The desertion, in April of a 1,000 Border Guard Force soldiers from under the control of the Burma Army has given a huge boost to other Karen armed groups.
Karen News reporter Saw K’ Shee has just returned from interviewing the renegade BGF leader, Major Saw Beeh at his undisclosed jungle headquarters.
The former BGF fighters are well organised. They have plenty of equipment, weapons, and bombs. They are prepared for war.
Major Saw Beeh explained to Karen News why he split from under the Burma army control.
“Our Karen people didn’t like the BGF, they looked like the Burma army and the people were afraid we would act like the Burma army if we remained BGF.”
Major Saw Beeh said not long after the BGF hand over ceremony the Burma army started to impose restrictions on the former Democratic Karen Buddhist Army fighters.
“We asked for our DKBA insignia to be sewn on our uniforms, but they refused. We were not allowed to attend Karen cultural celebrations, not even Karen New Year.”
Major Saw Beeh said he’s prepared to work and fight together with KNU fighters against the Burma army. “If we’re fighting they’ll help us, if they’re fighting we’ll help them.”
Major Saw Beeh said Karen should help Karen.
“We both have the same ideas, we both know who we have to fight and why. Karen people need their freedom, we have to fight for our survival and our culture.”
Major Saw Beeh says about 1,000 of his former DKBA allies who joined the BGF have remained with the BGF under the control of the Burma army.
“After we left the BGF I argued with Major General Chit Thu about why we were leaving. I’ve lost contact with him now. The BGF and the Burma army regard us as the enemy, if they want to think like this we are prepared to fight.”
Major Beeh’s men look ready to fight. His fighters make homemade explosives, clean 81mm mortars and practice operational drills.
Hnin May Aung (aka Nobel Aye), a prominent female political prisoner in Burma, has been denied visits by her family for calling on the Burmese government to withdraw a public statement claiming that the country has no political prisoners.
Relatives told The Irrawaddy that when they arrived at Monywa Prison in Sagaing Region on July 7, they were told that they could not see Nobel Aye because she had broken prison rules.
Hnin May Aung (aka Nobel Aye) (Photo: AAPP)
“Her father had no chance to give her the parcel we had prepared for her. When he asked a prison official why he couldn’t see her, he was told that a superior official had instructed them to bar family visits, because if someone breaks the prison rules, they should be punished. But the official didn’t say which rule my daughter broke,” said Nobel Aye’s mother, Aye Myint Than.
Aye Myint Than said that while her husband was waiting to meet with the prison official, he could hear his daughter calling out for her mother, who usually came for prison visits, but was unable to do so on this occasion.
“I’m so worried about her because she is suffering from jaundice. I haven’t been able to sleep well since I heard about her calling for me like that,” she added.
This episode occurred just one day after Nobel Aye submitted a letter to prison officials calling on Vice President Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Foreign Affairs Minister Wunna Maung Lwin and presidential adviser Ko Ko Hlaing to retract their recent reiteration of the government’s position that the country has no political prisoners.
Nobel Aye is currently serving her second prison term. She was first imprisoned in 1998, when she received a 42-year sentence for engaging in non-violent political activities together with her mother. She was released under an amnesty in July 2005, following the ouster of Gen Khin Nyunt and the disbandment of his military intelligence apparatus.
She was arrested again on Aug 23, 2007 for taking part in a protest led by the 88 Generation Students group following a dramatic hike in fuel prices that later sparked monk-led demonstrations.
Nobel Aye is not the only political prisoner who has spoken out against the government’s claims that there are no political detainees in Burma. Nay Phone Latt, a blogger who is serving a 12-year prison sentence in Pa-an Prison in Karen State, also opposed the government officials’ statements.
“They [political prisoners] can’t accept this because they have to serve their full prison terms even after other prisoners were granted a remission,” said Aye Aye Than, mother of Nay Phone Latt, who last visited her son in early July.
Meanwhile, five political prisoners in Meiktila Prison in Mandalay Region have also sent a letter to Burma’s new president, ex-Gen Thein Sein, calling for their immediate release and a public examination of their cases.
According to the Thailand-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, there are 1,994 political prisoners currently serving sentences Burma’s prisons, of whom 145 are women.-Irrawaddy news
Soldiers of the Mon National Liberation Army, the armed wing of the New Mon State Party, patrol territory controlled by the ethnic armed group. (Photo : Lawi Weng)
The statement released by the OMCC on Sunday said, “We urge UNFC members to abide by its policy of standing firmly together and helping each other when any member of the alliance is under attack.
“Unity among members of the alliance is the only weapon that can deter aggressive acts of the Burmese Army,” the statement continued.
