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CNI News
14 May 2024
The No-3 Thanlyin Bridge that is being constructed over the river to connect Thaketa Township with Thanlyin Township is about to be completed. So, the price of real estate in Thanlyin Township is getting higher than before, according to real estate agents. Real estate prices have risen by about one third of what they used to be, Ma Jue Jue, a real estate agent, told CNI News.
" There are people who buy real estate. The prices are also going up by about one third of what they used to be. The prices of real estate in Thanlyin are cheaper than other places. If you have about 300 lakh kyats, you can buy a land lot whose area is 1,200 or 2,400 square feet. The bridge (No.3 Thanlyin Bridge) will be open in July. It's likely that the prices are going up. But the prices are cheaper than in Dagon Myothit (North)." she said.
Although real estate agents used to buy land lots, there are more people coming to buy for living now and although a land lot (20'x60') could be bought at around 900 lakh kyats in the past, now it must be paid 1,300 lakh kyats.
While eeing the Thanlyin Bridge
Although real estate transactions tend to be low during the rainy season, because the land lots to be sold are very few, the prices could not be lower, Ma Htet Mon, a real estate agent, told CNI News.
" We had to sell land lots or real estate in the last rainy season. The transaction tends to lower a bit in the rainy season. But the prices would be changed. There are not many real estate and land lots which are going to be sold. These days, the people are buying and saving land lots and real estate." she said.
Although a lot of government grant land lots were bought before in Thanlyin Township in the past, buying other kinds of land has become higher now and there are hardly any land lots to be sold in some wards, said real estate agents.
While seeing the entrance sign of Thanlyin City
If the construction of No-3 Thanlyin Bridge was finished, traffic jams currently taking place on the No-1 Thanlyin Bridge would be resolved. Moreover, you could reach downtown Yangon in such a short time from Thanlyin.
Besides, as the Thilwa Special Economic Zone is located in Thanlyin Township, Thanlyin probably will be the best town to do business. On top of that, prices of real estate of neighboring townships such as Kyauktan, Thongwa and Kayan could go up, according to people.
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CNI News
14 May 2024
The arrest of Naga young people by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) destroyed their future sort of, said Naga youths. The KIA was arresting Naga youths on the Shin Bwe Yang and Tanai routes and it was difficult to travel, a Naga youth told CNI News.
"If you look at many KIA soldiers who were sent to the front lines, their faces are Naga, but their names are Kachin ones. There were many Naga youths in Tanai, Shin Bwe Yang, Nanyun, Pansaung and Donhee. Where have they been now? Why is the KIA arresting so many Naga youths. We are finding it so difficult. Naga youths want to go to Myitkyina for their education, but they don't dare. We are facing various crises including job." he said.
While seeing the KIA force
The KIA arrested Naga youths to recruit in some villages, Shin Bwe Yang Township in the second week of April after which many Naga youths had to run away. However, he hadn't heard that the KIA was arresting Naga youths to recruit and he had no comment, Colonel Nawbu, information officer of the KIA told CNI News.
" I haven't heard of that. They might take place at the front line. May be I didn't heard. I don't mean it's not right. I have no comment about it." he said. It was reported that the KIA would arrest 3,000 people and he was not sure Naga youths or Kachin and other clans would be arrest, said a Naga youth.
While seeing some youths attending the KIA's military training
" After they (the KIA) have recruited Naga youths, are the Naga youths asked to dominate the Naga region or is the KIA to rule Nanyun and Pansaung unjustly? Because there was no specific territorial demarcation between the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang and the KIA, Kachin State is Naga region and vice versa. They are not clear. They didn't explain clearly why the arrests are being conducted. There aren't any reporters in the, Naga region. So, I wonder they are doing what they want to." he said.
500 to 700 Naga youths were arrested in 2023 and some of them were released. The KIA is arresting the youths to recruit in Shin Bwe Yang, Nanyun, Pansaung, Lahe, Donhee as well as in Nan Si Pon region, Khamti Township, Sagaing Region reportedly.
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CNI News
11 May 2024
When getting tokens for Unique Identification Number smart card, the price for fast availability was around 100,000 kyats, residents of Myawaddy told CNI News.
Although the people who held border pass were allowed to cross the border in the past, but now those who have UID smart cards (national registration smart card) would be allowed to cross the border starting 1st May, 2024.
So, there have been a sharp increase in the number of the people who tried to get tokens to make UIDs and the price that has to be paid to get tokens quickly rose to around 100,000 kyats.
That's why, the issuance of tokens has been suspended starting from 8th May, 2024, an official from a social assistance association in Myawaddy, told CNI News.
