The New Light of Myanmar (Friday, 22 March, 2002)

[Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>]

The New Light of Myanmar (Friday, 22 March, 2002)
--------------------------------------
1. Secretary-1 attends opening of Shwelaung Bridge
   in Wakema Township
2. Press conf held to explain SURA Ywet Sit group's
   attack on Pachee outpost and slanderous news
   reports
3. - Maj-Gen Maung Bo inspects construction of bypass
     in Taninthayi Division
   - Maj-Gen Tin Aye inspects tax-free markets
4. - Minister receives foreign guests
   - Education Minister inspects exhibition booth
5. - Nawade column entertained by Saing Orchestra
   - Parade columns entertained
   - Myawady magician troupe entertains parade column
   - Invitation cards for Armed Forces Day parade
     can be drawn
6. Victorious Myanmar U-17 football team honoured
7. MV Lady M leaves for Singapore
8. Myanma buckwheat exported to Japan
9. Poppy plantations destroyed in Kachin State

---------

( 1 ) Ayeyawady Division now has 1,328 miles of motor
road, up 888 miles from only 440 in 1988 Only when all
regions of Union developing and national economy
picking up, will economic and social standards of
people improve more and more

Secretary-1 attends opening of Shwelaung Bridge in
Wakema Township

Yangon, 21 March - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, together with
member of the State Peace and Development Council
Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence,
ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State
Peace and Development Council Office, departmental
heads and officials, this morning left here by car and
arrived at Bo Myat Tun Bridge, where they were
welcomed by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and
Development Council Commander of South-West Command
Brig-Gen Htay Oo and officials. Then, the Secretary-1
and party proceeded to Shwelaung Bridge in Wakema
Township, Aye-yawady Division. A ceremony to
inaugurate Shwelaung Bridge to hail the 57th
Anniversary Armed Forces Day was held at the Mingalar
pandal near the bridge at Mile Post No 21/0 on
Pantanaw-Shwe-laung-Wakema Road, Wakema Township,
Aye-yawady Division, at 8 am today, with an address by
the Secretary-1.

Also present were Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Commander
Brig-Gen Htay Oo, ministers, deputy ministers,
officials of the State Peace and Development Council
Office, departmental heads, officials of Public Works
(Head Office) and the Bridge Construction Project
Special Group No 2, local authorities, departmental
personnel, construction entrepreneurs, teachers and
students, members of the Union Solidarity and
Development Association, social organizations, band
troupe and pom pom troupe, Kayin traditional Yein
troupe and local residents from Pantanaw and Wakema
townships totalling over 10,000. U Hla Win of the
Myanma Radio and Television acted as master of
ceremonies. Secretary-1 said the State is implementing
its noble plans in launching development programmes in
the entire nation to enable the nation to stand
shoulder to shoulder with other nations, to develop
and strengthen the national economy and to improve the
living standard of the people. The Shwelaung Bridge
was inaugurated as a gesture hailing the 57th
Anniversary Armed Forces Day.

Thus, the bridge is a pride not only for the Tatmadaw,
but also for the people of Ayeyawady Division.
Emergence of the bridge has extended the scope of a
network of roads and bridges being built by the
government to reach Shwelaung, then to Wakema,
Kyonmange and Mawlamyinegyun. Thus, it will
effectively contribute to the progress of Ayeyawady
Division. Ayeyawady Division is a delta criss-crossed
by a large number of natural watercourses and facing
the sea at its southern and western ends. Due to its
rich land and water resources, agricultural and
aquacultural enterprises thrive in the region. As it
is a delta region, it is the largest rice producer of
the nation.

Moreover, marine industry is also flourishing. Thus,
the region is much reliable for food production and is
also contributing much toward national economic
progress. Its even and beautiful sea beaches are also
earning a large amount of foreign exchange. With the
existence of rivers and creeks flowing in the
division, it had to rely on water transport in the
past. Despite the rich natural resources, development
of Ayeyawady Division was slow. Hence, the government
has given priority to the development of the transport
sector of the division since assumption of the State's
duties. It has used a large amount of money to build
bridges across the watercourses.

It is clear that the task is not so beneficial when
assessed only from the economic point of view. In
accord with the Head of State's goodwill to bring
proportionate progress to all the regions and to
improve the living standard of the people all over the
nation, the government is fulfilling the requirements
for progress of every region of the nation. Thus, the
government is not assessing its projects from the
economic point of view. It is implementing them in the
interests of the national people. Thus, the government
has built 4,359 miles of new roads in the whole nation
since 1988. At present, Ayeyawady Division has 1,328
miles of motor roads, up 888 miles from only 440 miles
in the past.