The OMCC condemned government troops for launching military offensives in Kachin and Shan states and related human rights abuses. The group is an umbrella organization which has been formed by Mon people who live outside Burma.
The organization provides funds for the New Mon State Party (NMSP) to spark a revolution in its ethnic areas. The NMSP became a member of the UNFC after its ceasefire agreement with the former Burmese junta broke down last year.
However, on Monday the OMCC questioned how the NMSP was using donated money towards political change. The NMSP leadership responded that they wanted government troops to attack them first.
The OMCC also criticized the NMSP for not abiding by the UNFC policy of helping fellow members under attack from government forces, with ethnic groups within Kachin and Shan states currently engaged in large-scale conflicts with Burmese government troops.
“It is meaningless to create this organization when no one helps each other even though they have already formed an alliance,” said Nai Sunthorn, chairman of the Thailand-based Mon Unity League.
“They [the NMSP] do not hesitate when they are hunting animals or killing each other, but they are very hesitant when they have to fight government troops,” he added.
While some OMCC members acknowledge that no one wants civil war in Mon areas, many believe that fighting is necessary in order to pressurize the regime into engaging in political dialogue.
OMCC member Siri Mon Chan, from Australia, said, “Now is the best time strategically, militarily and politically for the NMSP and other ethnic groups to launch well coordinated attacks from different fronts in different ethnic areas simultaneously instead of first waiting for attacks by Burmese troops and then to retaliate.
“In warfare, time, places and [strategic environments] are critical. It is very disadvantageous to wait and allow enemies to choose favorable situations for their attacks.”
Some members of the OMCC urged NMSP Secretary Nai Hang Thar to launch an offensive against government troops. But Nai Hang Thar responded that he did not have the necessary authority to order such an assault, and that the party leadership needs to be convinced that this is the right move.
Critics claim that if UNFC members do not come to the aid of Kachin and Shan ethnic groups who are currently under attack by the Burmese Army, then the organization's reputation will be severely damaged as a consequence.
And OMCC members say that the UNFC will be regarded merely as a “paper-tiger” propaganda machine by both the Burmese government and international community.
The UNFC was formed early this year from a dozen ethnic armed groups. Leaders of the 12 met European Union members on July 7 and asked for more pressure to be put on the new civilian administration to stop military offensives in ethnic areas.
Karen National Liberation Army sources confirmed their fighters killed two Burma army soldiers and wounded four others in an ambush on the Kler Day road, Karen State on 2 July. The sources said the dead included a Burma army battalion commander
Major Eh Hser Hser, office manager of KNLA Brigade 7 told Karen News that their soldiers ambushed Burma army Light Infantry Battalion 547 on their way to frontlines areas.
“It was in late afternoon when our soldiers ambushed LIB 547 on the Kler Day car road. We killed two and wounded four of the enemy. Among the dead were a battalion commander and a company commander. The wounded, included another company commander and a sergeant. The wounded company commander wounds were serious, in the neck.”
Major Eh Hser Hser confirmed there are no KNLA casualties.
This is not the first time fighting in KNLA Brigade 7 area has targeted Burma army officers. In other recent clashes, the KNLA also confirmed their operations killed senior officers.
The Burma army in Karen state has been put under pressure from attacks by various Karen armed groups.
On June 29, a renegade Border Guard Force, battalion 1012, led by Major Saw Beeh attacked the Burma army camp in Ka Ma Maunn village, Papun Township, on June 30, fighting between BGF fighters broke out near Myaing Gyi village while in the southern part of the state Democratic Karen Buddhist Army soldiers have been attacking Burma army units.
Threats from Burma army have forced more than 30 farmers in the Papun district of Karen state to abandon their farms and plantations.
The villagers from Bu Tho Township sought help from the Karen National Union after the Burma army forced villagers to carry army supplies.
A statement released by the KNU alleges the Burma army Light Infantry Brigade 214 had ordered villagers to report to the army camp for portering duty.
Saw Tender, a KNU official in Papun district in an interview with Karen News said 26 farms were abandoned in Toh Poe Hta Pa Deh and Kaw Poh villages, and another six farms abandoned in Kay Hta village.
“Local villagers in the area have been ordered to carry up to five sacks of rice per household. They can’t say no. They [Burma army] burnt the villager’s plantations. Many villagers lost their farms.”
Saw Tender said it is difficult to estimate the total acreage lost in the fires, but villagers claim that each farm lost could produce between 100 to 150 baskets [equivalent to two tins – 32 kilograms] of paddy.
Saw Tenders told Karen News the next harvest will be hard on villagers.
