A Ta’ang Youth beaten by a Police sergeant admitted to hospital

On the first day of New Year in Myanmar, a Namhsan police officer, Aung Kyaw Lwin and his colleague handcuffed and beat Mai Naing Lynn, from Namawaw he was seriously injured and was taken to hospital suffering from head injuries.
On April 16^th, 2012 while the local people were taking part in the water festival, in font of Loi Sam Sip restaurant located in Namhsan Township. Naing Lynn’s friend threw water at a girl and as a result she fell off her motorbike, but she wasn’t wounded or anything and got back on her motorbike and carried on with her journey.
”She said that we were just playing with water in the festival therefore it didn’t matter but a boy who was an onlooker and the son of a local Militia leader, Ngun Sai, reported the incident to the police. Afterwards the police came by motorbike and handcuffed Naing Lynn while he was eating his meal and seriously beat him’’ reported one of the witnesses.
The policemen that handcuffed and beat Naing Lynn without informing him about the reason for his arrest at Loi Sam Sip restaurant had been drinking. Naing Lynn said he tried to explain the situation to the police but to no avail they just continued to beat him. Due to the police beating, Naing Lynn suffered severe head wounds and bruising to his entire body. He had to be sent to Namhsan general hospital where he was admitted as a patient.
Naing Lynn’s sister and her neighbor also witnessed the police sergeant himself brutally beating Naing Lynn. The neighbors tried to stop the police beating him but because the police were drinking they wouldn’t stop. When they arrived at the police station the police sergeant denied that he beat Naing Lynn with his baton.
Due to the severity of the beating Naing Lynn had to have 12 stitches in his head and he could not eat anything and was vomiting constantly. Yet, no police officer came to take care of him although they were responsible for inflicting his injuries.
The police sergeant asked the girl to press charges but she said that “I will not press charges as it happened in good jest at the time of the water festival”. Later a Namhsan police officer said that if the patient doesn’t register a complaint to the police then he will cover all his medical costs; however Naing Lynn has not accepted this offer and will take his case to court.


 

Ta'ang Students and Youth Organization
www.palaungland.org/eng

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Two villagers were forced to carry provisions and weapons with their horses

In March 22th 2012, 7am local time, about 30 soldiers from battalion 501 Kyaukme forced to porter two Narawlay villagers Mongton Township, northern Shan State and their horses to carry military supplies and weapons.
“They ordered the village elders to give two horses and people. Thus, we sent A Naing 26 and U Saidaw 34 year old and two horses” said the village elders.
The two porters had to go with the Burmese soldiers to the Panyaung village which it’s far about 3 miles by feet and their horses curried the military equipment and weapons.
“Not only did both of us have to bring our food but we also had to bring food for the horses. Then, they often asked about the KIA, SSA, and TNLA” said the porters.
The government battalions such as 130 Mangton, 114 -115 Naungcho, 324 Namtu, and 501-502 Kyaukme base in turn taking securities at the Manmai, Naawgyi, Nawlay, Mansat, Manaung, Panyoung, and Tawnay villages within Mongton Township. They often force to take horses from the villagers and porters to indicate from one village to another.
Especially, most male adults go to towns, forests, or another place for hiding and are not dare to stay in villages as they worry the Burmese soldiers would come. By the scare of the Burmese militaries, many people avoid their hometowns and don’t come back to pick up the tea even it is the time of Shwe Pe Oo.

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Two innocence villagers were arrested and tortured by Burmese military

Not only did the Burmese militaries baste Noungkaungloud villagers but they also tied them one night at Vainpard village.
In March 20^th 2012, the Noungkaungloud villagers Aloum 17 and Aung Then 18 year old Namtu Township, Kyaukme Province, northern Shan State were basted by the military which came from forests and can be opiated the Laisho battalion said the most concern people.
“It happened when we went to work at Lonbala (Vainpard) village. About 30 Burmese soldiers came out from forest when we arrived at the Vainpard village and they stop and asked us about the KIA. They blamed on us that we have communication with KIA and forced us to accept on their blaming. After that, they tied both of us the Vainpard and say we will be released tomorrow” said the basted people.
Not only didn’t the Burmese soldiers release the villagers but they also seriously basted both of them even the Vainpard village headman said they are not KIA soldiers and don’t communicate with that armed group during the arresting.
Both of their bodies are seriously warm after they released and now, they are taking medical check at their hometown Noungkaungloud village.