The largest number of roads has been built in the
division. Many embankments and bridges have been built
to implement the road projects in the division. Up to
now, the government has built 140 major bridges
crossing the rivers and creeks in the nation, spending
K 544,210.58 million and US $ 130.36 million. Of the
140 major bridges, 35 have been built in Ayeyawady
Division alone. They were built at a cost of K
10,968.51 million and US $ 18.623 million.

Bo Myat Tun Bridge, the longest in Myanmar up to now,
is included in the 35 bridges. After building Bo Myat
Tun and Maubin bridges, the government is now building
Dedaye Bridge. The over 600-foot long facilities
including Myaungmya Bridge, Kyaunggon Bridge, Ngawun
Bridge, Labutta (Pinlelay) Bridge, Uto Creek Bridge
and Gonnyindan Bridge have been constructed to ease
transport between one town and another. Wakema Bridge
will be completed soon.

As the government has been systematically implementing
plans to link the major towns of the division by road
transport, significant progress has been achieved in
developing the transport sector. Now Pathein can be
reached from Yangon within 12 hours by road. As
Pathein-Monywa highway has been completed, there
emerged a Union highway in the western sector of the
division. Now the people can travel to Rakhine State
from the highway through Ngathaingchaung-Gwa and
Padaung-Taungup roads; to Bago Division through Nawade
Bridge; to Magway and Mandalay Divisions through
Anawrahta and Magway bridges.
Kyaunggon-Einme-Myaungmya-Labutta road,
Pyapon-Bogale-Dedaye road, Maubin-Kyaiklat-Dedaye
road, and Kyaiklat-Pyapon road are being built in the
division phase by phase. Some of the sections of the
roads have been completed. The Shwelaung Bridge is
located on
Pantanaw-Shwelaung-Wakema-Kyonmange-Mawlamyinegyun
road. When the Wakema Bridge is completed, the motor
road will link Pantanaw and Kyonmange via Shwelaung
and Wakema. The road will also link the regions with
Pathein, Yangon and Hinthada.

Moreover, Kyonmange-Mawlamyinegyun road will be
extended up to Bogale. Thus, Bogale, Pyapon and Dedaye
will have direct road access to Yangon Division. A
network of roads and bridges, a fundamental driving
force for development, is being built in Ayeyawady
Shwelaung opened Division, and they will contribute to
the development of the economic and social sectors of
Ayeyawady Division. Local people need to make best use
of the improving transport condition and to endeavour
for the development of agriculture, livestock breeding
and production.

The Government, taking in account the prospects for
development of Ayeyawady Division, the favourable
condition for economic development and the efficiency
and capital of national entrepreneurs, has been
working for emergence of strong economic undertakings.
Agricultural work and fish and prawn breeding work are
being carried out in wetlands in Ayeyawady Division,
and beach resorts can also be seen. Due to economic
and transport infrastructures and the efforts of the
people, Ayeyawady Division will soon develop all the
more.

The Government is striving to enable the Union of
Myanmar to be on a par with other nations in
development, to achieve equitable development in all
the regions of the Union, to develop regional economy
and to improve the economic, education, health and
social standard of local people. When the Tatmadaw
assumed State duty, efforts had to be made for the
stability, peace and tranquillity and development of
border areas which had lagged behind in development.

Later, emphasis has been placed on development of
regions which fell behind others in development due to
various reasons. A large number of bridges crossing
rivers and creeks are being built in Rakhine State and
Ayeyawady Division, which once lagged behind in
development due to difficulty in transport.
Development plans based on cities of states and
divisions are being implemented to ensure equitable
development among them.

Arrangements have been made to build universities,
colleges and hospitals as soon as possible.
Previously, there were 22 development regions all over
the nation. According to the guidance of Head of State
Senior General Than Shwe, Panglong region in Shan
State and Maubin region in Ayeyawady Division have
been designated as development regions. Now the
development regions total 24. In addition, in accord
with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than
Shwe, five rural development tasks are being
undertaken.

In view of road, bridge and dam projects under
implementation in 14 states and divisions, economic,
education, health and social plans, development plans
and rural development tasks, all the parts of the
Union will soon develop harmoniously. Only when all
the regions of the Union are developing and the
national economy is picking up, will the economic and
social standard of the people improve more and more.
Only then will the gap between the haves and the
have-nots become narrower and narrower. There will not
be divergence in ideology, and nationalistic spirit,
the sense of national solidarity and Union Spirit will
flourish all the more.