“Villagers worked hard to clear their land to get it ready for planting. Households came together to help each other get their farms prepared. Many can’t work their farms anymore.”
Local villagers worried about the ongoing abuses by the Burma army reported their grievances to KNU official in Papun district in the hope that the information would spur the national and international communities to pressure Burma’s government to stop the army taking forced labor.
The villagers told Karen News that the destruction of their farms will mean they will face severe food shortages at the next harvest. Villagers said during March and April Burma army battalions under Division 11, IB 434 and LIB 19 have forced villagers in Bu Tho Township to porter food supplies to various army outposts in the area.
Statement by Bersih 2.0 organisers: Malaysians show great bravery, the struggle for clean and fair elections continues July 9, 2011 -- Bersih 2.0 -- Bersih 2.0 is proud that in spite of all the obstacles and hindrances that we were forced to face, Malaysians of all walks of life overcame the oppressive acts of the police to come out peacefully and in incredibly large numbers to show their love for their country and for the principles of justice. We are nonetheless horrified that several hundred people have been detained, many of them without any justification whatsoever. We particularly condemn the arrests of Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevesan and Maria Chin Abdullah, two members of the Bersih 2.0 Steering Committee. The only violence witnessed was perpetrated by the police, who unleashed immense amounts of tear gas and chemical laced water on innocent members of the public. Police also baton charged those who gathered, injuring many and some very seriously. In one of the worst acts of violence, police fired tear gas into the compound of Tung Shin Hospital, severely jeopardising the health not only of the rakyat [people] who had sought refuge there, but the patients there as well. This was one of only various acts of totally unwarranted violence by the police against a rakyat who had exercised their constitutional right to gather peacefully. We are especially proud of the great discipline and peacefulness shown by all the brave Malaysians who dared to stand up today for what was right. Today’s gathering is not the end, it is but one more step in the long walk for clean and fair elections in Malaysia. The campaign continues, to work for electoral reform, the release of all detainees, and an end to harassment by the authorities. The struggle continues in the courts of law, the corridors of power, and the hearts of all the rakyat. Althought our attempt to submit a memorandum to DYMM SPB YDP Agong did not take place today, we will make appropriate arrangements to deliver the memorandum when the police have calmed down. In the meantime, we call on all Malaysians to continue to work to peacefully achieve clean and fair electoral process in our country. Inspired by their bravery and steadfast commitment, we will never rest in our efforts to work together as one people to bring about a better Malaysia. Released by, Steering Committee, Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0) The Steering Committee of BERSIH 2.0 comprises Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan (Chairperson), Andrew Khoo, Arul Prakkash, Arumugam K., Dr Farouk Musa, Haris Ibrahim, Liau Kok Fah, Maria Chin Abdullah, Richard Y W Yeoh, Dr Subramaniam Pillay, Dato’ Dr Toh Kin Woon, Dr Wong Chin Huat, Dato’ Yeo Yang Poh dan Zaid Kamaruddin.
Sydney supports Bersih 2.0
July 9, 2011 -- While "thousands and thousands" marched in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia today for democracy (braving police roadblocks, hundreds of arrests, water cannon, teargas, etc), in Australia some 750 Malaysian rallied in Melbourne today, 300 in Sydney, 200 in Perth, 150 in Adelaide, 40 in Canberra and 100 in Brisbane. Photos by Peter Boyle. Click HERE for more details.
Bersih 2.0: It’s 50k and a big success
By Tarani Palani Kuala Lumpur, July 9, 2011 -- Free Malaysia Today -- The mass pro-democracy Bersih 2.0 protest organisers have called their rally a “big success”, but added that it is just one more step in the long walk towards free and fair elections. Speaking at a press conference here, Bersih 2.0 steering committee member Subramaniam Pillay said the rally exceeded expectations. “It’s a big success but this (fighting for electoral reforms) is not a one day event. It was sucessful beyond expectations”, he said, adding that the objective of raising awareness had been achieved. Bersih 2.0 believes that the crowd could have been as big as 50,000 but conceded that reporters would be able to judge the number better. Bersih 2.0 also condemned the arrests by police of more than 1600 people, including that of its chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan. ‘Ambiga says she’s fine’ Steering committee member Andrew Khoo said he had received a text message from Ambiga stating that she was fine.
