says. ''We want peace. We
want our leaders and the SLORC to meet with others from many
countries.''
Dorcas Mo agrees. Although she is angry toward SLORC, she says
their struggle must be done ''with non-violence''. In fact, she
and some of her school friends staged a 24-hour strike and prayer
rally a few days ago, in support of those fighting in Kawmoora.
''I want to put down SLORC and have democracy,'' says Dorcas Mo.
''But not with weapons.''
*****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI***********************
NATION: EMBATTLED KAREN MOVEMENT IN DISARRAY
February 17 1995
[Posted by news.reporter]
by YINDEE LERTCHAROENCHOK
For decades, the Christian-led senile
KNU leadership has failed miserably to adapt to
the fast changing global political environment
and to address and cure several ills inside the
organization, thus allowing the tumours to
develop into an incurable cancer.
The embattled Karen National Union
(KNU), which lost its headquarters to the
Burma Army last month shortly after the
breakup of the 46-year-old ethnic movement
due to an internal religious crisis, is still
working out a thorough shakeup of its
leadership and political and military strategy
to cope with the Burmese junta's determined
and aggressive policy to crush the guerrilla
forces.
The loss of the 21-year-old
Manerplaw headquarters, which had also
served, since late 1988, as the stronghold of
other Burmese pro-dernocracy
organizations and the emergence of the
rival breakaway Democratic Kayin Buddhist
Organization (DKBO) have thrown the KNU
into disarray and forced its leaders to step
back and reflect on the causes and
consequences of their failure to prevent the
avoidable catastrophe.
While top KNU leaders are still trying
to come to terms with the sudden turn of
events, they sadly accept that the two
incidents have resulted in serious political
and military setbacks to their movement,
which nearly ran aground after only two
months of internal turmoil.
Although they remain adamant that
the Burmese Junta -- the State Law and
Order Restoration Council (Slorc) -- is
responsible in conspiring and instigating the
religious strife inside the KNU, they
acknowledge "the unpreparedness and
mistakes" on their part in mishandling and
"reacting too late" to suppress the sensitive
Buddhist-Christian conflict.
They agree that they underestimated
the delicate and fragile religious problems
and "terribly regret" the use of arms and
force to resolve the disputes.
For decades,teCrsinled senile
KNU leadership has failed miserably to
adapt to the fast changing global political
environment and to address and cure
several ills inside the organization, thus
allowing the tumors to develop into an
incurable cancer.
The "undemocratic rule" inside the
KNU organization, its ineptitude in political
manoeuvering, media, and mass
propaganda campaigns are some of the key
shortfalls that have not been given proper or
u osideration in recent years.
The KNU's unrealistic hopes for and
reliance on promised external political and
miltary support, which often turned out to be
mere lip-service diplomacy, has prompted
the group to pursue a rather "inactive
defensive" political and military policy in
dealing with its own faith and survival.
One of the most costly lessons,
perhaps, was the KNU decision to defend its
numerous static strongholds along the Thai
border at all cost. The severe casualties and
tremendous losso itarywaory in the
Sleeping Dog Hill battles fought as part of
an attempt to defend Manerplaw about three
years ago prompted field commanders and
junior leaders to force the key leaders to
abandon the "defensive military strategy"
and resort back to thei efcetmobile
guerrilla warfare".
Gradually exhausted with the
unending and costly wars, rising younger
pragmatic Karen leaders strongly feel that
they are not trusted by their hardline
superiors who still live in the past legacy of
mistrust and intransigence in their struggle
(or ethnic rights and autonomy, while the
global political and security scenarios have
evolved towards a peaceful solution to arms
conflicts.
h ew gnrtons observe that
their senior leaders "have not been flexible
when the situation has permitted them to
pursue or probe the olive branches offered
by the Burmese military rulers to end the five
decades of ethnic unrest. The Slorc, which
succee in striking a truce deal with about
a dozen of Burrna's armed ethnic
insurgencies, has tried to woo the KNU,
without much progress, to enter cease-fire
negotiations.
The Karen rank-and-file also
perceive that their leaders "are too
obsessed or overwhelmed" with other,
duties and responsibilities entrusted to them
by fugitive Burmese democracy groups,
which have been living and taking shelter
under KNU hospitality, and have completely
ojcie of ighting for their Karen
homeland.
Moreover, they feel that their higher
authorities have failed to resolve other
pressing KNU agendas and problems at
lu reforms in ih fcntnt changes of
military an oiia cnarios inside the
country, democratization of the
decision-making process, and resolving the
brewing dissatisfaction over the decades-old
Buddhist-Christian differences and
discrimination.
Several key guerrilla leaders
acknowledged during interviews last week
that although the KNU has a written rule of
"collective leadership", the reality is that
most decisions are still made by a few senior
powers, particularly KNU President Gen Bo
Mya, who retains the final say in all matters
-- political and military alike.
"Partly, it is our custom or tradition
not to counter the elderly leaders' opinions
of decisions Yes, it is one of our biggest
mistakes not to oppose what we believe is
not right or practical and then seeing things
deteriorate," said one senior member of the
KNU's 45- strong central committee.
While he and other central committee
members countered the DKBO's
accusations of KNU leaders' discrimination
against the practice of Buddhist activities
and the promotion of members of the KNU
Buddhist majority to higher positions, saying
that all the promotions are made through
"secret votes", several Burma analysis,
however, said "the system itself is not
democratic enough to permit the secret vote
a fair choice of candidates of promotion".
KNU Buddhist members and
followers mainly junior field officers and
frontline troops, feel they are unfairly treated
despite the high risk to their lives on the
battlefield, while the political and military
policy-makers enjoy a rather safe haven
replete with leadership luxuries
While KNU higher-ups have
over-looked the thorny questions, the
hardliners in the Burmese junta and regional
army commanders who prefer military
operations to peace efforts have exploited
them to their utmost benefit.
The split inside the KNJ and the
subsequent sudden birth of DKBO and its
military wing, the Democratic Kayin Buddhist
Army, are neither spontaneous nor
coincidental. Immediately, the DKBO led by
Buddhist monk U Thuzana, who has been
accused by the KNU of being a Slorc spy
announced its allegiance and alliance to
Rangoon and guided the Burmese troops to
capture Manerplaw. They are currently
assisting the Burmese troops in attacking
Kawmoora, the KNU's 101th special military
unit, opposite Thailand's Mae Sot district of
Tak.
"The use of force to suppress the
Buddhist faction was the last straw that
drove the group into open defiance against
the KNU and into opened cooperation with
the Slorc," said one analyst.
The analysts belive the Slorc, which
is throwing its full backing behind efforts to
prop up the DKBO. will forcibly coerce the
people in the Karen State to accept and
support the DKBO as the ethnic
representation of the Karer populace. The
Slorc, they say, will probably use the Union
Solidarity and Development Association, a
nationwide mass movement of its own
creation, to rally popular support to
legitimize the DKBO.
Moreover, a group of eight DKBA
forces, armed with AK-47 rifles, M-79
grenade launchers and grenades, illegally
sneaked across the Moei River into a Thai
refugee camp last week to kidnap a KNU
key civilian leader Padoh Mahn Yin Sein.
