China warns citizens against cross border travel to Burma
Authorities on the Chinese side of the Sino-Burma border are warning their citizens not to cross the border or to make investments in Burma.
According to the Kachin News Group (KNG) A4 sized posters have been put up in border markets, road intersections and road corners in Chinese territory.
KNG quotes local sources as saying the posters [...]
Nargis volunteers arrested
Authorities in Rangoon’s Dagon Seikkan Township have arrested several members of a volunteer group helping victims of Cyclone Nargis reports the Mizzima News Agency.
Members of the Lin Let Kye volunteer group were arrested on Tuesday evening and taken for questioning.
Friends of the volunteers were told they were being taken to the Home Ministry. However, the [...]
Burma using torture in ordinary criminal cases
In Burma torture is not reserved just for political prisoners. According to a statement from the Hong Kong based Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), it is also widely used on poor suspects accused of ordinary criminal offenses.
AHRC found victims range from teenage girls to the elderly. Advanced torture methods are also being used by ordinary [...]
US$103 million needed for critical needs in Nargis recovery
Foreign Ministers from ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) are calling for more funds to support people affected by Cyclone Nargis that hit Burma in May 2008. They are looking to raise US$103 million under the Prioritised Action Plan, drawn up by the Tripartite Core Group, which comprises ASEAN, the UN and the Burmese Government.
The [...]
US Concerned About Religious Freedom in Burma
Burma has once again been listed as a Country of Particular Concern in the latest edition of the US State Department’s Annual International Religious Freedom Report.
The report, released this week notes that there was no change in the Government’s limited degree of respect for religious freedom during the reporting period”.
“Religious activities and organizations were subject [...]
Raids on KNU leaders homes in Mae Sot
Thai security forces launched early morning raids on the homes of several senior leaders of the Karen National Union (KNU) on Tuesday reports Mizzima.
Members of the Thai police and army conducted the 6 A.M. raids. Among the homes raided were those of KNU Chairman, Tamala Baw and Vice-chairman, David Thackerbaw.
There was no word of any [...]
Environmental damage causing health problems in Kachin State
Affected area source: FBR
Large scale jade mining in northern Burma’s Kachin State is destroying the environment and causing severe health problems for local residents says relief group the Free Burma Rangers (FBR).An FBR relief team in the area reports mining companies at the Hpakant Jade Mine are causing pollution, erosion and [...]
DKBA and KNU in secret talks
The Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and the Karen National Union (KNU) have been holding secret talks aimed at reuniting the two armed Karen groups it has been revealed.
The Democratic Voice of Burma quotes sources close to the groups as saying talks began on October 16.
A letter from an influential Buddhist monk, U Thuzana, the [...]
DKBA defectors return to the KNU
More than 100 soldiers from the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), a pro-junta militia have defected to the Karen National Union (KNU) since June reports the Irrawaddy.
Recent months have seen heavy fighting between the DKBA and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the armed wing of the KNU. The soldiers are said to have defected, [...]
Kachin group officially transforms into government militia
A Kachin group that split from the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) and its armed wing the Kachin Independence Army has officially transformed into a local militia group under the command of the Burmese Army reports the Kachin News Group (KNG).
The Lasang Awng Wa Peace Group officially became the Lawa Yang Militia at a ceremony at [...]
Villagers forced to relocate as DKBA prepares for assault on Brigade 5
The Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) is taking up positions in preparation for an attack on the Karen National Liberation Army’s (KNLA) 5th Brigade.
The offensive follows the successful joint DKBA-Burmese Army offensive against Brigade 7 in June (see: 7th Brigade Headquarters falls). Over 4,000 Karen villagers were forced to flee into Thailand to escape the [...]
Military moving troops at night in Shan State
The Burmese Army is moving hundred of troops and supplies at night through areas controlled by the Shan State Army (SSA) North, an ethnic ceasefire group.
The Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN) reports that trucks believed to be carrying ammo, mortars and other heavy weapons have been arriving from elsewhere in Shan State since October [...]
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Mae Sot weather