Realizing the goodwill of the Government, the national
people need to participate in the regional development
tasks. The people in Ayeyawady Division need to strive
for development of agriculture, livestock breeding and
fishery industry so that the State can rely on it in
promoting national economy and producing sufficient
food. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged local
people to make more efforts for the development of
respective regions, an increase in productivity and
production of adequate food, and to strive for the
emergence of a modern, developed nation with Union
Spirit at a time when the development plans for
Ayeyawady Division laid down by Head of State Senior
General Than Shwe are taking shape.

Then, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun said:
The government is implementing not only short-term but
also long-term plans ministry-wise with the aim of
building a peaceful modern developed country. The
Ministry of Construction, in accordance with the
guidance of the Head of State, has been constructing
more and more roads and bridges where necessary all
over the country year after year. Shwelaung Bridge is
1900 feet long. It is a bailey truss suspension
bridge. Its foundation is made of reinforced concrete
bore plies. It is constructed on reinforced concrete
footing.

To get a lot of clearance for a large number of water
craft plying in Ayeyawady Division, the bridge was
built as a bailey truss suspension one with the use of
two towers. It has 14-foot wide motor way and a 3-foot
wide pedestrian lane on either side. Towers are 47
feet high and span of steel truss suspension bridge in
the middle is 500 feet long. It can withstand 36-ton
loads. The clearance under the bridge is 400 feet wide
and 36 feet high. In Ayeyawady Division, Ayeyawady
Bridge (Dedaye), Wakema Bridge and Dahka bridge are
under construction. More bridges will be constructed
based on the need for easy and smooth transportation.
Bridges have been constructed on self-reliance without
any external assistance.

Therefore, in meetin the fundamental requirements of
political, economic and social sectors, the government
has to overcome limitations in captical, machinery and
time frame by various ways and means without having
sufficient capital. In conclusion, the minister urged
those present to take necessary measures for
durability of the bridge. Afterwards, Commander
Brig-Gen Htay Oo said: there used to be delays in
transportation because people had to rely on water
craft to travel from one place to another in Ayeyawady
Division, a delta region, where there are in rivers,
creeks and lakes. People can make trips by land in a
short time thanks to construction of roads and bridges
by the present government.

On behalf of the people in Ayeyawady Division, I would
like to thank the Head of State, the Ministry of
Construction and its employees for construction of the
bridge. The Ayeyawady Division is witnessing
advantages and respective regions are witnessing
progress in socio-economic life owing to construction
of bridges by the government. A total of 1,281-mile 3
furlong motor road Ñ 412-mile 3 furlong long asphalt
road, 605-mile 5.5 furlong long gravel road, 260-mile
5 furlong long earthen road Ñ has been constructed in
Ayeyawady Division.

Bridges have also been constructed a large number in
Ayeyawady Division. In doing so, Myaungmya Suspension
Bridge was inaugurated in 1996, Natchaung and Seikma
bridges in Bogalay Township, Daydalu Bridge in Pyapon,
Uyinwa Bridge in Kyaiklatt Township and Khattiya
Bridge in Maubin Township in 1997, Pinlayle Bridge in
Labutta Township and Maubin Bridge in 1998, Bo Myat
Tun Bridge in 1999, Uto Bridge, Pantanaw Bridge and
Ywaleyoegyi Bridge in Yekyi Township in 2000,
Gonnyintan Bridge in Kyaiklatt Township, Khonminyoe
Bridge in Yekyi Township and Thekon Bridge in Kyaungon
Township in 2001. The bridges under construction are
Wakema Bridge in Wakema Township, Dakha Bridge in
Kangyidaunt Township and Dedaye Bridge and they are to
be opened soon.

In Ayeyawady Division, one-fourth of total sown
acreage of monsoon paddy and two-thirds of summer
paddy in the whole country have been put under
cultivation. Myaungmya District plays an important
role in growing and purchasing of monsoon and summer
paddy, Wakema Township in production and selling. The
newly constructed Shwelaung Bridge will contribute to
speedy transportation of goods. Wakema Township used
to be a place where priceless cultivable land was
under by water. Out of 2,972 acres of wetland, a total
of 2,000 acres have been put under cultivation of
1,715 acres of monsoon paddy, 152 acres of jute and
200 summer paddy. Similar projects could be
implemented in nearby regions.