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Asking money from the farm owners instead of destorying poppy

Local correspondent police, border guards, and military security force to ask money from poppy owners even the opium cultivation increase intensively around the Pansay, Karhlaing, Kaungkhar, Nampharkar, and Tarmoenyai villages, Kutkai Township, northern Shan State.

“There are about 60 Tarmoenyai, 40 Nampharkar, 80 kaungkhar, 50 Karhlaing and 20 acres of opium plantation at the Pansay village, Kutkai Township” said a police sourced from the record of the police station.
The local authorities don’t take serious action and clean the poppy at the current opium plantation areas. On the other side, the police, military securities, and border guards often take money from the poppy owners continue informed by the police.
The acres of the poppy cultivation mentioned above are recorded in close areas by the police but a lot of opium plantation can be probably found in another places.
Many local people know that Kutkai Township plants the highest poppy farm and sell the biggest number of opium. Then, the representatives of Union Solidarity and Development Police of Kutkai Township themselves also involve in the opium smuggling according to the “Still Poison” report which released by the Palaung Women’s Organization.

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Youth avoid the recruiting of new soldiers

Since the beginning of January 2012 to the present, the young people in the local Ta’ang villages, Namtu Township, northern Shan State have avoided from their hometowns as the recruiting of Shan State Army.

“Started from the January, I have noticed the Shan State Army – South has collected new soldiers at the Ta’ang villages such as Pai Ta Byay, Pai Loun and others between Namtu and Hsipaw Townships in monthly. Parents allowed their children went to the China-Burma border for hiding because they didn’t want to lose their sons and made them harm. I recognize about 70 Ta’ang young have run to the border” said one of the Ta’ang Youth’s filed workers.
It is the reason of the collecting of new soldiers; the avoided people have to struggle for their daily food even they face with any kinds of difficulties, they are afraid to go back their native land.
This amassing for new soldiers and increasing the armed numbers could probably create the populace to misunderstand the SSA-S as it has inked for the ceasefire with the national peace making group of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. On the other side, local people analyze that the trusting on the civilian government is so weak.

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A junior battalion commander killed two villagers

A junior battalion commander from Infantry Battalion 130 based in Manton Township, northern Shan State killed two innocent villagers.
On March 13^th 2012 at 8pm local time, U Ait Shain from Moelone village and U Ait Sou from Moenye village in Mantong Township, Kyawmae province and both 42 years old were shot dead and died instantly by the junior battalion commander of Infantry Battalion 130 said local people.
“They didn’t do anything wrong, the junior battalion commander shot them for no apparent reason. Then he threatened the villagers saying that if they spoke out about what happened they too would be shot” said a local villager.
The villagers said that the military has already tried to cover up the story to the outside world.

Military training in this area has increased and the ethnic armed groups have joined together (TNLA, SSA, KIA) in fighting the Burmese soldiers, near Manthong Township. Thus, the villagers are often subject to torture and threats by the Civilian Government’s Military as they accuse the people are giving information to their ethnic enemies.
Still looking for the next process….

Information and Human Rights Documentation Department
Ta’ang Students and Youth Organization

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Ta’ang Sayadaw honored with prestigious religious title

On March 12^th-13^th 2012, the local people of Namkham honored Dakhinanyon Sayadaw as he was awarded the Buddhist religious title of Agga Maha Saddhammajotika.


The ministry of religious affairs conferred Dakhinayone Sayadaw with the title of Agga Maha Saddhamajotika. This award is the second time he has been honored with a religious title.
The respected Sayadaw is one of 7 people that have compiled Ta’ang literature. He is still alive and well at the age of 80 and at the Buddhist lent of 60.
 “His responsibilities are vast. He is a member of  the Shan State Sanga council, a president of Namkham Sanga council, advisory in Namkham, head of association of a religious sect, a member of master Mahasi meditation center, Ta’ang( Palaung) compiler, Ta’ang( Palaung) Tar Htun Pyant group Sayadaw and a member of the orphanage committee. The Sayadaw is deserving of the award in accordance with his good deeds” reported one monk from Mandalay that attended the ceremony

Sayadaw serves not only for Sasana but also in social activities. It is fitting that he receives the honor due to his many years of good works in the community.
At the ceremony, thousands upon thousands of people attended along with over 150 monks. This ceremony was led by the Muse Province department of religious affairs and theTa’ang culture and literature committee along with well-respected Namkham leaders.