The KNU believes Mahn Yin Sein, the
administrative governor of Pa-an district and
the most senior KNU Buddhist leader, will be
forced to assume the leadership of the
DKBO. The 55-year-old hostage is one of
the seven delegates the KNU has
designated to engage in preliminary peace
talks with the Slorc.
Amid this chaotic situation, senior
KNU leaders see an urgent need to hold "an
emergency meeting" among themselves to
assess the whole situation, to reform the
organization and to outline new political and
military strategies to deal with the threat to
their survival.
They accept that a restructuring of
the KNU organization including changes at
some leaders, is inevitable. They quietly
acknowledge that some ageing top leaders,
including Gen Bo Mya himself, who has
been strongly blamed for mishandling the
religious conflicts, will have to step down or
give way and allow younger generations to
assume responsibilities.
While they say the appointment of a
new leadership rests on the decision of the
meeting, which is to be held soon at a secret
KNU location, it is highly possible that Gen
Bo Mya, whose name has become an
international trademark for Karen
revolutionaries, and some other senile
leaders "will be asked to accept an honorary
position on a KNU advisory board." which is
to be created.
Still debatable is who will take up the
presidency of the beleaguered Karen
movement. Some Burma analysts believe
that Brig Gen Shwe Saing, commander of
the KNU 6th Brigade, the Brig Gen Oliver,
commander of the KNU 4th Brigade, are the
two possible candidates for the paramount
post.
Oliver, who controls territory covering
the Mergui and Tavoy districts in Burma's
southern Tenassarim Division, might opt out
as he will be too preoccupied with the
defence against the Slorc's imminent military
offensive in his area, currently the main
income-generating zone for the KNU,
according to the analysts.
The analysts said the new KNU
headquarters, probably a mobile unit, is
likely to located in the 6th Brigade area in
Dyuplaya district.
Other urgent tasks that need
immediate KNU attention and action are
how to reorganize the Karen mass support,
particularly from those in dozens of refugee
camps in Thailand who have been shaken
by the uncertainty inside the KNU.
Thai border and security officers
have, since last month, detected an influx of
Slorc and DKBA infiltrators, many of whom
disguise themselves as Buddhist monks and
illegally sneak into border camps to spread
rumors and anti-KNU leaflets. The group
has been urging and instigating the
mainly-Buddhist refugees who number
about 70,000 , to return to their homes in
Burma and promising them that the Slorc will
provide land, subsistence and other
privileges.
The KNU, which has declared its
roadiness to engage in peace talks with the
Slorc, might be forced to enter the talks with
"a more softening stance" now that it has
lost its considerable bargaining power after
the two unfonunate incidents'.
The guerrilla leaders will have no
time to blame one another or to mourn their
loss, but will need to immediately draw up a
new political and military strategy as well as
attract international attention and support in
light of Burmese determination to wipe out
their movement by sheer force.
The survival of the KNU also rests on
more democratic decisions and pragmatic
leadership who are ready to cooperate
among themselves as well as with other
armed ethnic and Burmese democracy
groups who share the same aspirations for
peace ad democracy in Burma.
*****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI***********************
DKBA/SLORC: "SAYADAW WRITES THIS LETTER TO YOU ALL."
Democratic Kayin Buddhist Association/SLORC
Originally posted by Atiah
beeby@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[This letter was sent to all the Buddhist leaders in every Karen
refugee camp on the Thai/ Burma boarder.
The following letter has been translated from Burmese script.]
1995, January 2nd, Tuesday
Sayadaw writes this letter to you all.
The reason for this letter is to ask your help concerning the
religious problems Thoo Moie Hta.
This letter is to be known to the Buddhist leaders in every camp,
Baw Naw, Kway Ka Loe, Blaw Lu Kho, Mie Ta Rit, Ta Lor Thaw, Ka Mg
Lay Kho, Mu Wah Kwee, Noh Boe, Beh Klor, Show Klo, Maung Ker and
Kler Ko.
Weapons must be confiscated as quickly as possible from every
Christian leader who settles in these camps. All Karen Buddhist
refugee families can come to Burma by car from Mie Ta Wah camp
freely to Pa An City. From Pa An City you will be sent to your
own native village.
There is a launch already prepared for anybody who will return.
You willbe safe on your trip.
No Christians, only Karen Buddhist's are allowed to go. No
Christian will be given safe passage. Do not let any hesitation
or hindrance stop you from returning.
Time of peace in the Karen State has come.
Wish you all health and happiness
Sayadaw U Thu Za Na
Myae Kyi Ngu
[The following are the rules for all those who return to Burma
and are sent to live in the refugee camp at Thoo Moie Hta.
The 10 rules are printed on the back of the Pass card issued at
Pan An City when they are photographed and registered. All
people who live in the compound must carry the sign of the Monk.
This is a piece of yellow rope.
The following has been translated from Burmese script. Rules for
those who stay in the camp]
1. To remain vegetarian forever inside and outside the camp.
2. No-one is to argue or cause trouble in the compound.
3. There is to be no division between races.
4. Everybody must keep the fifth commandment of the Gautama
Buddha at all times. (Do not kill)
5. Do not gossip or use slander that will cause harm to anybody
in the compound.
6. No political discussion or arguments are allowed to disturb
the people in the compound.
7. No religion, apart from Buddhism is allowed to be discussed in
the compound.
Those who can not cope with this decipline above are absolutely
not allowed to settle in the compound.
*****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI***********************
BRC-J: TWO REPORTS FROM THE BORDER
Received early 2/13/95
Dear BRC--J,
I'd made tentative plans to meet Y at Mae
Sariang tomorrow am but latest news/rumor is that
DKBO/SLORC has cut transport in both directions
now and Mae SamLap is dangerous with DKBO just
opposite. Newsweek journalists who came here said
they'd called out from Mae Samlap saying they
wanted to talk. DKBO called back across the river
with megaphone telling them to go away quickly
(Look for story on PPH--KNU soldiers in upcoming
issue. The story won't say much about the political
situation. They didn't ask the right questions and the
situation is too bleak to volunteer info.)
I'm faxing DKBO statements received at ShoKlo in
Burmese. One in Karen has been translated into
Burmese. It seems as if many of the anti-KNU
accusations are true, but the DKBO line is
retaliation, separatism, crush the KNU in the name of
Buddhl very demoralizing and confusing
locally, the majority being Buddhist KNU.
KawMooRaw is still under attack--shelling explosions
can be heard through the night in Mae Sot.
Maybe you are aware that Paw PaHta is a known
safe-haven for escaped porters. Lately there are none,
but after the fall of Manerplaw more than 170 made
their way down the river, told by villagers to come to
PPH. They came from Mudon, Moulmein, Rangoon,
and satellite towns--it seems as if nowhere is safe. PPH
gives free lodging, food, etc. PPH gives free lodging
food, etc. BRC sent a volunteer with money to cover
their needs, with supplies (food, slippers, clothing,
small amount of money) for their passage home. PPH
is considered far enough from Manerplaw for safe
return home.
Mae Sot (12 Feb) Sending these updates is
frustrating--so much contradictory reporting. Dawn
Gwin has been evacuated. On Thursday 9 Feb.
a boat was traveling upriver from DG. They were
attacked by Burmese speakers mostly, but some Karen
language was heard. (Assume both SLORC and
DKBO) (Earlier, when Manerplaw fell, DKBO did
not attack students when they had an opportunity to do
so.) Now in DG area, all ABSDF have retreated to
Thai side (including Salween).
