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CNI News
17 Dec 2022
Most of the youths in the Spring Revolution are fighting against the military junta not because of the flattery of elders, Political Observers told the CNI.
As the injustice of the Myanmar military is so blatant that no one can prevent them from taking up arms, he added.
Security forces carry our operations. (STR-GETTY IMAGES)
U Than Soe Naing told the CNI, "It is not a war instigated by elders including those from powerful organizations, who are disappointed by the 70 years of the civil war. As the injustice of the military is so blatant that no one can prevent them from taking up arms. Those who say that youths take up arms because of the flattery of elders are opportunists who want to cover up the crimes of the military. It does not reflect the reality on the ground. The reality is that youths and elders are united in the movement. Parents permit their children, who also seek permission from their parents to join the war. Atrocities of the military are so worse than the fascists that they can no longer tolerate the situation."
Some social network posts are spreading a concept that no war has broken out because of youths but they are dying because of war. Some youths accepted that war in Myanmar has erupted not because of them.
Youths taking part in military training. (SOPA-GETTY IMAGES)
The root cause of the war in Myanmar is the military dictatorship, Spokesperson Comrade Aye Lwin of the All Burma Student Democratic Front told the CNI.
He said, "The war in Myanmar has been created by the military dictatorship. It was not not created by any individuals. If the military had not staged a coup, the war would not have escalated to such an extent. The situation during the terms of the quasi-civilian government and the civilian government has deteriorated after the coup."
After the military staged a coup against the civilian government on 1st February, 2021, youths have taken up arms to participate in the Spring Revolution.
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CNI News
17 Dec 2022
The trading volume in the 2022-2023 fiscal year was higher than that of the 2021-2022 fiscal year, Myanmar reported a trade deficit of US$ 542.446 million, according to statistics of the Ministry of Commerce.
Although export volume was higher than that of imports in the border trade, imports were higher in trade through other channels and the country showed a trade deficit, according to economic observers.
As the border trade with China, which had been closed since 2021, has been reopened, trading volume has increased, Vice Chairman U Min Thein of Muse Rice Exchange told the CNI.
Trucks exporting goods to China
He said, "During the 2021-2022 fiscal year, border trade halted due to the third wave of COVID-19 from the middle of the year to November, 2021. We couldn't do anything. Border trade resumed in 2022. In the 2022-2023 fiscal year , we are able to export much more rice and broken rice to China than what we did in the 2021-2022 fiscal year. In 2021, Kyin San Kyawt, the only border gate which was still open then, had to be closed. Nothing except medical supplies was allowed to pass through the gate. So, we could do nothing for three months. Border trade resume in 2022. The situation is better in the 2022-2023 fiscal year than that of the 2021-2022 fiscal year.
Although border trade has improved in the 2022-2023 fiscal year, trading volume has not reached the pre-COVID-19 level, according to merchants.
Exchange calculation.
As of 2nd December in the 2022-2023 fiscal year, Myanmar exported goods worth US$ 11,171.143 million and imported goods worth US$ 11,713.589 million, showing a trading deficit of US$ 542.446 million, according to statistics of the Ministry of Commerce.
An economic observer said, "The higher trading volume is beneficial for the country but it cannot be said that trading deficits are not good for the country. Trading deficits may be due to low exports or high imports. If exports do not fall and import volume is higher, the situation is not so bad. Imports can be classified into three groups such as capital goods, intermediate goods and consumer goods. We must find out which group is responsible for increased imports. We will have to think about how to cover the deficits. The FDI can cover the deficit. If we can still cover the deficit with the FDI, this amount of deficit is not much. If the FDI does not cover the deficit and we have to spend the foreign exchange reserve to cover the deficit, it is not beneficial for the country."
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CNI News
17 Dec 2022
A large number of Myanmar workers have been sacked without any reason and compensation in Thailand, labour activists for Myanmar workers told the CNI.
Although there were some Myanmar workers who were dismissed without any reason and compensation in the past, the number of them was not as many as recently. They were fired from factories and workshops, according to labour activists.
Some of them were working under the MOU between the two governments while others were temporary work permit holders and illegal migrants, Ko Thar Gyi, a labour activist for Myanmar workers in Thailand, told the CNI.