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Fighting with Burmese Military after peace talks

After just two days of peace talks between a government delegation and the Kachin Independence Organization, both sides were again fighting each other.
 “The government troops and the Kachin Independence organization were locked in battle in Nam Haing village, Montong Township for two hours this is the longest battle within the comrade 8 ”according to one of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army officers.
One of the TNA officers reported that “Usually the fighting is staged in short battles of about 10 to 15 minutes. However this battle started from 4 pm and ended at 6 pm in which a massive amount of government troops were killed but  we don’t details of the exact amount killed yet.”

Both sides of the delegation talked from the 8^th to the 10^th of March. They released a statement with 5 main points. On the fourth of point states; that each side will reduce the intensity of battle as a consequence of the talks peace.
The Burmese government continually talks of peace but at the same time they are still engaging in conflict. This highlights  the fact that their talk is purely superficial and this does nothing to build trust with the ethnic communities.

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Recruited in Ta’ang autonomous region by Shan State Reform Council

The Southern Shan State Army, known as the Shan State Reform council has recruited and increased the amount of soldiers  in Namshan township, a Ta’ang autonomous  region.

In the third week of February 2012 the SSRC marched to Namshan with over 300 soldiers. When they arrived there they collected protection money and new recruits especially in Pain Long, Pansari and Myo Thit.
 “In the process the SSRC already collected at least 300 villagers in the vicinity of these three villages. They will form their new company and regiments. Recently they have already set up camp” according to a local leader.
 “Before they made an agreement with the Burmese government they acted only guerrilla tactics. They did not collect protection money from the people and they did not dare to act as they do now.  Presently they take more significant  action in collecting protection money as well as recruiting over 300 villagers “  reported by a major of Myo Thit village.
The enlarged SSRC has already ratified with the central delegation .The SSRC and the Burmese government military often fought against each other in skirmishes within Namshan Township, a Ta’ang autonomous region. Not only have they had combat with the Burmese troops in Pain Lwai village on March 11^th 2012 but also between Man Naut and Pan Swe village on March 12^th 2012.

Last year in 2011, massive amounts of Ta’ang people’s income were affected by this fighting between Southern Shan State Army and the Burmese government which caused the Ta’ang economy to collapse.  This year’s tea harvest is coming soon and because of the fighting the people are faced with the same problems as last year. Simultaneously, the tea business is the main livelihood of Ta’ang people therefore all Ta’ang people are really worried about what will happen.

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Money-Grubbing by Local Municipal officers and Chairman of quarter 8

In the first week of January, 2012, U Hting Kyaw, head quarter 8, Kutkai town, along with municipal officers pilfered a massive amount of money that was granted by the government for construction according to a person who is closed with authority.
The regional government provided for the No 4 street to be a paved in concrete but the municipal and the quarter administrators repaired the No3 street that was already concreted and then the rest of money they shared between each other.
“I asked the civil servants who work at the headquarter office and the municipal office that how much the grant was from the regional government and how much the municipal officer spent on construction but no one could tell me exactly. That was really amazing because I was thinking why they concrete the No.3 Street again instead of No.4 that is really rough” said one of villager in Quarter (3).
 “U Htin Kyaw lives on No 3 street therefore the municipal officers made it smooth but they did not repair the street that is in real need of repair as it is a popular street’’  said one of the local villagers.

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Local people are causing trouble to the USDP’s road project

Starting from December 2012, the Union Solidarity Development Party often asked money from local people during the building of the Kutkai- Karhlaing road in KutKai Township, northern Shan State.
The village headmen at the Kutkai-Karhlaing road said we have to pay for the accommodation cost of the local construction workers, reconnoiters, and two seniors from the USDP who oversee the daily construction even though the government has already given the money for the cost of the road construction.
“We have to feed the police, USDP, and other road construction workers when they come to measure, directing, and build the road. It sometimes causes problems. We are grateful to the people who build the roads for us but no one can abide when this kind of corruption happens. We just pray for this construction to finish” said a local elder.
The local Kutkai-Karhlaing road which is about 8 miles long was already tarmacadam but they were repairing the road. However the USDP still asks money from the local people they began in December 2011 and it is now March but it still hasn’t been completed yet.
“The USDP use government finance like their own money. They already got about 4,000 Kyats for petrol every day and salaries for their office but they just keep the money in their pockets and continue to ask money from the local villagers near the road construction” said a local villager. 