Just visited injured students from boat attack. They
were continuously shot at. One was seriously injured
and captured! The other 6 on board managed to swim
to Thai side. Two escaped, apparently unscathed and
are in the Thai jungle so far unaccounted for. The
remaining 4 were injured. 2 were released from
hospital and are at Dr. C's. The other 2 remain
hospitalized--one with 2 bullet wounds in his
shoulder, one will lose his eye. These 4 injured
managed to swim, then hide amongst the rocks on the
Thai side for more than an hour of continued shelling.
They made their way to a Karen village. Assisted by
villagers, on to Mae Sariang. Soe Aung and a medic
accompanied them at night to Mae Sot. A medic and
an attendant staying with them at the hospital. There's
also another student who lost a foot when a mine
exploded at Dawn Gwin (maybe a week ago?) He lies
in pain, a bloodied bandage on his propped-up stump.
Dr. KTO says it reeks of gangrene and most likely
needs to be further amputated. Poor man--he's
in terrible agony. The medic is administering
pain-killer secretly. Good to see they at least have
continued ABSDF support.
At PPH we had news of heavy reinforcements to
SLORC's closest position (7 kms) and news of
SLORC's plan to move as far as PPH. We were all
busy packing our evacuation bags (I'm getting better at
this!) ABSDF near PPH also plans to evacuate
families too. Still much confusion/panic regarding
DKBO--more and more KNU soldiers are
"disappearing" and relatives are worried.
On the brighter side, we hope, is the formation of a
new group called NOBO. The leader is a mid-50 year
old Buddhist commander at KawMooRaa, where
morale is extremely low because of continued attack
and Buddhists are especially confused. In one week,
he's recruited 200 Karen Buddhists. They are
organizing with the support of KNU--receiving food
and weapons from KNU to flight SLORC. They have
vowed to never join any group which oppresses people.
Intends to negotiate with DKBO. Also vows to never
make misjudgments as KNU leadership did in the past.
>From NBH03114@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Tue Feb 14 02:15:48 1995
Date: Tue, 14 Feb 1995 16:48:00 +0900
<NBH03114@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Subject: The border again
To: tun@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Coban Tun)
DATE:February 12, 1995
TIME: 7:31PMJST
SUBJ:A Report from the Salween
Received by BRC-J Sunday afternoon, Feb. 12, 1995
An eye-witness report from the Salween
As you know from my previous letter, I spent time at the front
line last week and left with a growing respect for the student
army who seemed to be facing extreme odds against them. After my
return, I started hearing rumours and stories from all sorts of
sources regarding Dawn Gwin, the students, SLORC, and the
DKBO. There was very little confirmed information coming
from the students as all lines of communication had been cut. I
started to worry and decided to go and see for myself and to come
back with clear and concise information. I had no idea at the
time just how bad the situation had become in terms of access and
safety.
I will explain what SLORC and the DKBO are doing in terms of the
river and its banks rather than behind the mountain ranges. You
have travelled along the Salween, so you will understand what I
am trying to say.
The SLORC now have control of the Salween River from
Manerpalw to Bon Ya Hta and further north towards Weggie.
Their objective is to control the whole of the Salween, which
they are going to do. Mae Sam Lap is now under the control of
SLORC and the DKBO rather than the Democratic forces. At
the beginning of last week as SLORC and the DKBO made their way
north from Manerplaw towards Dawn Gwin, their main
objective was first to take control of Mae Sam Lap. Having done
this, they are now assured of supplies and the trade that occurs
there. Unfortunately for the local people living in Mae Sam Lap,
the last thing they want is to continue business with SLORC and
the DKBO. They are also very frightened of these people. The
day that SLORC made their way to Mae Sam Lap, the students sent a
boat to Mae Sam Lap to get some supplies for Yaung Ni Oo. They
did not know that the enemy had already reached the banks
opposite Mae Sam Lap. (The soldiers have occupied the Karen
checkpoint between Mae Sam Lap and Dawn Gwin.)
After the boat arrived, the students realized the situation and
made their way very quickly up the hill towards the student shop.
On the way it became very clear that travelling along the river
either by boat or on foot was very dangerous. By the time I left
yesterday, the only boats on the river were SLORC boats, but even
they were further south rather than in this area. It also means
that all lines of communication, travel, supplies, and access are
either cut or extremely limited.
There are some parts of the journey where we had to travel right
along the side of the river, hugging the rocks as we went. You
have to travel one by one at these points, and even then, you run
for it. They shoot at people anyway, and you have to hope that
they are just shooting to create fear rather than at you.
I reached Yaung Ni Oo at dusk. Khin Maung Win was
travelling with me together with one other student. As we
climbed up the hill to take the path into the village, a land
mine went off at Camp 209 which is on the Burma side of the river
opposite Yaung Ni Oo. SLORC were on their way.
All the families at the village have been moved deeper into
Thailand along the Yaung Ni Oo valley out of firing range. They
are living with two bamboo poles and a blanket for a roof.
Plastic mats serve as their floors. Belongings are in plastic
bags, and everybody is getting ready for the next move even
deeper into Thailand about 3 hours away. They will move step by
step. They have found a new place to settle which will be about
one hour trek from the road that runs from Mae Sariang to Mae Ka
Hta. Supplies, however, still have to be carried down the
mountain for about an hour. The Thai authorities in this area
are very sympathetic and have given the student families
permission to move deeper into Thailand. Chuan Leekpai visited
Mae Ka Hta and Mae Sam Lap last week and has told the Thai border
patrol and the Thai army to help those that flee from the Burma
side and into Thailand. The relationship with the local Thai
commander there is good. Thank goodness.
In the meantime, the Thai authorities have also given permission
for refugees in Bon Ya Hta and other new refugee camps north of
Daw Gwin the OK to move inside deeper. They realize that SLORC
will fire into Thailand and cross the river to steal supplies.
However, I am going up there again next week to check this out
and to make sure the student families have been able to move and
are settled safely.
The next morning I set off quite early to go and film the SLORC
who were on the other side of the river at a place called U Tu
Hta which is 1 km south of Dawn Gwin. I could not travel along
the river, so I spent four and a half hours travelling through
the jungle. It was really difficult, but by hanging from trees,
sliding down crevices, holding onto the roots of the bamboo for
stability, we finally made it to place on the Thai side opposite
U Tu Hta. The SLORC were using a helicopter to bring in troops
and
supplies, they were also using a boat. Along the mountain range
facing into Kawthoolei, towards Papun, they have set up their
artillery. I spent about an hour getting briefed as to the
situation and what all this means.
SLORC is clearly about to make a final push north. They are
using U Tu Hta right now as a place from which to launch their
attacks. About 1200 soldiers (3 batallions) are making their way
behind the mountains at U Tu Hta towards Dawn Gwin. Its only a
matter of days before they reach there and can keep going north.
SLORC will secure their control of the Salween, the Thais and
SLORC can talk about building their dams, and we will
continue to fight the military dictatorship.
The KNU and ABSDF will be formed into smaller guerilla units and
start being active inside Burma. There will not be a big HQ
either on the Burma side (obviously), nor will operations be run
from Thailand. Communications will be absolutely key here for
any of us to be able to function politically and effectively.