“She said that she was okay and that her phone battery was dying and that she wants to save it for important messages,” he added. She is expected to be released later today. Meanwhile, national laureate A. Samad Ismail said that another date would be fixed to hand over a memorandum to the king on electoral reforms. “We tried to head towards the palace several times, but the police kept turning us away and threatened us with arrest”, he said. Samad also criticised the police for acting in a “cruel” manner. “I saw them randomly firing tear gas at the crowd”, he said. One of the questions posed during the press conference was whether the rally had been multiracial, to which the steering committee replied that people of all races had participated. Ambiga released Ambiga was released by the police at about 6.45 pm and immediately applauded Malaysians for their support for the rally. She said the protesters were courageous despite government intimidation. She also said the “amazing” show of numbers clearly signalled that Malaysians did not “want to be bullied” any longer. “Rough intimidation does not work anymore,” she said.
More than 1600 arrested as Bersih 2.0 rally ends
By K Pragalath and Patrick Lee Petaling Jaya, July 9, 2011 -- Free Malaysia Today -- The Bersih 2.0 rally ended today at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre here leaving a trail of destruction in various parts of the city. The supporters of free and fair elections clashed with the anti-riot police leading to the arrest of 1667 people while scores of others were reported injured. Despite the arrests of top Bersih office bearers as well as several well-known opposition politicians and injuries suffered by its supporters, the coalition for free and fair elections is thumping its chest hailing the event as a grand success. The organisers claimed that some 50,000 people took part in the event while news reports have scaled down the figure to 30,000 participants and the police reducing the number further to a laughable 5000. The much-awaited day began slowly with the crowd trickling into various designated locations in the federal capital, with the focal point being the National Mosque for the march to Stadium Merdeka. Although this group was dispersed by the police without much trouble, what they did not anticipate was that the crowd would continue to swell despite the lock-down on the city, with roadblocks erected at all roads leading into Kuala Lumpur. The sparks began to fly just after noon when the crowds at Menara Maybank became “uncontrollable”. Then the police moved in, firing tear gas at them and also using water cannons to douse them. Police dragnet
The Bersih supporters ran to nearby roads like Jalan Pudu, but were cornered. They then fled to Tung Shin Maternity Hospital to escape the police dragnet. They were, however, allowed to leave the hospital after several opposition leaders managed to talk to the police. The supporters then regrouped at Jalan Sultan Ismail, where they were joined by another few thousand more people who had gathered from various locations in the city. They then proceeded to the KLCC, and after a few speeches they were once again asked to disperse. When this fell on deaf ears, the police again fired tear gas canisters and also opened up their water cannons on the demonstrators. The rally finally ended at about 5 pm. The city was “reopened” half an hour later with the LRT and buses resuming their normal services. A total of 12 political leaders were arrested. They are Mahfuz Omar, Salehuddin Ayub, Tian Chua, S Ambiga, Hadi Awang and Fuziah Salleh (all arrested at KL Sentral), Azeez Rahim, Mahfuz Mohammad, Khairy Jamaluddin, Ngeh Khor Ham and Sivarasah Rasiah (all arrested at Jalan Pudu) and Mohamad Sabu (Jalan Mahameru). Apart from Bersih 2.0, the pro-government Umno Youth had also organised a counter-rally at Bukit Bintang, which resulted in the arrest of Khairy. No-show Perkasa The police had over the past week warned organisers of rallies to get permits but none of those who applied managed to get one, due to “security concerns”. Bersih initially wanted to hold the rally in the city but after an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, it changed its mind and named Stadium Merdeka as its venue. However, stadium authorities denied them permission to use the venue, saying that the historic site, which witnessed the declaration of the country’s independence in 1957, was undergoing renovations. The organisers refused to change the venue and went ahead with the planned rally. On another front, the Malay radical group Perkasa, which initailly announced that it would rally against Bersih, made an about turn – its leader Ibrahim Ali and supporters failed to show up at Titiwangsa indoor stadium.
ရွမ္း ျပည္နယ္ေတာင္ပိုင္း ေက်းသီးၿမို့နယ္တြင္းမွာ ရွမ္းျပည္တပ္မေတာ္နဲ့ အစိုးရတပ္ေတြအၾကားတိုက္ပြဲမွာ အစိုးရတပ္ဘက္က ေလယာဉ္နဲ့ ဗံုး ႀကဲခ်သြားတယ္လို့ ရွမ္းျပည္တပ္မေတာ္ ေျပာခြင့္ရသူ ဗိုလ္မႉး စိုင္းေလာဝ္ဆိုင္က ေျပာပါတယ္။
Major Eh Hser Hser, office manager of KNLA Brigade 7 told Karen News that their soldiers ambushed Burma army Light Infantry Battalion 547 on their way to frontlines areas.
The villagers from Bu Tho Township sought help from the Karen National Union after the Burma army forced villagers to carry army supplies.