There are about 10 Ta’ang villages around the local Kutkai-Karhlaing road. This kind of behaviors and misappropriated financial action creates high tax for people. The Kutkai civilians said these behaviors can affect the dignity of USDP who said they are following a democratic system.

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Dispute between Asia World and Aung Chan Tar Restaurant

In the second week of February 2012 the families around the Aung Chai Tar restaurant at the exit of Kutkai Township suffered as a dispute occurred between the restaurant owner and Asia World Company that builds the highways between Mandalay and Muse in the northern Shan State.
The Aung Chan Tar restaurant is located on the highway between Muse and Mandalay. In order to stop disruption for customers when digging drains, the company staffs and the shop owner had negotiated to dig the drains as soon as possible as so that customers would stop for longer at the restaurant. However, a problem started to occur after a worker at Asia World Company reported this agreement to one of their friend who is a military commander in Lashio. It created a rumor that restaurant owner was slandering Asia World Company and was only trying to make money from the deal.
“A staff said that we went to negotiate at the shop to help us dig the drains as quick as they can. This is because we don’t want the digging of the drains disturbing the customers. However, I don’t know what happened between them next. The company didn’t dig the drains around the shop and it said that you must dig the drains by yourself and then you will be charged if you won’t dig them” said a local person living near the shop.

Finally, the local people nearby had to dig the drains by themselves including the owner of Aung Chan Tar restaurant. The cost of digging the drains made it difficult for normal local people even though it wasn’t as expensive for the restaurant as they have a good turnover in their business said the same local person.
The Asia World company is digging drains on the left side road between Mandalay and Muse to make the water drain more easily thus preserving the highway.

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TNLA, KIA, and SSA together Bombed Burmese battalion (130

On March 2^nd 2012 at 4pm local time, Manton based Infantry Battalion (130) were bombed as they made their way to Moemade. The Battalion commander got seriously injured along with many soldiers. 
 “Our Ta’ang National Liberation Army, KIA, and SSA cooperatively fought them. Two mines exploded as they came in two cars to Moemes village between Manton and Moemade. Two soldiers died and about 10 soldiers were seriously injured including the Battalion Commander” said a correspondent from TNLA.

An eyewitness commented that the injured Battalion Commander was brought by a helicopter to the military hospital in Laisho.
 “Now, the security in Manton Township (Palaung autonomy area) is very tight. Many soldiers have descended on the town and are continually checking people’s comings and goings. When visitors come to town they are questioned as to their purpose for entering the town. I think the situation will become more complicated” said a Manton local.
The Burmese columns were attacked about 12 miles outside Moenes village while on their way in two cars to Loiyar village. The battalion commander’s right-hand man with a ranking of three stars on his left hand side died and three soldiers were taken for a medical check in Manton hospital; said a hospital staff.
Fighting has once again commenced in the Manton area where they had previously had peace for over 20 years. This brings uncertainty; worry and instability for the local people in the area. They are really scared because of the case of the seriously injured battalion commander, which could potentially make things worse for the local people.
Human Rights Documentation and Information Department
Ta’ang Students and Youth Organization

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Ta’ang Students and Youth meet with “88” Student Leaders

On February 28^th 2012, Ta’ang Students and Youth met with the former 88- Generation student leaders at No.41 Street, guest house, in Mandalay, Burma.
“We held a meeting with Ko Ko Gyi and Ko Min Zayar who were recently released from prison, we mainly discussed the current situation of the Ta’ang people how they are struggling for their daily livelihoods. We wanted the student’s leaders know about what is happening so they can lend their support to us” said a Ta’ang student.
Ta’ang Students and Youth were welcomed by the former 88- students and had a great meeting which lasted about two hours. In the meeting, Ta’ang students and youth spoke about their goals, activities and the situation in Ta’ang areas.
“We have been seeing some progress in Burma, we requested some advice from them on how we could improve on our current course in order to better achieve our goals and we also discussed how we could cooperate and work together to bring about democratic change in Burma” said the leader of Ta’ang students and Youth.