While seeing those who came to the immigration office in Myawaddy to apply for UID cards
"The matter of money taken by township immigration officials and brokers was problematic. The issuance of tokens has been suspended for the time being. I wonder how they will restart by which system. The population of Myawaddy residents is just a few. There are more workers who go to the Thai side with a seven day residence permit. The problem is that those who want to get UIDs fast have to pay money. The brokers who have links with immigration officials designated the price for those who get UIDs fast. In the beginning, a card was paid 30,000 to 50,000 kyats. Now the price has been 80,000 to 100,000 kyats." he said.
The issuance of tokens has been suspended starting from 8th May, 2024 and new applications will be accepted starting from 13th May, 2024 reportedly.
The Immigration Office in Myawaddy is providing service to make 300 people get the UID smart carts reportedly. If the smart cards were issued not only in the immigration department but also at the border gates, it would be easier and faster, pointed out people.
While seeing those who came to the immigration office in Myawaddy to apply for UID cards
A border pass will be issued to a person who has had a UID and designating like that has opened a way that applicants have to pay a lot of money, Ko Naing Naing Aung, director of the Arakan Workers Organization, told CNI News.
“It's just a way to earn an income. A citizen registration card has been issued to a citizen. As soon as you show the card, you can freely travel to Thailand that has been discussed already by the two governments to be able to do so. After giving a name to this issue, they are looking for money. When the authorities lay down a policy, they think about getting benefit from the public but they don't think about how to provide service to the public." he said.
Those who apply for UID smart cards must have household census and citizen registration cards and after biodata collection such as eye scanning and fingerprinting is done, they can get their UID smart cards.
Although the government has directed to provide service free of charge for UID smart cards, brokers are working to get UID smart cards on behalf of applicants who have to give a lot of money at the bottom.
- By CNI
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CNI News
11 May 2024
This year Myanmar mango export to China was just one third of last year due to instabilities along the way, said mango traders.
As time delays occur due to battles breaking out along the route going to the border trade gate, the quality of mangoes might decline and so as not to decline like that, although the two governments discussed to make the mangoes get the green line status as an important commodity, it didn't work reportedly. So, the mango export to China has declined, Ko Thitsar, a mango trader, told CNI News.
" The current authorities and the bilateral organizations don't understand the green line. So, they can't make the green line system. We can only tell the drivers to take care of their driving and so as to delay. The number of times delivered by car becomes less. If 100 trucks went with mangoes in the past, now would be 30." he said.
When the mangoes were exported to China through Muse and Kyin San Kyawt border trade in the past, although it took only two days, those gates have been closed now because of battles.
So, the mangoes are being exported to China through the Myla border trade and it takes about seven days and three to ten trucks of mangoes can be exported each day reportedly.
So, the mango market was on the brink of collapse and hardly any mango growers exported mangoes any more. Only companies and brokers' sales centers exported, U San Win, a mango trader, told CNI News.
" At present, there are hardly any mango growers who exported mangoes. Companies and brokers' sales centers inform the buyers of the prices in advance and export as able as they can get. There have been almost no auction systems like in the past. To sustain the system like this, it will be likely to export a lot. Now mangoes are so plentiful within the country. The market is on the brink of collapse." he said.
Although Japan, Singapore and other countries offered to buy Myanmar mangoes this year, they cannot be exported because of their quality weak points reportedly.
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CNI News
11 May 2024
The India-based Zomi Revolutionary Organization/Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRO/ZRA) and the Zomi Political Cooperation Committee (ZPCC)/ZRA Eastern Command that enter Chin State are gathering Zomi clans in Myanmar, India and Bangladesh and trying to build Zomi country, the Chin National Front (CNF) accused and stated on 9th May, 2024.
The ZRO/ZRA that was formed in 1993 is a Zomi clan armed group that revolutionizes against the Indian government and according to the agreement reached between the Indian government and the ZRO/ZRA in 2005, had stood as a Border Guarder Force and based in Manipur State, the CNF stated.
After that, the ZRO/ZRA which went against the Indian Government entered Chin State, Myanmar under the name of the ZPCC/ZRA (Eastern Command) in 2013 and the political objective of the ZRO/ZRA which has based in Manipur State, India was to dominate other clans in Manipur State, the CNF accused.
"The political objective of the ZPCC/ZRA (Eastern Command) that is active in Chinland ( Chin State) is to gather Tedim, Tonzang Townships in Chinland as well as Kalay and Kabaw regions in Sagaing Region and to build Zomi State. The ultimate political goal of the ZRO/ZRA and the ZPCC/ZRA (Eastern Command) is to gather Zomi clans in Myanmar, India and Bangladesh to build Zomi country." the CNF accused.