Agriculture and livestock breeding products, outcome
of concerted efforts made by local people and national
entrepreneurs, will be very beneficial to the region
and the State. This project has been a success owing
to concerted efforts of local people, authorities and
entrepreneurs in accord with the guidance of Head of
State. In conclusion, on behalf of the people of
Ayeyawady Division, I would like to thank the
government which is making endeavours for construction
of peaceful modern developed country with goodwill and
taking the leading role. In a manner to repay
gratitude of the government, we pledgede to make every
effort to maintain the bridge. Then, on behalf of the
local people, Secretary of Wakema USDA U Kyaw Lwin
spoke words of thanks for construction of the bridge.

The Secretary-1 presented a gift to Deputy
Superintending Engineer of the project U Khin Maung
Lay. Afterwards, the opening of the Shwelaung Bridge
followed at the archway of the bridge. Commander
Brig-Gen Htay Oo and Minister for Construction Maj-Gen
Saw Tun formally opened the bridge. The Secretary-1
and party, together with local residents, posed for a
documentary photo at the archway.

Next, the Secretary-1 formally unveiled the stone
plaque of the bridge. The Secretary-1 and party and
guests took a stroll along the bridge and the opening
ceremony came to an end. The Secretary-1 and party
then arrived at the work site of the land reclamation
project of the Yuzana Agriculture and Livestock
Breeding Group at the Mogok-Deedok (South) wetland in
Pantanaw Township, Ayeyawady Division, and inspected
preparations being made for marketing fish harvested
from the fish breeding ponds. The Secretary-1 and
party inspected fish hatchery pond and strain fish,
sample strain fish being kept and fish breeding ponds.

At the briefing hall, Chairman of the Group U Htay
Myint reported on total permitted acres of land to be
reclaimed in Mogok-Deedok (South) wetland in Pantanaw
Township and Ashwekwin in Nyaungdon Township, progress
of reclamation of land, digging of fish breeding ponds
and breeding of fish where agriculture is not
favourable, production of crops including summer paddy
and monsoon paddy season-wise, tasks being carried out
for fish breeding, cultivation of 4,338 acres of
monsoon paddy, 124 acres of jute and 687 acres of
summer paddy and the production in 2001-2002, breeding
of fish and prawn in the ponds and marketing them,
planting of edible oil palm in Taninthayi Division and
targets, and upgrading of Yamethin-Pyawbwe road
section of Yangon-Mandalay Highway.

The Secretary-1 said that Head of State Senior General
Than Shwe had given guidance to render assistance for
successful implementation of agriculture and livestock
breeding works of national entrepreneurs; so national
entrepreneurs are to strive for systematically
carrying out tasks in accordance with the guidance of
the Head of State; they are also to make efforts for
carrying out agriculture and livestock breeding tasks
in harmony; tasks are to be extended for exceeding the
targets of paddy and beans and pulses production and
exporting them; with the proper use of modern methods
and techniques in breeding fish and prawn, more
success has been achieved; the State is providing
assistance to national entrepreneurs to enable them to
participate in business such as agriculture and
livestock breeding, construction of road and housing,
services and other construction tasks and to enjoy
proportionate benefit; thus they are to strive for
realizing the aims of the State with might and main.
The Secretary-1 and party arrived back here in the
afternoon.
___________________________

( 2 )  Reported seizure of 150,000 stimulant tablets
at Pachee Tatmadaw outpost just scheming and
fabrication of SURA Ywet Sit Live on Thai side and
have to attack own national race on Myanmar side
resulting in death of brethren to the delight of
others

 Press conf held to explain SURA Ywet Sit group's
attack on Pachee outpost and slanderous news reports

Yangon, 21 March - A Press conference on the terrorist
acts of SURA drug-trafficking insurgent Ywet Sit, its
drug trafficking and its scheming and fabrication in
the attack on Pachee outpost was held at the Tatmadaw
Guest House on Inya Road at noon today.

Present at the conference were Minister for Labour U
Tin Winn, Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen
Kyaw Win, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen
Aung Thein, Brig-Gen Khin Aung Myint of the Ministry
of Defence and senior military officers, departmental
heads, news and information officials of the Ministry
of Information, Corespondent U Sein Win of Kyodo News
Agency, Patron of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club
U Hla Htwe, President U Sao Kai Hpa and members,
Bureau Chief of Bangkok-based Sankei Shimbun News Mr
Suzuki, Correspondent Ms Aiko Doden of Bangkok-based
NHK and guests.

