Government allows publication of two Chin newspapers again

The Chin state government has granted permission to publish Hakha Post and Tidim Post again after the two newspapers were banned for not having registration from the Ministry of Information. Pu Lalawmpuia, Editor of Hakha Post said, “We have got permission to publish our newspaper, but are yet to get the official letter from the concerned authority. We will start publishing immediately.”

Similarly, the weekly newspaper Tidim Post was also permitted to re-publish from December 3 and it has gone in for printing from December 6, according to Editor Pu Thang Van Lian.

“It is a great pleasure to publish our newspaper again,” he said.

The Hakha Post and Tidim Post newspapers were banned by the Chin state government on September 29 and October 16, as these are not registered officially.

Meanwhile, Zolengthe and the Falam Post continue to be banned by the state government.

http://khonumthung.org/2014/12/09/government-allows-publication-of-two-chin-newspapers-again/

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Kaladan Movement group urge clarity on Kaladan Project

The Kaladan Movement group has urged the Government of India, Myanmar and India’s ESSAR Company to bring clarity on the Kaladan project for the benefit of the local people.  A statement by the group on 11 June pointed out that there is no proper information about the consequences of the Kaladan multipurpose project to respective local people, although the Myanmar and the Indian government have been working on the project for about four  years.

“Although it has been four years now , no information about the consequences of the Kaladan project on the environment and highway are available to the local people. That’s why we request the governments of
India and Myanmar to clarify the issues involved,” said Salai BawiPi, an official of the Chin Human Rights Organization.

The project was expected to be completed in 2016 on an expenditure of USD 214 million. It will cross Rakhai state, Chin state from Sittwe harbour to Paletwa township to Mizoram northeast state of India via a waterway or road.

Currently, ESSAR, the Indian company is constructing the Sittwe and Paletwa harbours.

“For ESSAR, consulting the local people is the best way for working on this kind of project as the local people are experts in social and environment issues in this area so as to prevent harmful activities from
the project,” said Salai Bawipi.

Meanwhile , the statement claimed that there was no compensation given to the local people of Lawngadu village after using 16 acres of land, owned by 11 persons, the value of which is Kayat 5 lakhs per acre till date, though the company has already promised to pay them.

Kaladan Movement group is one of the allied groups affected by the Kaladan Multi-transit Project on the issues of human rights, social issues, business and environment. In the group, Arakan River Network (ARN), Chin Human Right Organization (CHRO) and Zo Indigenous Forum (ZIF) are also included.

http://khonumthung.org/2014/06/12/kaladan-movement-group-urge-clarity-on-kaladan-project/

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Chin state government to replace poppy by other crops

In a move to eradicate opium cultivation, the Chin state government proposes to replace poppy plantations in Tonzang Township, where most such fields exist, by other kinds of crop plantations. The authorities are also making a list of farmers to provide them loans for alternative crop plantations since July 20.
“It is a good move by the government,” said an elder in Tonzang town.
The interest for the loan will be about 1.5 Kyat and the installment for the repayment will be spread over seven years. Over 4,000 persons have already enrolled for getting loans. In Tonzang town, about 50 people own poppy plantations.
“We don’t know when the loan will be available, but applications are still being received,” said a local.
Meanwhile the Chin state government is planning to provide loans to the tune of Kyat 7 lakhs per acre for cultivation of East Indian arrowroot and Kyat 4 lakhs per acre for Parkia-Roxburghii.
“These are the government’s current programmes,” said a local.
The current market price of arrowroot (green) is Kyat 300 per kilogram, while it is Kyat 1,000 per kilogram for dry arrowroot. A Parkia Roxburghii tree can cost between Kyat 10,000 and 15000, while the fruits are for Kyat 1,000 per kilogram.
Although the state government plans to provide loans for agricultural plantations, there is no detailed information on the loan scheme.

http://khonumthung.org/?p=911

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Traders affected due to badly damaged border road

Traders traversing the No. 2, Indo- Burma border trade road are facing severe problems because of the badly damaged road  between Kalemyo, Sagaing division and Tiau Sub-township of Falam Township, Chin state Burma following the onset of the rainy season.