Sacked Myanmar workers who received compensation
He said, "They were sacked without any reason. When a new worker applies for a job, he or she has to pay agent fees from Baht 2,000 to 4,000 to get the job. So, agents bring new workers to factories to get agent fees and sack old workers without any reason. If MOU workers demand jobs and wages in accordance with the terms of their job contracts, employers sack them. When they are sacked, they are expelled from their hostels and get into trouble because they have no place to live. It is very difficult for them to sue their employers."
When MOU workers and work permit holders are dismissed without any reason, it is easy for labour organizations to help them for compensation, according to the activists.
However, illegal workers get wages for a few days or travel allowance as compensation when they are fired without any reason.
As authorities are making arrests of illegal migrant workers, employers are worried that they might also be punished by authorities for allowing illegal migrants to work for them and sack illegal workers, Executive Director U Htoo Chit of the Foundation for Education and Development told the CNI.
More than 5,000 Myanmar migrants who did not get jobs staged a demonstration on 9th December.
He said, "Employers hired illegal workers in the past but they are now sacking such workers. Another reason is that they are required to employ an MOU worker at the job stated in the job contract in accordance with the law. They cannot employ a bricklayer in a restaurant because this breaches the law. So, they sack such workers. If they do not, action can be taken against them in accordance with the law."
On 9th December, more than 5,000 Myanmar migrants staged a demonstration in front of a Thai labour office after they had been cheated out of their money by Thai and Myanmar agents who promised them to help get jobs in a seafood factory. They had been waiting to get the jobs for six months.
Labour activists and Thai authorities held discussions to solve the issue and promised them to provide jobs and to get their money back.
Myanmar workers in Thailand who are subject to wage exploitation, sacking without reason and compensation, workers' right abuses can make complaints at township offices for protection of workers, according to labour activists for Myanmar workers in Thailand.
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CNI News
16 Dec 2022
Monsoon paddy yields in Rakhine State have dropped by 40 percent this year, farmers in the state told the CNI.
They blamed late monsoon, storms, shortages of inputs and resumption of fighting for the fallen paddy yields this year.
Farmer U Aung Kyaw Mya told the CNI, "Paddy yields in Rakhine State dropped significantly this year. When paddy needed a lot of water in June and July, monsoon rains halted for 40 days and had serious impacts on paddy yields. Emata paddy prices currently stand at MMK 1 million per 100 baskets while Pawhsan paddy reach MMK 1.3 million per 100 baskets. As paddy yields dropped, farmers suffered losses for their inputs. Farmers suffered significant losses."
As farmers in Rakhine State have no other livelihood than farming despite suffering losses and there are no factories and livestock farms, they have no other choice than paddy growing. So, farmers will face challenges for coming years, he added.
Supply water to paddy fields.
Rakhine farmers reduced paddy acreage when they grew monsoon paddy but they hoped to harvest about 50 baskets of paddy per acre.
However, per-acre paddy yields dropped from about 60 to 80 baskets last year to only about 40 baskets this year, farmers from Rakhine State told the CNI.
Other major reasons for falling per-acre paddy yields are rising prices of diesel and fertilizer, whose prices rose from MMK 50,000 per bag to MMK 100,000 per bag this year.
As monsoon paddy yields in Rakhine State have dropped year by year, farmers have started to worried about their livelihood, Chairman U Kyaw Zan of All Rakhine State Peasant Union told the CNI.
He said, "I am worried about the situation. Total acreage as well as per-acre yields have dropped. Paddy yields in the entire country have dropped. Without any technical assistance, the quality of paddy has also fallen. What we are talking about is very simple. The agriculture ministry is also responsible for the livelihood of farmers. They need investment, inputs, seeds and water. The government needs to offer assistance for the needs. Then, they need technical assistance and market guarantees. Farmers have fallen victim to exploitation of brokers and merchants. When paddy prices hit MMK 1 million per 100 baskets, they purchased paddy from farmers at MMK 700,000 per 100 baskets. Relevant government agencies are required to provide assistance for the three sectors.
Winnowing paddy.
Paddy yields are likely to fall further in the upcoming year if instabilities and high input prices persist. Paddy yields can increase only when instabilities stop and input prices drop, according to farmers.
Rakhine state has about 1.2 million acres of paddy field but farmers were able to grow paddy on about 900,000 acres of land. And about 100,000 acres of paddy were also destroyed by a storm. Total paddy yields of Rakhine State cannot be determined at present as some farmers have not harvested their paddy, according to the peasant union.