Funding is needed for political work and campaigns with a strong
focus on issues that we can win and that we can use to reach the
world community. More important than anything else, however, is
funding to support the movement inside Burma.
*****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI***********************
BRC-J: MORE FROM THE BORDER
FROM:NBH03114@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Burmese Relief Center--Japan
DATE:February 19, 1995
TIME 9:49AM JST
Mae Sariang
17 Feb. 1995
Hi Gang,
Finally left ShoKlo and Dr. KTO's kids. We
evacuated Tuesday--moved nearly everything except
basic supply of medicine at hospital. Dr.'s medics
stay on hand in shifts--still 2 in-patients and
outpatients everyday. Paw Pa Hta is nearly 80%
evacuated, only 1 shop remains open.
Here's an update on news:
13 Feb. 2 students walking from xx Thai village into
the Family Village were "attacked" by DKBO--DKBO are deep inside
Thailand. On e medic ran
away. The other student was captured by DKBO
but was released when he promised to negotiate
ABSDF's cooperation. Maybe DKBO doesn't want
to attack the students?
Update on boat attack--3 students dead. You can
imagine the confusion of the injured ones we met in
Mae Sot--they'd been sitting targets and barely
managed to swim to the bank with injuries. That
was the last ABSDF boat. One lost in an accident,
one seized in Mae Sam Lap, then this one.
ZZZ, a mutual friend, was scheduled to be on that
boat, but due to the mine accident at Dawn Gwin,
was called to accompany the victim to Mae Sot (the
amputee I mentioned previously). He, the medic,
left suddenly and his bag was following on that boat
that was captured after the attack. Unfortunately,
he'd kept a detailed diary....
You'll be glad to know that Ven. U Than Wara
Sayadaw of Peaceful Monastery, where the pagoda
was completed last year, evacuated to the Thai side
directly opposite his monastery. His monastery is
now occupied by DKBO.
Also, we heard on BBC the strongest condemnation
ever has come from Thai government (maybe you
know this, but I've been away from newspapers for
more than a week). Officially condemned SLORC
attacks on Thai side and blamed DKBO on SLORC.
More than 20 letters sent to Burma plus Burmese
Embassy called in for personal visit. SLORC local
regiment commander sent a letter to Thai troops--telling them to
move back and SLORC would
control the border until fighting finished.
The monk U Thu Za Na is being used by SLORC
and DKBO as figurehead leader. He's reported to
be in a monastery practicing/teaching Buddhism.
He's totally UNPOLITICAL and UNMILITARY.
SLORC propaganda at the moment. The offensive
is officially over for this season!!??!! And the KNU
Buddhist leader kidnaped VOLUNTARILY joined
the DKBO!!
Last night we had a scare at ShoKlo. We heard
gunshots very close. There was lots of panic, but it
turned out to be a Thai soldier angry over gambling.
There are rumors that DKBO is coming today (the
17th) or the 27th to Paw Pa Hta.
Meet E and C of (NGO) who just returned from
Family Village. They promised one month's supply
of food and medicine and, after that, will assess the
situation for further assistance.
The students need to move the Family Village again
because the second site is not secure. They are
worried about DKBO. Of course, ABSDF doesn't
want to stay with the refugees because they must
continue their political activities.
14 Feb. Mae Sariang office raided. All 8 men
present arrested. Not Ma Thet because she was sick
and also not another pregnant woman. The fine was
10,000 Baht.
As for the southern areas, villages are evacuating
voluntarily since the beginning of February's
offensive.
I suppose you hard that DKBO stole food from
refugees on Thai territory.
Further rumors of DKBO in Noe Bon (sp?) refugee
camp. They are said to have killed one high-ranking
KNU leader and to have planted mines at the school
and clinic in camp.
More when I can.
*****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI***********************
NLM/SLORC: ARTICLE ON THE CAPTURE OF MANERPLAW
The New Light of Myanmar
[Featuring accusations against Kevin Heppner, Robert Helvey and
Gene Sharp---BurmaNet]
04 February 1995 Yangon, 3 Feb - The Ministry of Defence held a
Press Conference in connection w ith the capturing of Manerplaw,
the KNU Headquarters by the breakaway Democratic Kayin Buddhist
Organization (DKBO) at Myanma Television and Radio Department on
Pyay Road at 9 :45 am today.
Present at the Press Conferec were Director Brig-Gen Aung Thun of
the Pu blic Relations and Psychological Warfare of the Ministry
of Defence Deputy Director Col Kyaw W in of the Defence Services
Intelligence, Officiating Head Lt-Col Kyaw Thein of Office of the
Strategic Studies, local and foreign newsmen headed by Managing
Director U Than Maung of the News and Periodicals Enterprise,
Director - General U Kyi Lwin of the Myanma Televis ion and Radio
Department and officials concerned.
Brig-Gen Aung Thein first explained the programme for clarifying
the situa tion in connection with the capturing of the Manerplaw
Camp of the KNU Headquarters by breakaway D KBO.
Col Kyaw Win then explained the situation of the capturing of the
Manerpl aw Camp of the KNU Hq by the break-away DKBO.
He said the State Law and Order and Restoration Council issued
Declaration No 11/97 on 24 April 1992 in connection with the
releasing of political prisoners who no lo nger posed a danger to
the general security and convening of National Convention in
order to lay down basic principles for the drafting of a
Constitution. Moreover, with a view to consoli dating national
unity, the Tatmadaw which was launching military offensives
against the armed g roups in the jungles, halted offensives for
national reconciliation on 28 April 1993. Secret ary-1 of the
State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt
extended invitations to arm ed national groups in the jungles to
return to the legal fold and join hands with the Gover nment in
implementing regional developmenttasks at Loikaw, Kayah State, on
17 November 1 993; at Thanbyuzayat in Mon State on 25 November
1993; at Hpa-an in Kayin State on 26 N ovember 1993 and at
Myapadine Village in Kawkareik Township, Kayin State on 5 April
199 4. In addition to this, the Secretary-1 time and again
extended invitations to the armed natio nal groups in the jungles
to return to the legal fold at ceremonies held by the State and
during his inspection tours of states and divisions.
The Government with the genuine goodwill for Myanmar Naing-Ngan
to become a peaceful, prosperous and modern nation extended a
hand of welcome to the KNU armed group in the jungles to return
to the legal fold, but the KNU, taking advantage of the halt in
military operations by the Tatmadaw, launched major offensives
against the Tatmadaw outpost in Htim ukhi and captured the
outpost on 25 July 1992. They also continued to attack Tatmadaw
co lumns on the move many times, shelled some towns and villages
where civilians lived with hea vy weapons, fired at buses along
the transportation route and robbed the people of their propert
y, killed civilians, kidnapped people, forcefully recruited
people from the villages and collected e xtortion money and
rations from the people and resorted to all sorts of destructive
acts and cause d the people much trouble in succession.