Maj-Gen Kyaw Win said the Press conference is
concerned with the drug trafficking group of Ywet Sit
which is launching armed insurgency at the
Myanmar-Thai border. On 21 April 2001, Ywet Sit's
group under cover of the Thai army barrage attacked
the Pachee outpost of the Tatmadaw at the border. When
the group had seized the Pachee outpost, Ywet Sit made
a slander as if the stimulant tablets (in reality, he
took them from his camp in Thai territory to the
outpost) were seized at the outpost. He then made a
Press meet with the Thai journalists and TV crew who
accompanied him to the outpost. The Thai media in
collusion with the Ywet Sit group manufactured
slanderous news reports, saying as if the Myanmar
Tatmadaw were trafficking in narcotic drugs. As the
true reason to create and distribute the slanders was
known, the Press conference was held to explain the
matter to the journalists.

The Press conference on the battle of Pachee outpost
had already been made at the No 20 Tatmadaw Guest
House on 25 April 2001. Maj-Gen Kyaw Win then
recounted the Press conference in brief. He said an
outpost was set up at Pachee in Myanmar territory at
Myanmar-Thai border near Pungpahkyem region in Mongton
Township, eastern Shan State for security and defence
purposes. There were only about 20 soldiers stationed
at the outpost then. About 50 yards opposite to the
outpost lies a Thai military camp.

At midnight on 21 April 2001, three truck-loads of the
members of Ywet Sit's SURA drug trafficking group
arrived at the Thai military camp. At about 1.15 am
the next day, heavy weapons and small arms began
firing on the Pachee outpost from the Thai military
camp. Then, about 200 attackers from the Thai camp
approached the Pachee outpost. During the attack, the
searchlights from the Thai camp were projected on the
Myanmar outpost; and the Thai camp also gave the
supporting fire of heavy weapons and small arms. Six
Myanmar soldiers of the Pachee outpost fell during the
attack and the remaining troops had to withdraw as the
situation of firepower and manpower was unequal.
Concerning the attack, the 23 April 2001 issue of The
Bangkok Post daily of Thailand reported that when
about 200 members of Ywet Sit's group overran a
Myanmar Tatmadaw outpost, they seized seven bodies of
Myanmar soldiers and 170,000 stimulant tablets.
Similarly, it is stated in The Nation Daily that seven
bodies of Myanmar soldiers and 150,000 stimulant
tablets were seized. The iTV, a Thai TV channel,
quoted Ywet Sit as saying that seven Myanmar soldiers
were killed and nearly 200,000 stimulant tablets were
impounded when his troops attacked the outpost. In
reality, these news reports are just fabrications to
put the blame on Myanmar concerning the narcotic
drugs. As the precise information on Ywet Sit's
slanderous plots were received after the battle of
Pachee, it was revealed at the then Press conference.

One person with the rank of company commander, another
with the rank of platoon commander and a private of
the Ywet Sit drug trafficking group exchanged arms for
peace at the border in Mongton Township, eastern Shan
State, during the previous month. Of the three, two
had taken part in attacking the Pachee outpost. They
knew very well about the heavy weapon covering fire
given by the Thai army for the Ywet Sit's group and
the carrying of the stimulant pills to the outpost by
the members of the Ywet Sit's groups to make a
slanderous plot as if they were seized at the outpost.


The three are now in front of the journalists. The
first person, Aik Maung with the rank of company
commander, is a native from Panglong. He was captured
by the MTA of U Khun Sa since the age of six. He
attended school at MTA children's school in Homein
Headquarters. After undergoing military training, he
was enlisted as a private at the age of 15/16 at the
battalion under the command of Ywet Sit. When MTA
members exchanged arms for peace in January 1996, the
battalion under Ywet Sit's command exchanged arms for
peace at Monghtaw/Monghta. Afterwards, Ywet Sit led
120 members of his battalion and fled to Maheinhtet
region in Thailand. Aik Maung was included in troops
that went to Thailand. He had to closely work with
Ywet Sit. In 1998, he served at Konsint column at the
rank of platoon commander. He took part in the Pachee
battle.

Another person is Kom Kham with the rank of company
commander in the 757 brigade of the Ywet Sit group. He
was born at Hsaungkye village in Hsipaw Township. He
was captured by U Khun Sa's MTA in 1990 to be
recruited as a private. He accompanied the group under
the leadership of Ywet Sit which went underground
again. He attended the officer training course at Loi
Tai-hlan camp of Ywet Sit's drug trafficking group in
1999. He was serving as a company commander. He was
included in the troops to attack the Pachee outpost.