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CNI News
16 Dec 2022
The Kachin Independence Army is ready to respond in kind if the Myanmar military launches violent attacks against it, said Vice Chairman of the Kachin Independence Council Lt-Gen Gunmaw.
He made the comments during an interview the RFA aired on 15th December, 2022.
He said, "We have taken various military options into consideration. If the military launches violent attacks against us, we will have to defend ourselves fiercely. We will have to respond in kind to violent attacks. We have taken various plans into account and have been prepared in terms of morale."
Damage seen after airstrikes of the military in October, 2022.
He added that the KIA has trained more than 4,000 members of the People's Defence Force under the National Unity Government, which has been trying to topple the military junta.
The KIA has been cooperating with the NUG and the Committee Representing Pyithu Hluttaw to oust the military junta.
The military junta launched airstrikes against Anantpar in Hpakant Township, an area controlled by Brigade (9) of the KIA on 24th October, 2022, killing more than 80 people including KIA senior officers.
Armed clashes have erupted between the military and joint forces of the KIA and the PDF in Sagaing Region, Kachin State and Shan State (North) and tensions have escalated.
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CNI News
16 Dec 2022
With the expiry of the term of the State Administration Council after January, 2023, political analysts are making speculations about the post-SAC political landscape.
State power must be transferred to the National Defence and Security Council led by U Myint Swe in accordance with the constitution, Chairman Dr. Aye Maung of the Arakan Front Party told the CNI.
Dr. Aye Maung told the CNI, "The NDSC transferred state power to the SAC or the commander-in-chief of defence services. So, the SAC declared a state of emergency and assumed office for one year and extended it for two six-month terms. Under the constitution, the term of the state of emergency will expire soon. The NDSC led by President U Myint Swe will have to restore state power in accordance with the constitution and hold a new general election within six months. The president has the legislative power. I think the NDSC has been prepared systematically to take charge of the administrative mechanism in accordance with the constitution."
Pro-democracy protests. (GETTY IMAGES)
U Myint Swe will have to transfer state power to the government that will emerge from the upcoming elections, he added.
Under the current insecure circumstances, violence has engulfed the entire country and such issues cannot be resolved by an ordinary election, Chairman U Ko Ko Gyi of the People's Party told the CNI.
He said, "Normally, state power must be transferred to the NDSC on 1st February under the provisions of the constitution. The NDSC must hold an election within six month. However, insecurity, conflicts and tensions will persist. There are weapons and bombs spread across the country. There are threats and violence from both sides. Under such circumstances, an ordinary election cannot resolve the issues. Although it is true that elections are important in democracies in time of peace and stability, election results sometimes do not reflect the political outcomes. Elections are not a panacea. I have repeatedly said that political agreements among important leaders are essential. I think the elections will create more challenges rather than resolving the current issues."
Armed groups launching armed struggles to topple the military. (GETTY IMAGES)
He added that it is important for individuals and political parties that believe in non-violent politics to create good political hopes for the people.
As the military seized power on 1st February, 2021 and declared a state of emergency and extended it for two six-month periods, the state of emergency is expiring soon.
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CNI News
15 Dec 2022
Myanmar nationals, who are trying to sneak into Malaysia from the Thai-Malay border, have been urged to be more cautious as security has been tightened at the border by the two countries, labour activists in Malaysia told the CNI.
Security has been tightened at the border after a bomb went off at the Thai side of the border, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs of Malaysia.
U Babu Gyi, who has been helping Myanmar workers in Malaysia, told the CNI, "Security has been tightened at the border after the bomb explosion. More checkpoints will be set up. Police and military patrols will be increased. So, it will be more difficult for illegal migrant to sneak into Malaysia. I don't think illegal migrants should not come to Malaysia at the moment."
Illegal migrants detained at the Malaysian border.
Currently, Malaysian authorities are making more arrests of illegal migrants, most of whom are from Myanmar. Authorities in Thailand and Malaysia are detaining illegal migrants from Myanmar on a daily basis.
Authorities in both countries have tightened security for border crossing under the pretense of the explosion at the border in Thailand to prevent illegal migrants from sneaking into their countries, General Secretary U Chit Kaung of the Assistance Association for Myanmar Migrant Workers told the CNI.
He told the CNI, "Authorities in the two countries want to control the cross border travelling including of illegal migrants. We do not encourage Myanmar citizens to illegally come to Malaysia because there are many laws for illegal migration in Malaysia. They are taking action in accordance with the law. And we still haven't known the policies of the new government."