During the time of invitations extended to make peace, the KNU to
earn pol itical gains gathered together the DAB, NDF,
NLD(LA),NCGUB and formed the NCUB led by Bo M ya on 4 August 1992
and laid down a strategy to launch a diplomatic offensive to u
rge the United Nations to remove Myanmar Naing-Ngan as its member
nation and to disgrace Myanm ar Naing-Ngan internationally. After
that Bo Mya himself went to the United States and he took with
him a paper compiled by the KNU to be submitted at Carter Centre
entitled "Thoughts and Recommendations regarding US and UN policy
towards Burma" translated by a Canadian, Kevin Heppner. Some of
the words written under the sub-title "Suggest ions for US and UN
policy on Burma" were accusation against the government and for
the US t o take action against Myanmar Naing-Ngan according to
the following seven points: - (a) to impose arms and trade
embargo and to stop all assistance and investment s; (b) to stop
all arms sales to Myanmar Naing-Ngan by all international bodies;
(c) to prevent American firms from investing in Myanmar
Naing-Ngan; (d) for the international community to ostracize
Myanmar Naing-Ngan; (e) for US to pressure the government to put
an end to civil strife and to han d over power
to a civil government; (f) for US to deny assistance to Myanmar
Naing-Ngan which is not sincere in na rcotic drug
abuse control work; and (g) for US to make direct contacts with
DAB and NCUB in taking steps for peace .
He also went to the United Kingdom from 21 October to 5
November. The rema ining members of the NCUB went globe-trotting
in 1993 and 1994 and made false accusat ion against the
Government for human rights abuse, destroying the environment and
drug abus e control tasks so that the international community
will have wrong impression on the Governmen t and asked the UN to
recognize the NCUB as a member, to assist them financially, and
toured ma ny countries and asked some of the governments and
non-governmental organizations to provide them arms and
ammunition and food aid.
As the second strategy of the NCUB, it formed the Political
Defiance Commi ttee with the objective to use all sorts of
subversive acts so that the people will have wron g impressions
of the Government and lose their respect on it and so
disturbances and upheavals will break out in the country. Thus,
they made contacts with underground elements within the country
and distributed agitative pamphlets, set off bombs in townships
to disturb peace and tranquilit y and cause disturbances and
resorted to other disruptive acts. Those who gave training in
political defiance (PD) activities were a former retired US
Defence Attache Robert Helvey and one Gene Sharp. It was seen
that during the three-year period of extending invitation for
peace, t he KNU were bent on undermining the interest of the
people.
KNU Bo Mya sent KNU Lt-Col Law Wadi, demolition expert Lt-Col Saw
Isaac, m ining camp in charge Phado Saw Htoo and Jack to drug
warlord Khun Sa at Homein Camp and ha d discussions from 10 to 12
April 1994 on cooperation between KNU and MTA, assist ing in
making land mines and arms and ammunition and other economic
cooperation. Drug Warlord Khun Sa sent MTA Vice Chief of Staff
Kan Sitt and Khun Sai (Khun Sa's uncle) to KNU Hq in Manerplaw
where Bo Mya was and coordinated matters on cooperating in
military a nd economic affairs, from 15 to 17 April 1994,it is
learnt.
Although the Government with genuine goodwill extended an olive
branch, KN U leader Saw Bo Mya made his young leaders and
subordinates believe that peace will be made just to soothe them.
On the other hand he made use of the word "peace" just to get
political g ains and shouted out for peace just to make others
think so, but actually what he presnted were that it was not for
Kayin nationals,impossible for them and should not be so. He
maneuvered to turn peace into a political platform. The KNU
youths wanted peace to come one day and waited in v ain for
nearly years. As they were eager to penetrate the darkness and e
notelght, th dsaifction in their hearts, it is learnt.
There was about 80 per cent of Buddhists in the KNU group and all
of them revered Myainggyingu Sayadaw U Thuzana. In May 1993, Bo
Mya treated the Sayadaw rudely for building the Datthabala Pagoda
on Laykaytu Hill near Thumwehta and KNU Buddhis t troops and
civilians became dissatisfied with his attitude and about 400 of
them demonstra ted at Manerplaw camp. As Bo Mya had to give in
the problem was temporarily solved. Then again o n 29 November
1994, about 40 members of the Sangha including Myainggyingu
Sayadaw we re driven by Bo Mya and Rambo Monk from Thumwehta
area. Due to general dissatisfaction wh ich had cropped up in the
past on the KNU leaders, their selfishness, including their l
iving in luxury, bias in giving ranks, their unwillingness to
gain peace and other factors, they coul d no longer beat them.
KNU Buddhist soldiers and civilians took up arms against the KNU
led by B o Mya and revolted against them. Thus, members of KNU
central who were dissatisfied with Nga Mya and members of the
Brigades 1, 6 and 7 gathered force which swelled to a strength o
f over 3,000. This group formed the DKBO and opposed Nga Mya.
On 1 December 1994, the DKBO issued a declaration in which it
laid down th e four aims --- to achieve peace and tranquility for
the people in the entire Kayin State, to g ive priority to
progress, strive for economic development and to preserve the
religion and cult ure of Kayin nationals. Members of the DKBO
realized that the Kayin nationals will continfer as long as the
KNU led by Nga Mya exists. And they began to attack the base
camps of Ng a Mya. Local people gave their strongsupport to the
DKBO and drove out the KNU forces of Nga Mya. This had enabled
DKBO to occupy Nga Mya's base camps. During the occupation, tens
of thousands of people in Kayin State provided a great deal of
food and personal goods. On 5 January 1995, Nga Mya's KNU forces
launched massive offensives agains t DKBO which was winning
strong public support. As a result, Phaungdaw U Pagoda was
destroy ed and Aiksathaya Kyaungtaik and a sima were burnt down
at Thumwehta. Hundreds of peop le including civilians were
killed. Thumwehta village was destroyed. Under the circumstance
s, the people asked for Tatmadaw's help. Accordingly, the
Tatmadaw extended assistance to DKB O which has correct
objectives, with the aim of ensuring peace and tranquility in
Kayin Sta te and welfare of the people. Members of the DKBO were
emboldened by public support and Tatmadaw's a ssistance and they
won a series of victories over Nga Mya's forces finally
eliminating th em. At last, they occupied the Manerplaw camp of
the KNU headquarters.
KNU (Central) disintegrated due to Nga Mya's poor leadership,
narrow-minde dness, KNU leaders' establishment of businesses in
the other country and living in luxury there, unfair management
of the followers, restrictions on religious freedom and cheating
th e followers in the name of peace. When the KNU was formed, its
aim and conviction was to strive f or the development of Kayin
nationals. In practice, however, it had not accomplished a
nything. During its 46-year period of revolution, the KNU had not
done anything in the interest of Kayin State. Instead, it
blasted, fired on and set ablaze schools, hospitals, factories,
roa ds, bridges, motor vehicles and trains provided by the
government for the development of Kayin Sta sch destructive acts,
Kayin State became a battlefield. Troubled by military e
ngagements, the villagers were in no position to live in peace.
The farms they worked also beca me useless. They had to leave
their villages in ruin. Land owners finally turned out to be
refug ees. The State Law and Order Restoration Council, soon
after the assumption of State duties, resor ted to peaceful means
but the KNU leadership ignored public cause and peace.