The third person, Aik Pee, a private, is a native of
Panglong. He sneaked into Thailand in 1995 and worked
in Chiangmai as an illegal immigrant till 2001, when
Thai police caught him at a restaurant in the city.
The Thai police sent him to Loi Tai-hlan camp of Ywet
Sit. He was forced to attend the training course for
recruits of Ywet Sit's group. He had no combat
experience. The Thai police captured Shan national
races who were working illegally in Thailand and sent
them to the headquarters of Ywet Sit. Ywet Sit
forcefully made them to attend the military training
course. Ywet Sit got 3,000 new members through the
method. The persons who were said to be the retired
Thai soldiers and citizens from a certain big western
nation were giving military training to them.

According to Aik Maung, at 8 am on 19 April 2001,
about 80 members under the command of Ywet Sit left
the Loi Tai-hlan camp in Thai territory by three
four-wheel-drive trucks. On the car on which Ywet Sit
himself was riding were stimulant pills packed in
eight knapsacks. The group arrived at Panmapha village
in Maehonghsaung Township at about 1 pm. They rested
for two nights at the village. Fifteen trucks from the
Thai army arrived at the village at 6 am on 21 April.
On the car were about 60 Thai soldiers wearing
camouflage military uniforms and Thai journalists. The
cars also carried rations and heavy weapons and
rounds. At about 7 am, the members of Ywet Sit's group
left the village together with the Thai troops on the
Thai military trucks. The members of the group also
carried the eight knapsacks on the Thai military
trucks together with them. They arrived at the Thai
military camp located opposite to the Pachee outpost
at midnight. The group made preparations to attack the
outpost. The Thai soldiers also unloaded the heavy
weapons and rounds from the cars and made preparations
to give the covering fire.

According to Company Commander Kum Khan, who took part
in Pachee battle, about-250-strong unit led by Sai
Aung Kham, Khun Kyaw and Cho Pha was stationed in the
Thai territory opposite to Pachee one month before
Pachee Camp was attacked. Preparations were made at
Paneint Camp near Naungmo Village in Thailand to
attack Pachee Camp. Three days before launching the
attack, Brigade Commander insurgent Sai Aung Kham gave
three bags of stimulant tablets to the company of Kun
Khan. At 6 pm on 21 April, they approached Pachee Camp
from the side of Thailand. At mid- night,
opium-trafficking insurgent Ywet Sit, who arrived at
the Thai camp, contacted and commanded them. At 1.15
am on 22 April, shooting started from the Thai camp.
Heavy and small weapons fired as searchlights from the
Thai camp were aimed at the camp. At 1.45 am, the camp
was seized. At about 5 am, Ywet Sit himself arrived at
Pachee Camp. He had eight bags of stimulant tables
laid in the supplies and ammunition warehouse. The
three bags of stimulant tablets which were carried by
Kun Khan and his group were put at the place where
documentary photos would be taken. At 6.30 am, 15
reporters from Thai newspapers and TV came there and
photographed and televised stimulant tablets. It is
learnt that Ywet Sit explained to the reporters that
11 bags and about 200,000 stimulant tablets were
seized from Pachee Camp and they were produced and
sold by Myanma Tatmadaw and Wa forces. In the light of
it, it is evident that the Thai armed forces and Ywet
Sit's group connived in this matter.

The Thai media is lionizing opium-trafficking
insurgent Ywet Sit and his group as a narcotic drug
eradication group. In fact, they are an insurgent
group producing and trafficking in narcotic drugs.

 It is learnt that Ywet Sit's group has a heroin and
stimulant factory. That factory is situated near
Myanmar-Thai Border Mile Post BP-5 about 4 miles to
the east of Lwetainglyan Camp. The one who is in
charge of the factory is tactical operations insurgent
Khay Phyu. It is learnt that before U Khun Sa's MTA
group exchanged arms for peace, he was skilled at
production of heroin and in charge of the heroin
refinery. About 80 armed men were posted at that camp,
and others were not allowed to enter that restricted
area. It is learnt that Ywet Sit and Khay Phyu are
directly taking charge of production of narcotic
drugs. Chemicals required for the camp are kept at
Ywet Sit's house and sent to the factory when needed.
Narcotic drugs are carried to Ywet Sit's house at
night twice a month. Section Commander Aik Maung who
has returned to the legal fold was one of those who
took charge of the factory security and carrying
chemicals.

