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CNI News
28 June 2024
If refugees were arrested, they wanted the Malaysian government to allow the UNHCR to enter the detainee camps, ethnic refugee organizations in Malaysia told CNI News.
When refugees were arrested, although officials from the UNHCR come to the detainee camps and could help release refugees, permission to enter the detainee camps has been banned by the Malaysian government since 2019.
Because banning the UNHCR to enter the detainee camps delayed to release asylum seekers and to resettle them, he wanted the Malaysian government to allow the UNHCR to enter the detainee camps, James Bawi Thang Bik, chairman of the Alliance of Chin Refugees, told CNI News.
" The UNHCR has not been allowed to enter the detainee camps. The UNHCR and NGOs have mainly demanded to allow them to enter the detainee camps. If they are allowed to enter, refugees can enjoy opportunities." he said.
Moreover, the Malaysian National Security Council suggested the government to close the UNHCR office in Malaysia in 2022.
As the UNHCR is not allowed to enter the detainee camps, if Myanmar citizens who have held the refugee cards are arrested, informing the UNHCR whether documents are correct or not is delayed. So, the refugees have to stay in the detainee camps for long reportedly.
The UNHCR card
"There are many difficulties. Whether migrants or refugees, they must work. Firstly, they are undocumented. They have no passports, no work permits. Because they didn't come with MoU, they find it difficult to apply for jobs. They face difficulty to go to hospitals or clinics. They are are very weak in the natters regarding laws. Some of them were arrested. They can't travel freely." said an official from the Arakanese Community Malaysia (ARRC) to CNI News.
The number of people who are registered as refugees with the UNHCR and the number of asylum seekers in Malaysia are nearly 190,000 and of them, there are over 160,000 from Myanmar, stated the UNHCR.
The figures were until April, 2024 and among over 160,000 from Myanmar, Bengali people are over 110,000, and Chin people, about 26,000 and, other ethnic people from conflict-hit areas of Myanmar, over 30,000, according to the statement.
65 percent of refugees and asylum seekers are men and 35 percent, women. The number of children under 18 is over 50,000, according to the UNHCR.
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CNI News
27 June 2024
The Kachin Independence Army (KIA)/the People's Defense Force (PDF) joint forces have captured some military camps of the Myanmar Tatmadaw during the battles breaking out between the the KIA/PDF joint forces and the Myanmar Tatmadaw in the Indawgyi region, Mohnyin Township, Kachin State, and locals are still trapped in the battles reportedly.
The joint forces launched an offensive against the Indawgyi region on 22nd June and captured Nyaung Bin and Chaung Wa Villages reportedly.
Due to the military tension between the two sides, although locals wanted to flee to safety, they were still trapped, a local told CNI News.
" Locals want to leave for Hopang and Mohnyin. But they can't. The route has been closed at the peak of Nammon Mountain." he said.
While seeing the KIA/PDF
At the Nyaung Bin Village Battle, after negotiation between the two sides, the Myanmar Tatmadaw had to retreat by motor-boats and joined in the Lonton and Nammon military camps, according to locals. At present, the KIA/PDF joint forces have occupied in Nyaung Bin and Chaung Wa, and there are also some shootings in Nammon reportedly.
Because the battles are breaking out in the Indawgyi region, not only can schools not opened, paddy also cannot be grown. So, the price of paddy will go up in the coming year, a local told CNI News in Shanni language.
" More difficult, schools cannot be opened and we cannot grow paddy in the Indawgyi region. So, the price of paddy will go up next year." he said.
The KIA/PDF joint forces have currently captured the Nyaung Bin, Hwelon and Chaung Wa Camps and they might attack Lonton and Nammon in the Indawgyi region, said locals.
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CNI News
27 June 2024
Farmers in Mon State have started practicing the direct paddy planting system by scattering seeds on farms because the fee for transplanting paddy has increased by 50 percent reportedly.
Although the fee for transplanting paddy was 10,000 kyats per head last year, the fee has been 12,000 to 15,000 kyats this year reportedly.
The reason why the fee has increased is because commodity prices are higher and there is a labor shortage. Because of these difficulties, farmers were worried that they could not grow paddy in time. So, they started direct planting by scattering seeds on their farms, Ko Lwin Aye, a farmer from Paung Township, Mon State.
While seeing farmers who transplant paddy
" It is called 'scattering field' here in our region. In other words, it is called direct planting. Because of higher fees for transplanting paddy and labor shortage, many farmers have started planting directly. We have to plant paddy when the seeds are 30 days old. If we can't grow the paddy in time, we will face losses. So, many farmers have practiced a direct planting system by scattering seeds on farms. If we do so, we don't have to hire paddy transplanters. But the yield is not as sure as transplanting." he said.