Secretary-1 of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Lt-Gen
Khin Nyu nt, on behalf of the State Law and Order Restoration
Council, toured the states and extended a warm and hearty welcome
to the armed groups to return to the legal fold for the establis
hment of a peaceful, pleasant, modern and developed Myanmar and
for national reconciliation. This of fer has been known not only
in the country but also in the world. As a result, the Kachin In
dependence Organization (KIO),Kayinni National People's
Liberation Front (KNPLF),Kayan Nat ional Liberation Party(KNLP)
and Shan State Nationalities People's Liberation Organiz ation
(SSNPLO) armed groups returned to the legal fold. KNU, however,
did not turn up for a meeting.
After the government's peace offer, the people of Kayin State had
great ex pectations that the rays of peace had dawned and a
meeting would soon take place between the govern ment and the
KNU. Noted leaders of Kayin nationals in the country advised KNU
leaders headed by Bo Mya through correspondence or messengers
that it was most opportune for making peac e. In disregard of the
mass of Kayin State and Kayin elders, Bo Mya gave repeated
troubles to t he people with destructive acts during the nearly
three years when peace was being offered. Th e public, therefore,
detested and hated the KNU. While the public were longing for
peace, the DKBO which also aspires for peace, broke away from the
KNU. The people of the entire Kayin State then gave their
strongest support to the DKBO.
As the DKBO has correct aim to achieve peace and development in
Kayin Stat e, it has won full public support and also won
victories with the assistance of the Tatmadaw. Very soon, the
rays of peace will radiate in Kayin State and the residents will
fully enjoy th e fruits of peace.
Next, local and foreign media personnel asked questions. Director
of Publi c Relations and Psychological Warfare Brig-Gen Aung
Thein, Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Col Kyaw
Win and officiating Head of the Office of Strategic Strategies
Lt-Col Kyaw Thein replied to the points asked by the journalists.
The news conference ended at 11 am.
Similarly, the capturing of Manerplaw Camp of the KNU
headquarters by the break-away Democratic Kayin Buddhist
Organization was clarified to the military attaches a t the
Tatmadaw Guest House on Inya Road at 8 am today by Col Kyaw Win
and Lt-Col Kyaw Thein who also replied toquestions raised. - MNA
*****************KAREN STATE/KAWTHOOLEI***********************
BRC-J: TO THE DEFENDERS OF KAWMOORA
FROM:NBH03114@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Burmese Relief Center--Japan
DATE:February 18, 1995
TIME 4:40PM JST
SUBJ:To the Defenders of Kawmoora
The following is intended to offer encouragement to
the courageous defenders of Kawmoora, much in
our thoughts and prayers these days. BRC--J
THEY FOUGHT AND DIED AT KAWMOORA
The Tyrant sends his legions forth
Engines of death from the Cathay Khan (1)
Imported to Burma, once proud, now enslaved
"Crush the rebels", the Old Man raved. (2)
The Karen folk, Field of Victories lost
Ever free though their freedom be in death
Formed a last brigade, both vets and youth raw (3)
"They shall not pass at Kawmoora".
SLORC's guns and bombs do tear the earth
Trees flattened, rivers red with blood
Fires ravage the once green hills
The Demon of War, his belly fills.
The Commander said, " tis true we erred"
"Our rule was not completely just" (4)
"But ten thousands boys and girls,
their song so gay (5)
Laid down their lives for Kawthoolei".
"Shall the dream of liberty be forever lost
As old friends turn their backs on our fate?"
"Oh, Thais, were we the ones
who fair Ayutthaya raped? (6)
Not us, who in forest forts our liberty shaped".
At Thermopylae, that narrow pass, the Greeks held
back the Persian hoards. (7)
At Paris, the poor did rise,
declared their regime, then died. (8)
At Stalingrad did Rurik slay the Nazi beast. (9)
Of all these great events and men, the heroes of
Kawmoora are not the least.
Scholar, your den warmed by books,
exotic art and wifely love,
Remember those who fight and die a silent war
Remember the solemn oath
they took those fatal days
"They shall not pass at Kawmoora".
Donald M. Seekins
February 18, 1995
notes:
1: Cathay Khan: "Cathay" is an old Western name
for China. The Cathay Khan was Khubilai (1215-1294), who
established the Yuan Dynasty. But I use
this term to describe the despotic leaders of the
People's Republic of China.
2: The Old Man: Ne Win.
3. "vets": war veterans.
4: "not completely just": refers to the alleged
discrimination against Buddhist Karens in the Karen
National Union by its Christian leaders.
5: "gay": in the old meaning of the word, meaning
"happy"; not in its newer meaning, which is
"homosexual".
6: "fair Ayutthaya raped": refers to the Burman
pillage of the Siamese capital in the eighteenth
century.
7: At the Battle of Thermopylae, a small number of
heroic Greek soldiers defeated a much larger army
of Persians, whose king was determined to subjugate
Greece (fiy B.C.)
8: "their regime": refers to the Paris Commune of
1872, when workers took over Paris and established
a socialist regime. It was suppressed brutally that
same year by French government troops.
9: "Rurik": the legendary founder of Russia. Used
here to refer to ordinary Russian people, the "sons
and daughters of Rurik".
************************THAILAND******************************
SEASIA-L: THANONG MAY BE EXTRADICTED ON DRUGS CHARGE
L.J.Summers bit.listserv.seasia-l 8:05 AM Feb 15, 1995
(at SEAS.HULL.AC.UK) (From News system)
Content-type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
A major wire service reports that Thanong
Siripreechapong, the former Thai member of parliament whose
extradiction to the US is being sought by a California court, has
given himself up to authorities in Thailand. (He disappeared
earlier this month after a warrant had been issued for his
arrest.)
Thanong has denied involvement in drugs trafficking. He is due
to appear in a Thai court on Feb 23 when a public prosecutor may
decide to extradict him. Documents from the California case
implicate Thanong in marijuana smuggling operations netting more
than 10 million dollars over eleven years (1977-87). The report
states that, if Thanong is extradicted, this would be the first
time any Thai national has ever been sent abroad to face criminal
charges.
Can anyone confirm the last point? Does anyone know of
cases in the US implicating Cambodian officials? It is said by
people-whose-job-it-is-to-know [in the Cambodian government] that
a very high percentage of the private banks in that country exist
only for laundering profits from drugs trafficking. I hear much
less about the quantity of drugs smuggled via Cambodia.
L.J.Summers@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
-----------------------------------------------------------------
-------- Laura J. Summers, Centre for South-East Asian Studies;
The University of Hull; Kingston upon Hull HU6 7RX - U.K.
Tel/Fax: +44 (1482)465758
*****************************
Laura,
Thanong turned himself in and was refused bail. It is looking
like they might actually extradite him but I'm not sure he needs
to buy his plane ticket just yet. There are a number of other
Thai lawmakers who could find themselves in a similar position if
a precedent is set with Thanong.
Thanong has been indicted on smuggling 40 tons of marijuana and
eight others are sitting in American prisons for their part in
the same operation. Thanong hasn't been indicted for his
"alleged" involvement in heroin trafficking, but it is an open
secret.
If he is extradited to the U.S., he will be the first Thai
national, although several of Khun Sa's aides are facing a
similar fate (the validity of their citizenship papers is
dodgey).