The traders are concerned, fearing road accidents given the badly damaged Indo- Burma trade road, said a traveller.
“The road is severely damaged between Tiau and Hai Mual Village in Falam Township. Most travellers have to walk instead of using vehicles,” said a traveller.
“This road is very important for us traders and travelers for carrying goods for business. But the motor routes are damaged and so it is very dangerous. I never take a vehicle along the badly damaged road, I usually walk,” said a trader.
The traders of Indo- Burma trade road spend more time on the road spending more money as travel cost resulting in a loss of capital. Some traders hire motorcycles to reach their destination.
Around 10 trucks operate on No. 2, Indo-Burma border and carry 12 to 13 passengers instead of carrying only seven passengers.
“Carrying only seven passengers do not cover fuel prices, so, we transport over 10 passengers,” said a truck owner.

http://khonumthung.org/?p=903

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Army strength increased in Paletwa Township

The strength of the Burmese Army has been increased from this month in Paletwa Township, western Burma.

The Burmese Army authorities have posted Infantry Battalion (IB) No. 563 and IB No. 344 in Dochaungwa and Khamuahwa villages. Additionally, there will be two military battalions in the area.
“Some soldiers were moved to IB No- (55) in Mariehwa and Sinletwa army camp, but we do not know why,” said a local.
Some local people suspect that the authorities have beefed up security because of the Rohingya conflict in Arakan state.
The Khumi Media Group in its website said that a report was submitted to local authorities about seven Rohingya rebels in Pakawa and Muiletwa village of upper Paletwa Township by local people.
Two battalions of the Burmese Army are being commanded by two tactical commanders in Paletwa Township. The Paletwa Township has the maximum number of army camps in Chin state.
The Chin National Front and the Arakan Liberation Army also actively operate in Paletwa Township.
The Chin National Front (CNF) and the Burmese government are yet to agree on setting up CNF camps in Paletwa Township proposed by CNF at the union level peace talks.

http://khonumthung.org/?p=899

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Myanmar’s peace process will harm Chin people

By Khuaning Letaung (Feature) – A welcome peace process in Myanmar has already taken enough time, almost a year, but the fruit still tastes bitter in many ethnic areas. There is good reason to ask “Is a peace process another kind of operation to conquer ethnic nationalities?” Fighting is on, not only in Kachin state but has spread to Shan state despite a peace agreement having been signed. Again in Chin state’s southern part, the government has increased two battalions, which is eight fold and can be compared to the situation before 1988.