Although planting paddy by scattering seeds could reduce the yield, it could reduce agricultural cost to an extent reportedly. The transplanting system could cost a farmer about 250,000 kyats per acre while direct planting, 3,000 to 4,000 kyats. U Maung Kyi, a farmer from Paung Township, Mon State, told CNI News.
While seeing a rice shop
" If we practice direct planting by scattering seeds, we have to pay for seeds only. It can cost us 35,000 to 40,000 kyats per acre. But if we practice the transplanting system, because of the higher fee for transplanting, it can cost us about 250,000 kyats." he said.
Paddy grown by scattering seeds cannot withstand the flood and biting by gold snails. So, money has to be spent for pesticides. Moreover, the yield is lower than transplanting. So, some farmers don't choose the direct planting system.
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CNI Article News
26 June 2024
China has intensified efforts to promote Han culture and assimilation policies in Tibet even as former US Congress Speaker Nancy Pelosi recently met Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama as a member of a US Congressional delegation.
Irritated by the recent passage of the Resolve Tibet Act by the U.S. Senate and the legacy of the Dalai Lama, particularly the issue of his reincarnation, the Chinese government has expressed its intent to have full control, including the reincarnation process in Tibet.
Available reports indicate that the Chinese government has been making efforts to assimilate Tibetan culture into the dominant Han culture.
Experts on Tibetan affairs said that China’s arrogant approach to education in Tibet has raised significant concerns regarding the forced assimilation of Tibetan children.
Approximately one million Tibetan children have reportedly been separated from their families and placed into government-run boarding schools.
Former member of the Tibetan parliament in exile, KhedroobThondup, said that the educational content in these schools is centered around the majority Han culture, with Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua) as the medium of instruction.
This system is seen as a large-scale program intended to assimilate Tibetans into Han culture. The focus on Mandarin Chinese and Han cultural norms has resulted in Tibetan children losing proficiency in their native language and, consequently, the ability to communicate effectively with their elders, contributing to the erosion of their Tibetan identity.
The increase in boarding students is partly due to the closure of rural schools in Tibetan areas, replaced by township or county-level schools that primarily use Mandarin Chinese for teaching and communication, often requiring children to board. This forced assimilation is contrary to international human rights standards concerning education, linguistic and cultural rights, and freedom of religion or belief.
Religious repression is another form of China's attempt to assimilate Tibetan culture. The Chinese constitution states citizens ‘enjoy freedom of religious belief’, but limits protections to ‘normal religious activities’ without defining ‘normal’. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) promotes ‘Sinicization’ policies that aim to interpret religious ideas in accordance with CCP ideology and emphasize loyalty to the CCP and the state.
The demolition of the Fuyan Temple, a 1,000-year-old Tibetan Buddhist temple in Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province, is an example of how Chinese authorities have destroyed Tibetan religious sites outside the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR).
The arrests of writers, singers, and artists for promoting the Tibetan language and culture are also reported.
Supporters of the Dalai Lama and other religious leaders could be arrested under the government’s anti-organized-crime program. The Chinese government has conducted a campaign of “reeducation” or “vocational training” in military-style camps for political indoctrination and to transform traditional farmers and herders into laborers in other industries.
Tibetans are not allowed to practice their own religion and maintain their cultural identity.
Various human rights organizations and independent experts have expressed concern regarding the preservation of Tibetan culture and identity.
China's efforts to assimilate Tibetans into Han culture are part of a broader campaign to create a single national identity centered on the Han majority and loyalty to the Communist Party.
The CCP considers cultural assimilation essential for national unity and stability.
Historically, China has sought to create a unified national identity.
The promotion of Han culture, which is the majority culture in China, is seen as a way to strengthen national unity and cohesion.
This approach is rooted in the imperial legacy, where Tibet was considered part of Chinese empires at various points in history.
The Xi government views the assimilation of Tibet as a continuation of this legacy, aiming to reinforce the perception of a cohesive and indivisible China.
Experts said that the aim of the Chinese government is to consolidate its control over Tibet through Han culture and encouraging assimilation.
This strategy is seen as a way to mitigate separatist sentiments and potential challenges to Beijing's authority.
The CCP seeks to bolster its legitimacy by demonstrating its ability to unify and integrate diverse regions and cultures within China.
This is crucial for maintaining domestic support and stability.
Lastly, Tibet's strategic significance cannot be overstated. Sharing borders with several countries, including India, Nepal, and Bhutan, Tibet's stability is vital for China's geopolitical strategy.
China wants to ensure that Tibet is firmly under Beijing's control because it is essential for regional security and influence.
Additionally, integrating Tibet economically and culturally can facilitate smoother governance and align the region more closely with the central government's policies and initiatives.
These assimilation policies have faced significant criticism from international human rights organizations as they infringe on the cultural and religious freedoms of the Tibetan people.