Regards,
Strider
************************THAILAND******************************
BURMANET: LETTER--AKHA HERITAGE FOUNDATION (AHF) NEEDS SUPPORT
Posted by "Richard A. Crooker" <crooker@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
February 19, 1995
I am forwarding a parts of a recent letter that I received from
Matthew McDaniel, founder of the AHF, which is located in Mae
Sai. Perhaps some of your readers can assist him. Matthew is not
on the Internet, so he must be reached by either regular mail or
Fax. He can be contacted at: The Akha Heritage Foundation, P.O.
Box 40, Maesai, Chiangrai, Thailand 57130; Fax 66-53-733-055.
Matthew writes:
"I could use a reference guide to the Internet. Also, I could use
the names of any professional fraternal organizations who get
together for purposes other than talking shop. A lot of
physicians' organizations are like this, with a social action
side to it. I am looking for anyone who would support literacy
and the publishing of word work books for children.
"I am getting out to the [Akha] villages more often, as some
money comes in; but I really can use more supplies and more money
for what it takes to get the supplies out to the villages. There
are daily expenses required to keep this alll happening, from
postage to photos of what is going on to the transport and fuel
to get there.
"The need in the villages for the most basic medicines is so
great that it is often beyond what we can imagine in the West.
For instance, in the West we might see one child with scabies,
but here there are whole villages of people with scabies. The
amount of medicine it takes to get rid of them is a lot! Ring
worm or skin fungus is a similar situation. There is also head
lice, leading to secondary infections.
"Many of the villages need assistance in procuring a cleaner
water supply. Sometimes this can be done without piping, but it
is usually required, as cleaner sources, which are mountain
springs, are some distance away. Another serious problem is
malaria, common in all of the villages among children. Even
simple things like dysentery can be killers without basic
dehydration salts.
"In addition, I am looking for medical professionals or
organizations who can help with suppling equipment. Volunteer
Doctors and Nurses are welcome."
Additional needs that Matthew describes are as follows:
"Mapping out villages, finding out how many people are in them
and what the common illnesses are and probable causes . . . video
recording stories of the old folks is important to preserving the
knowledge of a vanishing culture . . . mini-projects like these
by way of d conducted by graduate students] . . . ."
Please consider assisting him or suggesting to him ideas or the
names of people who might be better able to support his needs.
**********************INTERNATIONAL***************************
SCB: BURMESE-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
DebbieW123@xxxxxxx
Feb 9, 1995
The Burmese American Association was founded in San Francisco,
California in 1993 and serves the Burmese community. Its Mission
Statements are as follows:
1. To protect our Constitutional Rights
2. To oppose all forms of Discrimination.
3. To achieve our Community Objectives, Socially and
Economically.
4. To hold high standards in every aspect of our Community
movements & services.
5. To keep informed of Myanmar Economic developments
6. To provide educational programs to the Community.
7. To maintain cultural heritage.
One Board member writes:
"Unity among our Community is depending on the leadership
perception and attitude. The leadership perception and attitude
should be for the benefit of the community. BAA success depends
on how the community foresee the leaders and their actions.
Maybe this is the last chance to unite the community to be
actively involved in the United States, socially and
economically."
Afforementioned Mission Statements cannot be accomplished without
committed leaders and supportive members.
Last year BAA succeeded in:
1) Offering translating services to the Burmese citizens who
sought aslyum in INS hearings (they entered the US illegally)
2) Organizing a picnic
3) Organizing a New Year's Party
4) Collecting and donating money to Burmese families in Los
Angeles who were affected by the L.A. earthquake
This year we would like to expand our services to the Burmese
community by:
1) Setting up educational programs ie. investing, financial
planning.
2) Legal Assistance through a legal referral program.
3) Working to protect our Constitutional Rights by sponsoring or
taking legal action to prohibit the elimination of Affirmative
Action as proposed by Governor Wilson.
We are seeking to have associations with various parts of
California and the United States so that we will be able to form
a larger network of members. If you are willing to be a
associate who can distribute information and solicit new members,
let us know.
Burmese American Association Membership Form.
(A Non-profit organization founded in 1993 in San Francisco,
California)
36526 Bottlebrush Ct., Newark, CA. 94560 (510) 795-0492
HOT LINE (510) 797-1BAA (797-1222)
Individual Member $25/year
Student $10/year
Senior Citizen (over 65) $10/year
Family $40/year
Life Member (individual) $100 (one time payment)
Life Member (Family) $200 (one time payment)
Names: 1. _______________________
2. _______________________
3. _______________________
Profession: _______________________
Work Phone: _______________________
Home Address: _______________________
City: _______________________
State: _______________________
Zip: _______________________
______ I/WE WOULD LIKE TO HELP WITH ASSN. ACTIVITIES
______ I/WE WOULD LIKE TO SERVE ON THE BOARD..
SIGNATURE ________________ DATE: _____________
Please send this form with your check to:
Burmese American Association
36526 Bottlebrush Ct.
Newark, CA. 94560
************
[If anyone has more information about the BAA's political views
(or lack of same), please contact BurmaNet.---Strider
**********************INTERNATIONAL***************************
BRC-J: IN BURMA MISERY DOES NOT LOVE COMPANY
Burmese Relief Center--Japan
DATE:February 18, 1995
TIME 9:04PM JST
SUBJ:Don't Visit Myanmar
Thinking of traveling to Burma?
The Burmese people ask that you please think again.
As long as the country is controlled by SLORC, the
brutal military junta, not only willyour visit fail to
benefit Burma, but it will actually hasten the
destruction of Burma'lture and people.
Here's how:
Tourism funds SLORC's war against the Burmse
people:
SLORC is promoting tourism as a quick and easy
way to sustain its military spending, which consumes
about half of the national budget. Wehre does this
money go? To buy the guns, bullets, and mortars
SLORC uses against its sole enemy: the Burmese
people.
Tourism enslaves the Burmese people: Tens of
thousands of civilians are being forced by the
Burmese goverrk without pay, often in
shackles, to construct road and to carry out other
projects intended to attract tourists.
Tourism destroys Burma's heritage: In Shan State, a
palace treasured by the local people was destroyed
by the SLORC and is being replaced by a replica.
Why? To demoralize the Shan people and at the
same time reap tourist dollars. Historic houses in
Mandalay and Rangoon are also being razed to
widen roads and build hotels in preparation for the
flood of tourists SLORC expects for its Visit
Myanmar Year 1996.
Don't be one of SLORC's "fellow travelers." Don't
come to Burma until democracy does.
Come back when we're FREE!
DON'T visit Myanmar Year 1996 or 1995, for that
matter.
For more information, contact:
Burmese Relief Center--Japan
266-27 Ozuku cho
Kashihara, Nara 634, Japan
Tel: +81-7442-8236
Fax: +81-7442-4-6254
**********************INTERNATIONAL***************************
BRC-J: PROTEST NISSEKI
FROM:NBH03114@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Burmese Relief Center--Japan
DATE:February 18, 1995
TIME: 8:15PM JST
STRIKE a blow against dictatorship
STRIKE a blow for democracy
Join our Drive-by Protest against Nisseki
Fill up at Nisseki, and you fill the pockets of Slorc,
the brutal military junta controlling Burma. Nippon
Oil, by exploring in Burma, exploits Burma's people.
Here's how:
Strategic pipeline placement: Slorc wants to build a
500-km pipeline thrree Pagodas Pass area in Mon State. The Mon
are one of many ethnic groups struggling against the oppressive
regime. Nisseki has given Slorc an excuse to rape and
relocate Mon villagers.