Although activists have urged Myanmar nationals not to come to Malaysia illegally, a large number of Myanmar workers sneak into Malaysia due to the economic crisis and high rates of unemployment in Myanmar.
A scene at the border of Thailand and Malaysia in 2020. (AFP)
U Babu Gyi told the CNI that he urged Myanmar workers who intend to illegally enter Malaysia to contact trustworthy agents because of the tightened security at the border.
He said, "There are many agents working at the Thai-Malaysia border. There are many illegal Myanmar migrants who could successfully sneaked into Malaysia. So, they should contact trustworthy agents because there are many agents who are irresponsible. In the past, I told Myanmar workers not to sneak into Malaysia but I cannot tell them so under the current circumstances in Myanmar. They have to spend large sums of money to sneak into Malaysia. I just want to tell them to contact trustworthy agents."
Recently, Malaysian authorities have approved more than 370,000 applications of foreign workers and there are more than 1.4 million foreign workers including 500,000 workers in the manufacturing sector, over 300,000 workers in the construction sector, about 100,000 workers in the services sector and about 100,000 workers in the agriculture sector, according to the statistics of the Home Affairs Ministry of Malaysia.
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CNI News
15 Dec 2022
The call to defeat the military in the current armed conflict will not resolve the crisis in Myanmar, Chairman U Shwe Min of the Lisu National Development Party (Crossbow Party) told the CNI.
He urged all stakeholders to resolve the current political crisis through dialogue.
He told the CNI, "For the future of the country, I would like to urge all to pave the way for dialogue as much as possible. Only then, will it be beneficial for our citizens and the country. The concepts like defeating the military and making no bargain for blood indebtedness will not resolve the crisis. So, I would like to call on every stakeholder to resolve the crisis through dialogue in the interests of the people magnanimously."
A group of young men shouting slogans not to make a bargain for blood indebtedness in Kachin State in May 2021. (CJ)
Resistance forces in Myanmar have called for the utter defeat of the military and making no bargain for blood indebtedness and fought against it since the latter ousted the government of the National League for Democracy on 1st February, 2021.
Political Observer U Than Soe Naing told the CNI that the military had been indebted in blood repeatedly and there would be no dialogue for blood indebtedness.
He told the CNI, "As the junta has been indebted in blood by killing the people repeatedly, we cannot make no bargain with it. Younger generations have committed to defeating the junta utterly. No elderly people can prevent them from doing so. Opportunists are denouncing the concept of making no bargain for blood indebtedness to seek their own interests under the junta."
Members of People's Defence Forces.
Currently, fighting has broken out between the military and joint forces of ethnic armed organizations and people's defence forces (PDFs) in Sagaing and Magway regions and Karen, Kayah (Karenni) and Chin states.
The armed clashed have displaced more than 1.4 million people in Myanmar, according to statistics of the UNOCHA Myanmar.
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CNI News
15 Dec 2022
Despite changing governments and ages, the Myanmar military will always be the guardian of the country, SAC Chairman Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing said.
He made the remarks during a meeting with officers, other ranks and families of Myitkyina Station of the Northern Command at the Bala Min Htin Hall on 13th December.
He said that a caretaker government took office in 1958 due to political issues, armed conflicts and differences in the ruling party and the revolutionary council and the Burma Socialist Programme Party took office from 1962 to 1988, when the 1988 Uprising erupted.
As the situation deteriorated during the uprising and the country almost lost sovereignty, functions of the government came to a halt. As a result, the military had to assume State power in September, 1988, he added.
Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing meets officers, other ranks and families in Myitkyina on 13th December, 2022.
Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing said, "The Tatmadaw has been safeguarding 'Our three main national causes' together with the people in successive eras. The Tatmadaw will always be the guardian of the country under any government and in any age."
He continued, "It can be seen that there were voting irregularities because the ruling party employed dishonest means to win the 2020 multi-party general election. Although the Tatmadaw called for resolution of voters' list issues, the party convened the parliament and the Tatmadaw had to assume State power in accordance with the constitution.
It is true that the miliatry will have to defend the country at any times when the country is under the threats of foreign invasions and terrorist attacks but it doesn't have to engage in politics, a political observer told the CNI.
However, Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing said the Tatmadaw is consolidating the multi-party democracy path the country has taken and will not allow the country to deviate from the path. He added that the stability of the country is being restored in accordance with the law.