While seeing the statement released by the CNF
The ZRO/ZRA and ZPCC/ZRA pay the tax to the regionally based Myanmar Tatmadaw has owned many acres of poppy plantation in the forest belt in which there are Phoisat, Suang hoih, Seimei and Mualpi Villages.
Local people have been allowed to grow poppy and they have to pay tax. They collect tax at the border checkpoints and the tender the Myanmar Tatmadaw is carrying out in Tedim and Tonzang Townships, the CNF stated.
The reason why the CNF was fighting against the ZRA was because the CNF wanted to control the border trade route and to collect tax, said a person close to the CNF.
" At present, the CNF is trying to dominate Chin State. The reason why the CNF is fighting against the ZRA is because the CNF wants to control the trade route. The CNF is collecting tax at 2 percent on commodity in Chin State. The people from Hakha and Thantlan might like the CNF. But other Chin people don't like the CNF. To tell you frankly, the people from the border area prefer the military council. In any case, when the military council had controlled the border, they were able to make a living. When the CNF attacked the border gate and India has closed the gate, it's difficult for them to make a living." he said.
While seeing the CNF force
The battles are currently breaking out in Tedim Township and near the border area. The six Chin ethnic armed groups have warned the CNF not to conduct any military movements in Tedim and Tonzang Townships.
According to the CNF, the ZRA and the Infantry Battalion-268 of the Tatmadaw met and discussed and the following points were agreed- (1) the State Administration Council must lead to draft the Zogam Charter; (2) the SAC must lead in order to build Zomi State;(3) the ZRA must be recognized as the Border Guard Force; (4) the ZPCC/ZRA must be allowed to move in Tedim and Tonzang; (5) the ZPCC/ZRA must completely get rid of the PDF and the CDF, and must fight against the armed organizations in Kalay, Kabaw and Tamu to expell; (6) the ZPCC/ZRA must arrest those who have joined the CDM; (7) the ZPCC/ZRA must plot various stories and hurt the images of the CNF, the CDF and PDF and must fight against them, regarding as enemy.
However, the ZRA explained that it didn't cooperate with the Myanmar Tatmadaw and any agreements were not reached between the two sides.
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CNI News
10 May 2024
A multi-party democratic general election would be mandatorily held, said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of the State Administration Council, on the night of 8th May 2024.
He said the above while he released the news about the meeting of Cambodian president of the senate Hun Sen and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the SAC.
" We have guaranteed the people to build a democracy and federalism-based union. We will mandatorily hold a multi-party democratic general election. We are making preparations for that. And we have laid down five point road map. We'll carry out mandatorily in accordance with the road map." said Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun.
To hold a general election is included in the road map.
While the UEC was meeting with political parties
However, the SAC has not clearly said when the election will be held. Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said that census-taking would be conducted all over the country in 2024 after which the election would be held. And then, the power would be handed over to the winning party.
It was necessary to end or reduce armed conflicts taking place within Myanmar and to have stability and peace so that the election could be held. The election could be held in 2025, reviewed political parties.
Having said that the NLD government was trying to form a government without resolving the ballot disputes, the Tatmadaw overthrew the NLD government and took power.
After that, the Tatmadaw formed a caretaker government called the State Administration Council and is making preparation to hold the election again.
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CNI News
10 May 2024
Instead of using the Kalay-Tamu-Kalaywa order trade, the main border trade route of the Myanmar-India border trade, another route is being used, according to Tamu traders.
Not only had India closed the border trade, the territory along the Kalay-Tamu road was unstable. So, jungle routes and waterways were being used, traders said.
Even if India opened the border trade gate when the route on the Myanmar side was not safe, jungle route only would be used, Ko Min Ko, a trader from Tamu, told CNI News.
" If the main road has been closed due to many problems, we have to use jungle route to carry goods by motorcycle. There is a waterway between Kalay and Kalewa. Khampat Village is on the way of the waterway, from which goods are carried to Kalay by car. Some traders carry their goods to Kalewa. If the routes between Monywa and Kalay were closed, goods are carried from Kalewa to Monywa by waterway. Even if India opens the border trade gate when there have been no stabilities' on the Myanmar side, Locals have to make a living at their own convenience." he said.
While seeing Tamu PDF
There are three rotes in the Myanmar-India border trade and they are Tamu-Kalewa-Taze- Ye U - Monywa (Mahamyaing Route), Mandalay-Tamu-Kalewa-Monywa (Yargyi Route) and Mandalay-Tamu-Kalay-Gangaw-Pale-Monywa-Mandalay and they were used to trade in the past. However, these routes are not used due to territorial instabilities at present.