Militarization always comes first
Chin state was peaceful, given the standard set in the Myanmar military regime, over the past 40 years – from 1948 to 1988 – only to become the poorest state of the country. The Myanmar governments’ manner of constructing roads and communication system was only to strategize military operations against the ethnic armed groups. So, Chin was ignored for long. At the same time the government of Myanmar deployed only two battalions to control the state. After the Chin National Front’s struggle since 1989, the military deployment increased dramatically up to 14 battalions and now is increased to 16 although a peace agreement was signed between the two sides early this year. What could be Nay Pyi Daw’s planning?
Nay Pyi Daw’s peace process package with the contents of cease-fire, development and then political dialogue was offered early in this quasi civilian government’s tenure. International circumstances forced ethnic armed groups to acquiesce, being almost the only option for them. Conflict affected civilians of long also supported the peace process without any knowledge of the plan behind it. Some international community’s had high expectations from President Thein Sein. The majority of the population’s voices have become faint. The worst thing is to be seen as a pessimist. Before satisfactory action in accordance with peace agreements, militarization always comes first as earlier.
Impact of conflict
With the CNF struggle, the increase in military forces made Chin people suffer. According to a Physicians without Borders report 98% of Chin state people were abused and violated. Again according to religious sources, 2/3 of the population of Chin state migrated outside the state for better or for worse, they estimated. Only the elderly, disabled, women and children remain in the state now. The UNDP reported that the state has over 73% of the population below the poverty line, the highest in the country. Chin religious leaders, are the first ones to be targeted, because they are always on the frontline, defending the Chin people, while dealing with problems. And religious persecution is the highest in the country in Chin state. From this religious line, they can control 90% of the population of Chin state, because most are Christians.
Under this very popular peace process and quasi civilian government, religious persecution increased, extortion went up and other Human Rights violations remained the same, the Chin Human Rights Organization has documented.
Impact of development projects
Under the various development schemes, the rivers in the state are dammed, the mineral resources are exploited, and beautiful places are to be set as tourism projects. There are many more ways to harm the Chin community across the state. Thousands of Chin families have to escape the development plan. Nat Ma Taung National Park and tourism covers 37 villages, the Kaladan Multimodal Transport Transit project will affect the livelihood of thousands in Paletwa township and Lemro dam project plan will drive 60 villages away in southern part of the state.
Local movements to protect mount Victoria (Nat Ma Taung), to save Lemro River and to make Kaladan River healthy have been suppressed by the authorities. Mining in the northern part of the state harms the Zomi community. To suppress the local movements more forces will be sent in the very near future. The remaining population is sure to face food shortage again, same as the famine from bamboo flowering two years ago in those particular areas. Poverty has also increased.
The price of peace is very high
Chin state seems to be the cheapest in the country so peace can be bought and sold at whatever price the government wants. The CNF, the national political front and armed group are silent over the issues in the state. And Chin political parties dare not talk about the issues. Most of them reason that the peace they need may be better in economic terms. Even though some people know that keeping silent for the sake of the peace process is not the proper way but they have to look at the faces of leaders one after another. So the fate of the Chin nationals can be paid with this peace process and there will be no more Chins in Chin state.
This is the direction the peace process is going. When it is time to talk about national politics, which Thein Sein calls ‘Comparative to Panglong,’ Chin state may have a small population. Thinking beyond the reach is now happening in Chin politics. We need leaders, who can match ground level issues with national politics urgently. We need a Daniel who dared to say ‘NO’ to King Nebuchad’s officer and multiplied the followers who dared to say the ‘SAME’ to the King himself even in a situation of life and death. This is the way to save the Chin people from the impact of so called development brought on by the peace process.
http://khonumthung.org/?p=897

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CNF forms organizing committee in northern Chin state

On August 6 a Public Consultation Organizing Committee (PCOC) was formed by the Chin National Front (CNF) in Than Tlang Town, where a liaison office of CNF is based.
Two members from each political party, social groups, town elders and members of religious groups of Than Tlang Town, Chin state are in the committee. There are 12 members in the committee.
A PCOC member told Khonumthung that the Than Tlang CNF liaison office authorities have called a meeting with USDP, NUP, CNP, NLD parties, YMCA, town elders, religious persons to form a committee for smooth functioning.
“About 160 people, including 10 women attended the PCOC meeting to form the committee. Discussions were conducted frankly among participants before forming the Public Consultation Organizing Committee,” said Pu Bawisum, the second in-charge of Than Tlang CNF liaison office.
Pu HC Ralhnin, CNF’s liaison office in-charge of Than Tlang stated in the meeting that the meeting was called to discuss about the public and CNF’s relationship. It had nothing to do with politics following the agreement between the government and CNF. We formed an organizing committee to monitor the public and CNF’s relationship.
Various groups urged the CNF that the committee should prohibit alcohol, and address public issues.
The first Public Consultation Organizing Committee was formed in Matupi and will operate from the office of CNF and then the PCOC will be formed in Falam and Hakha, the capital of Chin state soon.
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 http://khonumthung.org/?p=882

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Peace process one step closer one year after

As the first anniversary of President Thein Sein’s call for peace talks draws near, most non-Burman armed movements that either have concluded ceasefire agreements of are still negotiating say they are getting one step closer now though there is still “an awful lot” to be done.
Many points of the previous agreements signed still need to be implemented, before new ones could be negotiated and signed, according to a conclusion made at a recent meeting on the Thai-Burmese border.