Ywet Sit's group is not only an opium-trafficking
insurgent group but also a terrorist group. On the
night of 3 January 2000, an explosion occurred in
Mongshu gems land, and over 100 innocent people were
killed. It was planned by Ywet Sit, it is learnt. In
1999, Ywet Sit met with the Thai officials in Bangkok.
Also among them were two citizens of a western nation.
After he returned from Bangkok, Ywet Sit said at a
regular meeting held once a month that Mongshu gems
land was in the hand of Wa nationals and the Chinese
of mixed blood and that it had to be blown up for the
sake of Shan nationals. Then, he assigned brigadier
commander Mein Sin and Kyauk Wan Li, the commander of
Kun Sint, the task of blowing up the gems land. To
carry it out, mine expert Aik Aung was sent together
with explosives. That insurgent unit operated around
Ponsam Village near Mongshu. Aik Aung and 15 others
worked at Mongshu mining blocks and observed the
condition. They plotted to explode the mining blocks
of Wa group, La/16 and La/19. They planted time-bombs
at places where fuel oil was kept. As the plan met
with success, Aik Aung was promoted to the rank of an
officer.

In view of the account given, opium-trafficking
insurgent Ywet Sit is allowed to live in the territory
of Thailand. As is known to all, he has received
assistance. Obviously, Ywet Sit's group has been
formed with MTA remnants and is a terrorist insurgent
group.

However, with every intention of covering the fact
that they are not totally free from drug trafficking,
some Thai politicians and some personnel from the Thai
armed forces are pointing an accusing finger at
Myanmar and manufacturing stories as if Myanma
Tatmadaw were involved in drug trafficking.

At the press conference held yesterday, the
preposterous accusations of some personnel from
Thailand were already explained. Instead of behaving
like a good neighbouring nation, it has done some
improper acts. But Myanmar doesn't want the bilateral
relations to be harmed.

At present, the relations between the Thai government
and the Myanmar government are in good condition,
which Myanmar will maintain.

Then, he invited all to ask the three who exchanged
arms for peace to know exactly how much was true and
how much was false.

After Vice-Chief of Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win had
given clarifications with the help of video, it was
arranged for local and foreign journalists to
interview company commander Kum Khan, platoon
commander Aik Maung and private Aik Pee  all from Ywet
Sit's SURA drug-trafficking terrorist group  who had
recently returned to the legal fold by exchanging arms
for peace.

Then, company commander Kum Khan and platoon commander
Aik Maung replied to the questions raised by the
journalists.

Company commander Kum Khun, age 27, was a native of
Saungkyae village, Hsipaw Township. In 1990, he was
arrested by MTA armed group to be recruited into SURA
and served as a commander of No 2 company of SURA
Brigade 757. Platoon commander Aik Maung, age 24, was
a native of Panglong. In 1987, he was also arrested by
MTA armed group and recruited into SURA and served as
a platoon commander of No 4 company of Kumsint column.
Aik Maung had to take responsibility for the security
of Ywet Sit and his family affairs. Private Aik Pee,
age 27, was also a native of Panglong. It was in
April, 2001, that he was arrested by Thai Police Force
and sent to SURA. He was assigned to No 2 company of
Brigade 757 and had to undertake security duties at
Wepakha camp. Company commander Kum Khan and Platoon
commander Aik Maung personally took part in the attack
at Pachee camp on 21 and 22 April, 2001. It was untrue
that, in that engagement, 150,000 stimulant tablets
were seized from the camp of Myanma Tatmadaw. It was
just the scheming and fabrication of SURA Ywet Sit. In
reality, the company commander Kum Khan and platoon
commander Aik Maung took part in the SURA column,
carrying the bags of stimulants on their shoulder by
order of Ywet Sit. During their temporary siege of
Pachee camp, they invented a story that the bags of
stimulants they had been carrying were seized as if
from Pachee camp of Myanma Tatmadaw. Ywet Sit
explained to a Thai TV group which accompanied the
SURA column that stimulants were seized from the camp
of Myanma Tatmadaw. That TV group also telecast the
made-up stories of SURA group.