Experts on Tibetan affairs regret that the focus on Mandarin Chinese and Han cultural norms in education has led to Tibetan children losing proficiency in their native language, contributing to the erosion of their cultural identity.
The closure of rural schools and the rise of government-run boarding schools using Mandarin as the primary language of instruction have further marginalized Tibetan cultural practices and traditions.
China's promotion of Han culture and assimilation policies in Tibet aims to create a unified national identity and strengthen central control by Beijing, but they have also led to significant resistance and international criticism.
The forced assimilation of Tibetan children through the education system, religious repression, and cultural suppression highlight the severe impact on Tibetan society.
The balance between these efforts and the response from the local populations will continue to shape the future of China's relationship with Tibet.
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CNI News
26 June 2024
According to the government's policy, only half of the palm oil that is required for the country has been allowed to be imported reportedly.
It was carried out like this in order to encourage oil mills producing edible oil within the country, to promote edible oil productivity and to reduce the use of foreign currency reportedly.
Because of the permission to import only half of the palm oil required for the country, there will be an imbalance between supply and demand. Moreover, the price of palm oil will go up and the people from the basic class will suffer higher prices, U Nay Win Soe, in charge of the Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization (MYANTRADE), told CNI News.
" For example, when we need 70,000 tons of palm oil, only 35,000 tons are allowed to be imported. But we must import because we really need it. We have to look for dollars in some way. Or we have to grow other crops from which we have to earn dollars. As half of the palm oil that we need is allowed to import, demand cannot be met. So, the price will go up. Basic class will suffer higher prices." he said.
About 70,000 tons of palm oil is needed for the people within the country and about 30,000 tons only have been allowed to import. It was necessary to promote edible oil production within the country, rather than reducing import of palm oil and to upgrade domestic oil mills, an official from the Myanmar Pulses, Beans and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association, told CNI News.
While seeing the plastic boxes of palm oil
"We must expand the cultivation of oil crops within the country and we must improve edible oil production. Reducing import of palm oil alone isn't sufficient. Moreover, oil mills must be upgraded so that the yield is better." he said.
The expansive cultivation of oil crop project is being currently implemented and preparations are being made to grow sunflower on 1.5 million acres of land reportedly.
Although preparations are being made to grow sunflowers in Ayeyarwady Region, as the region gets much rain, it wouldn't be successful, said U Nay Win Soe to CNI News.
" They are working with the plan of the regional government. Farmers are forced to grow sunflowers. But if you grow sunflowers, it won't be cost-effective. Ayeyarwady Region gets a lot of rain. So, sunflowers are grown there on a small scale. You won't be successful if you grow it on a large scale. Commercial cultivation of sunflowers is not appropriate with the climate and terrain of Ayeyarwady Region." he said.
Although palm oil is being sold at 5,400 kyats per viss, the reference price, as import of palm oil has been reduced by half, the palm oil has been scarce in the market and the people have to be waiting in line to buy some palm oil.
When you wait in line to buy some palm oil, you have to pay about 6,000 kyats per viss. However, if you buy palm oil at the retail shops in the ward, you have to pay 12,000 kyats per viss reportedly.
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CNI News
26 June 2024
To control the rise in domestic rice prices, rice would be sold at a lower price within Yangon Region, announced the Myanmar Rice Federation.
After authorities had summoned rice traders for inquiries and taken actions regarding the increase in the price of rice, the MRF's statement arose.
In controlling the rice market, the government needed to systematically tackle the market, taking into account of the traders' interests and if it carried out by force, rice mills would not operate.
And then, rice could be scarce in the market and the black market could arise, U Thein Aung, chairman of the Farmers Development Association, told CNI News.
While seeing a rice shop
" It's necessary to maintain the market at a reasonable price. It's not easy to control so as not to raise the price at all. After negotiations to an extent for the sake of traders, for example, traders are allowed to raise the price by 5 percent every month. If those who are trading on a large scale are controlled by force, domestic rice mills won't dare to operate. And then, rice will be scarce and the black market will arise." he said.
The Wadan and Bayint Naung Wholesale Centers would sell Shwe Bo Pawsan Hmwe at 135,000 to 145,000 kyats per bag and Aemahta at 70,000 to 72,000 kyats per bag reportedly.
And then, as retail sale, one pyi of fine rice will be sold at 5,000 kyats and coarse rice, at 3,000 kyats reportedly. One household can buy a bag of fine rice and a bag of coarse rice reportedly.
However, selling rice like this would be convenient just for the people living in Yangon Region, but it wasn't convenient for the people in other regions. So, it could not helpful for the stabilization of the price of rice, reviewed some people.
While seeing a rice shop
As the government, if it wanted to stabilize the price of rice, when the rice paddy appear abundantly, it should buy a lot of rice as a reserve and sell it when the price of rice was going up, U Aye Win, a rice trader, told CNI News.