U Aung Min and Sao Yawdserk, in Kengtung, 18 May 2012

On the bright side, 7 of the 12 ceasefire groups have set up liaison offices in government-controlled cities and towns:
Arakan Liberation Party (ALP)             2
Chin National Front (CNF)                    2
Karen National Union (KNU)                3
Karenni National Progressive Party      3
New Mon State Party (NMSP)             8
Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS/SSA)        6
Shan State Progress Party (SSPP/SSA)         2
Several groups also spoke of public consultations that they have been conducting, out of which have emerged volunteers for the Peace Monitoring Program, expected to be launched soon. (U Aung Min, Vice Chairman of the Union Peacemaking Work Committee, disclosed that regulations for Peace Monitors were still being drafted. He did not say when it will be finished.)   
The groups have also been able to meet among themselves to discuss and agree upon a 7 point platform calling for :
•    Talks outside each side’s “sphere of influence”
•    An international body of observers
•    Negotiations with all armed movements, both ceasefire and non-ceasefire
•    A convention among ethnic movements, both armed and non-armed
•    A broad-based national convention made up delegates from the ethnic forces, democratic forces and
     the government
•    Decisions reached at the said national convention to be implemented by all concerned
•    Completion of the process “before the general elections in 2015”
U Aung Min, speaking at a press conference on 7 July, also reiterated Naypyitaw’s 3 step roadmap. Ceasefire, political dialogue and Panglong-like Conference before 2015.
On the other hand, all still bemoan the fact that there is still fighting between the Burma Army and the ethnic armies all of whom have signed ceasefire agreements, particularly the Kachin Independence Organization (1994), RCSS (2011) and SSPP (2012). “As long as fighting goes on, suspicions will continue,” said a participant, “which will pose as a stumbling block to a successful political dialogue.”
U Aung Min, Naypyitaw’s key negotiator, also appears to be aware of the fact. “Please inform Chairman Yawdserk (of RCSS) that I really feel embarrassed about the situation,” he told a Shan representative recently.
“We have reached several agreements, but only a scant of them has been implemented.”
President Thein Sein made a verbal invitation on 17 August 2011 for peace talks. The written invitation came out from the Presidential Office the next day.

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Chin state government issues license to sell alcohol

Chin state, Myanmar authorities have permitted selling of alcohol in its townships. Licenses are being issued to the public from this month.
The first phase of the license to sell alcohol is valid for six months in Matupi town, the second capital of Chin state. The license costs 17 lakh Kyats. A license buyer has to pay Kyat 2.5 lakhs to the state government, said a local in Matupi.
“However, there is no official date set in the state, it could be September. The license is being issued from the Township General Administration office. We don’t know how much the cost in the second phase of the license to sell alcohol for Matupi Township will be” he added.
The license will be given to seven persons in Matupi town directly from the office. Of these, all persons are in Cangbawng and Khuaboi blocks in Matupi.
The license holders can open wine shops from 10 am to 6 pm, in accordance with government rules and coinciding with office hours. They are prohibited from selling to people less than 18 years of age.
However, no one can sell alcohol in the state expect license holders, but if illegal selling continues, the authorities will take action.
The state government is issuing limited license fare (revenue) for each township in a year – accounting for 35 lakh Kyat for Matupi Township, 50 lakh Kyat for Mindat and 100 lakh Kyat for Hakha town.
Selling of alcohol was prohibited in Matupi Township during the period 2004-2007 under the military junta as many youths died due to alcohol abuse and irresponsible behaviour. So, all members of Christian Churches in Matupi had purchased the licenses from the government and they did not sell alcohol to the public. They paid 25 lakh Kyats as revenue to the government every year from 2009 to 2011, but now the revenue targeted has been increased and the churches cannot afford it anymore.
In the meantime, many parents in Matupi Township are concerned about their young ones because the license to sell alcohol is being given from this year.

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