Because of the communal riots that took place in Manipur State, India has closed the border trade and only after the riots could be resolved, the border trade would be reopened, U Hla Maung, from the border traders association (Tamu-Kaly-Kalewa).
" India is more important for the border trade. Ethnic problem between Kuki and Meitei has been taking place for long in Manipur State, India. It's not safe in their territory. The problem is complex in their country. Unless the problem cannot be resolved, the border trade cannot be officially reopened." he said.
While seeing Tamu PDF
If the Tamu-Moreh border trade gate, one of the Myanmar-India border trade gates, was reopened, Tamu locals could enjoy job opportunities. Moreover, higher prices and
shortage of goods could be reduced.
At present, India has closed the Tamu-Moreh border trade, the Tamu-Kalay-Kalewa border trade, the Paletwa-Mizoram border trade and the Pansaung border trade. So, the Myanmar-India border trade is being conducted illegally reportedly.
- By CNI
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CNI News
10 May 2024
There are reviews and discussions among political circles in relation to whether a political dialogue could emerge in 2024.
Former Cambodian PM Hun Sen and Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council online on 7th May, 2024 and Hun Sen requested Sr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing to allow him to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
In the same way, former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra met with delegates from the RCSS, the KNU, the KNO, the KNPP and the NUG and discussed to help solve the Myanmar political crisis.
Because of attempts from neighboring countries and international for the Myanmar issue, a political dialogue could emerge to solve the Myanmar political crisis, U Tun Aung Kyaw, member of the policy steering committee from the Arakan National Party (ANP) told CNI News.
While seeing General Saw Mutu Say Phoe and the Chinese Special Envoy
" ASEAN members and neighboring countries are particularly worried about Myanmar. Battles are so severely breaking out. The situation in which Myanmar government was called Yangon Government in 1948-49 or so has come again, I think. They seem to be worried that their economies might be damaged. So, they are making efforts to make Myanmar peaceful." He said.
Former Cambodian PM and the Thai officials attempt to be able to hold a political dialogue in general.
No matter how severe battles are breaking out, discussions must be conducted at the political roundtable after all to end these conflicts. So, a dialogue path might emerge.
While seeing senior Tatmadaw officers
With the political landscapes that emerged on 1st February, 2021, armed conflicts have been widely taking place and it cannot be solved up to now.
He hoped that the steps forwards could be taken to widen the political dialogue frame in 2024, Saw Kyaw Kyunt, spokesperson of the 7 EAO Alliance, told CNI News.
" A news political dialogue is really needed to be held. We have never seen our country whose war frame is wider than the political frame. While we are facing various difficulties, we'd like to hope that steps forwards can be taken this year." he said.
Because of domestic armed conflicts, all sectors including politics, peace, economy, education, health and so in Myanmar are deteriorating. some EAOs, some political parties, ASEAN and international organizations are trying in order to solve the crises.
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CNI News
9 May 2024
A public meeting that contains religious leaders and the Karen EAO leaders was held on 7th May 2024 in order to stop fighting and to be able to build the peace processes.
Religious leaders led and held the public meeting at Mesameik Monastery, Hline Bwe Township, Pa-an District in the KNU's Brigade-7 territory.
Bodh Gayā Sayadaw Buddanta Sandawara served as the chairman of the meeting and Mesameik Sayadaw Buddanta Sanda, as the master of ceremony.
The meeting was attended by Padoh Saw Aung Maung Aye, chairman of Pa-an District of the KNU, Col. Saw Kyaw Than Htay from the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt from the KNU/KNLA Peace Council, Mahn Pyi Aung Soe, chairman of the Karen National Democratic Party and Padoh Saw Shwe Maung, chairman of Dooplaya istrict of the KNU.
While seeing the leaders from Karen ethnic armed groups at the public meeting with religious leaders on 7th May, 2024
Moreover, Kyettuyway Sayadaw Buddanta Sandaw Bartha, Pharpon Township Kokkrat Monastery Sayadaw U Tayzaniya, Myawaddy Taunggalay Sayadaw Buddanta Aggawantha, Paing Kyon Baptist Pastor Saw Soe Lal. A total of about 1,000 people including religious leaders, Pa-an District leaders and local people attended the meeting reportedly.
Because the KNU/PDF joint forces waged battles to capture Myawddy, Karen State in early April, battles severely broke out when border trade stopped and local people had to flee to safety.
Moreover, battles took place severely in Kawkareik Township, Karen State as well, houses in the town were damaged and some local people were also killed.
After that, religious leaders and some leaders of the Karen ethnic armed groups are making an attempt in order to stop fighting and to make peace.