Ko Ko Gyi encouraged the Ta’ang Students and Youth to keep up their work and to be proud of what we are doing to address the Ta’ang people’s needs and to ease their suffering. Even though there are several problems we need to solve, we should work to our strengths and continue our progress step by step. This was the first such meeting for Ta’ang students and Youth with the former 88-student leaders.
They agreement to meet again soon and work together for the future of Burma.
Human Rights Documentation and Information Department
Ta’ang Students and Youth Organization

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Dismissed Government Workers Struggle for their Survival

In December 2011, 90 mining workers were dismissed from their job without any compensation by the Namtu’s mining authorities in Bawdwin section, Namtu Township, Northern Shan State, Burma.
All the dismissed workers are now struggle to find work and live hand to mouth on a daily basis.
“Even though, we don’t have a daily job or we don’t have regular income, we have to pay our rent. Therefore, its very difficult to provide for our families. As a result, some families cannot support the cost of their children’s education” said by one of the dismissed miners.

Before the miners were dismissed from their jobs, they stayed at the government’s apartments rent free. But after the government sold Bawdin Mining to Asia World Company Limited, the miners are not allowed to stay without paying rent. Even though the law in Burma states that; workers that are dismissed in Burma have the right to get paid three times their monthly salary as compensation before they can be legally dismissed.  This rule was made by the government but they ignore it time and time again when it applies to them.
Human Rights Documentation and Information Department
Ta’ang Students and Youth Organization

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Laborer Killed in Crane Accident on Gas Pipeline Project

A casual laborer was killed in a crash with a crane while loading gas pipes onto a truck in Sengkhawn village, Namtu Township, Northern Shan State, Burma.
The victim, who died at the gas pipeline project, was living at Thaung Kyar Thar government apartments. However, the Gas Pipeline’s construction company has not taken any responsibility for this accident. The local authorities have also not taken any legal action so far.
Around the Namtu Township, CCE are one of the main companies leading the implementation of the Shwe Gas pipeline project. Also, Namtu’s town governor, land survey officers, police, Burmese soldiers and Chinese technical staff support this company in carrying out its work. All of the gas pipes are stored in the NarNaw village in their temporary camp which is land previously confiscated by the CCE company.

Human Rights Documentation and Information Department
Ta’ang Students and Youth Organization

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Forced Labour in Namtu

Residents who live in Block-8 of Namtu Towns, Northern Shan State, were forced to carry equipment for the Gas pipeline’s construction by the local chairman named U Mya Maung and his colleagues. The order was given by U Chit Lwin, a member of the Union Solidary and Development Party (USDP).

“At least one member of each family was forced to carry the equipment, not only that but we also had to bring our own food. The men had to dig drains for the pipeline whereas women had to carry bricks and other equipment needed for construction. If we didn’t go, we would be fined. Therefore, in my Block, because we wouldn’t have been able to afford to pay the fine we all carried out the instructions given to us” sourced from a local man who was subjected to the forced labour.
On February 14^th to 15^th 2012, all the local residents in Namtu Town forced to work as volunteers but for the villagers that live beside the pipeline project they are subjected to these orders to work on a continual basis and without receiving any payment.  The local people have said that during working time, even if they were very tired carrying things and digging drains, they were not prohibited from taking a rest.  Namtu Police, Infantry Battalion 324 are in charge of the security around the construction areas.

Human Rights Documentation and Information Department
Ta’ang Students and Youth Organization

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Innocent Villager Beaten

On February 13^th 2012, a Maisein villager namedMai Ah Naing was beaten by a sergeant of Infantry Battalion 324 which is based in Namtu Township, Northern Shan State, Burma. It began when the sergeant demanded money from Mai Ah Naingto pass with his motorbike which contained 7Kgof Orchids.

“Mai Ah Nainghad brought back the orchids togrow it at his home which he tried to explain to the sergeant that Orchids were for personal use and not to sell. However, the sergeant refused to reason with him and he demanded him to pay 50,000 Kyats. As the result, when Mai Ah Naingdidn’t have enough money to pay the sergeant beganto viciously beat him several times until his nose was bleeding and he was left stunned. In the end, the sergeant let him go back home without paying the money” said a witness.
According to the local people, Mai Ah Naing is not a orchid trader and he is only a villager and just like to grow flowers at his home.
The soldiers who are in the InfantryBattalion 324, located at the entry of Namtu town, continually demand money from car drivers, Motorcyclists and passengers for no good reason.
Human Rights Documentation and Information Department
Ta’ang Students and Youth Organization

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