Slave labor: Slorc routinely forces ordinary people
to work under inhuman conditions and without
compensation to build pipelines, service roads, and
other support structures for the oil industry.
Supporting dictators:The money Nippon Oil pays to
inst opposition groups and tightens Slorc's weapons
grip on power.
Fed up? Then don't fill up! Instead, drive through
your local Nisseki station and tell the attendant why
you aren't buying and register your support for
democracy in Burma.
Fed up? Then write Nippon Oil! Japanese companies
are sensitive to pressure. Tell Mr. Hidejiro Osawa,
Nippon Oil's President, to stop doing business with
Slorc and to withdraw. Just drop a postcard or send
a fax to Nisseki, and register your support for
democracy in Burma.
Mr. Hidejiro Osawa
President
Nippon Oil Co. Ltd.
1-3-12 Nishi Shimbashi
Minato-ku
Tokyo 105, JAPAN
Tel. (82) 3-3502-1111
Fax. (82) 3-3502-9351
As a sample:
Dear Mr. Osawa,
Your company's involvement in Burma is
fueling a cruel dictatorship, which engages in slave
labor, forced relocation, and other blatant abuses of
human rights. As a supporter of Burma's
Democracy Movement, I urge Nippon Oil to
immediately withdraw from Burma.
Thank you for your prompt attention.
Sincerely,
Want to help more? Contact:
Burmese Relief Center--Japan
266-27 Ozuku-cho, Kashihara-shi, Nara-ken 634
Tel: (07442) 2-8236 -- Fax: (07442) 4-6254
**********************INTERNATIONAL***************************
U.WASHINGTON: STUDENT SENATE RESOLUTION
The Associated Students of the University of Washington passed
the following Student Senate Resolution on Tuesday, Feb. 14th:
Associated Students of the University of Washington
Student Senate
First Regular Session
R 1-2
January 6, 1995
Timothy Landon
Beth Kempton
University Affairs
University Investments In Corporations Doing Business in Burma
(Myanmar)
WHEREAS the illegitimate military government of Burma (Myanmar),
the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), brutally
suppresses Burmese people's movement toward democracy and has
massacred or imprisoned thousands of human rights demonstrators.
1
WHEREAS since 1989, SLORC has held under house arrest Nobel Peace
Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party, the National League
for Democracy, won a landslide victory in the national elections.
2
WHEREAS President Clinton urged SLORC to "release Aung San Suu
Kyi and all political prisoners, respect the results of the May
1990 elections and commit itself to genuine democratic reform."
3
WHEREAS former ambassador to Burma, Burton Levin, stated:
"Foreign investment in most countries acts as a catalyst ot
promote change, but the Burmese regime is so single-minded that
whatever money they obtain from foreign sources, they pour
straight into the army while the rest of the country is
collapsing."
4
WHEREAS Levi Strauss, Liz Claibourne, Eddie Bauer, and Amoco have
ceased operations in Burma.
5
WHEREAS the University of Washington currently holds stock in
corporations known to be operating in the country of Burma. 6
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON:
THAT the Unviversity of Washington will vote its proxies in favor
of shareholder's resolutions that request corporations to publish
a report on their operations in Burma or to withdraw f
Notes
1. From proposed resolution at Unocal Corporation Annual
Shareholder's Meeting,
4-25-94
2. ibid
3. ibid
4. ibid
5. Seattle Post-Intelligncer, 10-27-94, p. B10
6. Meeting with V'Ella Warren, 12- 6 -94; Unocal $302,476,
PepsiCo $2,000,000, SantaFe Energy $684,000
*****************************************************************
Burma Action Group
University of Washington
tlandon@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Box 119, HUB 207, FK-30
(206) 548-9029 Seattle, WA 98195
*****************************************************************
**********************INTERNATIONAL***************************
UWD: REGENTS ASKED TO SUPPORT SHAREHOLDER'S RESOLUTIONS
University of Washington Daily
Wed. Feb 15, 1995
The issue of human-rights violations in Burma has again been
raised by a group of five UW students.
"We have formed a student organization - the Burma Action Group,"
graduate student Beth Kempton said.
The UW Student Senate voted yesterday to ask the Board of Regents
to support a shareholder resolution encouraging companies in
which the University owns stock to cease investment in Burma.
The primary companies affected would be Unocal, in which the UW
holds $700,000 worth of stocks, and PepsiCo, in which the UW has
more than $1 million invested, Kempton said.
UW investments are under the oversight of the the Board of
Regents' Finance Committee, according to Treasurer V'Ella Warren.
Students met with her on Monday to "discuss whehter or not it
would be appropriate for the UW to support a particular side of
the question," Warren said.
"Issues of this type could be resolved by the Finance Committee,
or they might refer it to the BOR," she added.
There is precedent for the UW taking such a stand on investments.
According to Warren, the UW divested its stock in South Africa in
1986. The divestiture ended when Nelson Mandela was elected
president, ending years of white rule.
*****************************************************************
Burma Action Group
University of Washington
tlandon@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Box 119, HUB 207, FK-30
(206) 548-9029 Seattle, WA 98195
*****************************************************************
**************************************************************
NEWS SOURCES REGULARLY COVERED/ABBREVIATIONS USED BY BURMANET:
ABSDF: ALL BURMA STUDENT'S DEMOCRATIC FRONT
AP: ASSOCIATED PRESS
AFP: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
AW: ASIAWEEK
AWSJ: ASIAN WALL STREET JOURNAL
Bt.: THAI BAHT; 25 Bt.3 DUS$1 (APPROX),
BBC: BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION
BI: BURMA ISSUES
BKK POST: BANGKOK POST (DAILY NEWSPAPER, BANGKOK)
BRC-CM: BURMESE RELIEF CENTER-CHIANG MAI
BRC-J: BURMESE RELIEF CENTER-JAPAN
CPPSM: C'TEE FOR PUBLICITY OF THE PEOPLE'S STRUGGLE IN MONLAND
FEER: FAR EAST ECONOMIC REVIEW
IRRAWADDY: NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED BY BURMA INFORMATION GROUP
KHRG: KAREN HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP
KNU: KAREN NATIONAL UNION
Kt. BURMESE KYAT; UP TO 150 KYAT-US$1 BLACK MARKET
106 KYAT US$1-SEMI-OFFICIAL
6 KYAT-US$1 OFFICIAL
MOA: MIRROR OF ARAKAN
MNA: MYANMAR NEWS AGENCY (SLORC)
NATION: THE NATION (DAILY NEWSPAPER, BANGKOK)
NCGUB: NATIONAL COALITION GOVERNMENT OF THE UNION OF BURMA
NLM: NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR (DAILY STATE-RUN NEWSPAPER, RANGOON)
NMSP: NEW MON STATE PARTY
RTA.:REC.TRAVEL.ASIA NEWSGROUP
SCB.:SOC.CULTURE.BURMA NEWSGROUP
SCT.:SOC.CULTURE.THAI NEWSGROUP
SEASIA-L: S.E.ASIA BITNET MAILING LIST
SLORC: STATE LAW AND ORDER RESTORATION COUNCIL
USG: UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
XNA: XINHUA NEWS AGENCY
**************************************************************