" Like reserve rice, rice paddy that was bought at 16 or 17 lakh kyats for 100 baskets when the paddy appeared abundantly should be milled and sold to real consumers when the price of rice go up. By doing do, the price can be maintained so as not to make the price higher. But when 1,000 bags of rice are allowed to be sold, only 500 bags are sold as directed, it is necessary to control so as not to make the remaining 500 bags arrive in the black market." he said.
The current price of Shwe Bo Pawsan in the domestic market is until 190,000 kyats per bag and Ayeyarwady Pawsan, 120,000 to 150,000 kyats. Moreover, the price of coarse rice is from 80,000 to 110,000 kyats reportedly.
The price of rice tend to go up at a time like this of the year and the price could go up until September, said farmers.
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CNI News
25 June 2024
Rakhine and Chin ethnic people were entering Malaysia as refugees more than before, officials from ethnic refugee organizations concerned told CNI News.
Although the number of Chin refugees was around 50,000 in Malaysia in 2021, now has been over 80,000.
In the same way, the number of Rakhine refugees has been over 10,000 now, according to officials from refugee organizations.
Most of the people who had entered were young people, an official from the Arakanese Community Malaysia told CNI News.
While seeing Chin refugees
" As new comers, young people are more mainly because of domestic impacts. Rakhine people are not found to be coming here with their families. They seem to enter Malaysia because it was not convenient for them to work in other places." he said.
Some entered Malaysia illegally through border and others came on a visit visa and overstayed.
The number of Myanmar nationalities who got refugee status had been low since before and later as well, new comers had to take a long time to get refugee cards reportedly.
Moreover, the Malaysian government didn't want that refugees would increased within its country, so it was strictly checking, James Bawi Thang Bik, chairman of the Alliance of Chin Refugees, told CNI News.
While seeing Chin refugees
" At present in Malaysia, those who don't get the UN refugee cards have outnumbered those who have got the cards. Many Myanmar young and middle age people have arrived in Malaysia. Those who joined the CDM came here in the hope of getting UN refugee cards. But they are not given a priority in Malaysia. But the UN give a priority to the people regarding health. The UN is giving those who applied to get a refugee status in 2019-20, but the rate is very low." he said.
Myanmar nationalities will not get the UNHCR cards quickly in Malaysia and among those who came as refugees, many educated young people are included reportedly.
With many refugees coming to Malaysia, they are experiencing a lot of difficulties including health problems reportedly.
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CNI News
24 June 2024
A lot of the KIA/PDF joint forces have been launching an offensive in order to control Indawgyi region in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State since 22nd June, said locals.
At present, battles are severely breaking out between the KIA/PDF joint forces and the Myanmar Tatmadaw in Nyaung Bin, Chaung Wa and Lwepaw Villages in Indawgyi region and houses are also being burned, they said.
The KIA/PDF joint forces are attacking the military camps of the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the indigenous militias in horde of forces and residents are being trapped in Chaung Wa.
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CNI News
22 June 2024
India has exempted the corn imported from Myanmar from customs duty, according to the Myanmar Pulses, Beans, Maize and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association.
In the past, India was collecting 60 percent for commercial tax, 5 percent for collective goods and service and 10 percent for additional social security tax when importing corn from Myanmar.
Because of the current need for corn of India, India has exempted Myanmar corn from customs duty, an official from the Myanmar Pulses, Beans, Maize and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association, told CNI News.
" Economic associations from India negotiated with the Myanmar side to allow Myanmar corn to import duty-free because there has been a high demand for corn in India. We are exporting our corn to other countries as well. The price of corn has gone up again. So, they negotiated with us. And then we have started exporting corn." he said.
Although over 38 million tons of corn were produced in India last year, only about 35 million tons of corn might be produced this year.
While seeing Myanmar corn
More than one million tons of corn is needed for a poultry farming sector alone each year reportedly.
Myanmar has been allowed to export corn to Thailand duty-free from February to August. It is not clear how India has designated it duty-free.
Although Myanmar corn was exported to India in March and May, at present because the price of corn in Thailand is high, Myanmar corn is being mainly exported to Thailand, U Thant Zin Tun, vice chairman of the Myanmar Corn Industrial Association, told CNI News.
" Myanmar corn was exported to India from March to April. Because the Thai price of corn is a little higher at present, Myanmar corn is being mainly exported to Thailand. Maybe Myanmar corn is being exported to India from the old contracts." he said.
Not very long ago, three ships loaded with Myanmar corn were docked at India’s Port and according to the contract, 10 more ships loaded with Myanmar corn would be exported, stated the Ministry of Commerce.
Myanmar exports about two tons of corn each year and it is being mainly exported to China and Thailand through border trade. Moreover, Myanmar corn is exported to the Philippines, Vietnam and other countries by sea.