Lwetaishan camp, headquarters of Ywet Sit's SURA
drug-trafficking terrorist group, is situated in Thai
territory. Well-known Thai vocalists often gave
performances at the fun-fairs held at that camp. It
was also at that camp military training was given.
Some Thai war veterans and citizens from a big western
country usually gave lectures at these military
training courses. It is expected that Ywet Sit's SURA
group is 7,000-strong. The majority of Ywet Sit's SURA
group are the youths of national races who were
arrested and recruited against their will. Some of
them are three-year olds, the majority being five to
15 years old. These youths were given military
training and armed. Weapons were bought by the Thai
instructors with the money from a big western country.
Then, members of SURA group were provided with these
weapons. The money realized from the drug-trafficking
and provided by the western country was used for the
living of SURA members. Although there were many
mouths to feed, there were only a few who could put up
the fight.  Regarding Ywet Sits SURA group and their
involvement in drug-'trafficking, they apprehended
small- scale drug-traffickers and added one or two
lakhs of stimulants to their seizure and invited
reporters and TV cameramen from Thailand and made them
photograph the drugs. All the members knew that a
piece of invented news that stimulant tablets were
seized on the side of Myanmar, was circulated. The
benefit which Ywet Sit and those in higher positions
got for doing this and seizing stimulant tablets was
in US dollars.

The purpose of their entering the legal fold was that
the majority of the members at lower positions have to
eat and live like dogs and pigs while Ywet Sit and
those in higher positions are rolling in luxury. They
lived on the side of Thailand and had to attack their
national races on the side of Myanmar. Other people
will clap their hands happily for it. Those who died
were only the national races, and no benefits were
got. It is meaningless. As they didnÕt want to attack
their national races, they have entered the legal
fold. With regard to the terrorist acts of SURA,
Lt-Col San Pwint of Military Intelligence said that in
addition to SURA Ywet Sit group's blowing up Mongshu
gems land on 3 January 2000, about 20 members of SURA
arrested the four-member family of U Aung Sein, a
worker of Public Works at the Union Highway Repair
Project Site between Kali Village and Mamongin village
in Kunhein Township, southern part of Shan State, at
10 pm on 3 January 1997, and beat them to death.

At about 10 pm on 18 January 1997, about 20 SURA
members came to Methwaygon Village in Namhsan
Township, set five houses on fire and shot at the
people. Thirteen people including children were killed
and eight were injured. At about 9 am on 21 January
1997, about 20 SURA group fired at two civilians from
Ward 6, Namhsan, who were making charcoal. At 5.30 pm
on 13 June 1997, about 40 members of SURA stopped 30
passenger vehicles on Kunhein-Kengtung motor road,
extorted money and looted jewellery. Then, they fired
at the passengers. Twenty-five passengers were killed
and five were injured. On 21 May 1998, a group of SURA
members planted a bomb at the Myoma cinema in
Mandalay.

One person was killed, and eleven were injured. There
are a lot of terrorist acts of SURA opium-trafficking
insurgent Ywet Sit's group. There are 23 terrorist
acts including those above mentioned. Altogether 107
innocent people were killed, and 53 were injured. It
is obvious that SURA Ywet Sit's group is not only
trafficking in opium but also perpetrating terrorist
acts. The press conference ended at 1 pm. Then, local
and foreign journalists viewed the map showing how
SURA opium-trafficking insurgents attacked Pachee
Camp, the map showing the headquarters of SURA
(Lwetainglyan Camp) and opium refinery, the map
showing outposts around SURA opium-trafficking
insurgent headquarters (Lwetainglyan Camp), photos of
SURA insurgents and photos of the three platoon
commanders of SURA who exchanged arms for peace.

___________________________

( 3 )  Maj-Gen Maung Bo inspects construction of
bypass in Taninthayi Division

Yangon, 21 March - Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Maj-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry
of Defence inspected construction of
Bok-Papyin-Dahthwe-Mazawpyingyi-Myeik bypass and
Kyaukphya-Thabok-PinO-Dawh road in Taninthayi Division
on 18 March. At the briefing hall of the project,
Maj-Gen Maung Bo heard a report on progress in
construction of Bok-Papyin-Pano section of the bypass,
Boktaung bypass and Kyaukphya-Thabok-PinO-Dawh road
presented by Myeik District Senior Engineer of Public
Works U Hla Soe. He gave suggestions. Accompanied by
officials, Maj-Gen Maung Bo met with departmental
personnel and local authorities and local elders of
Thanyut, PinO, Alechaung and Papyin villages. He urged
them to take part in regional and road transport
development tasks. In the afternoon, he met with local
elders, members of social organizations and teachers
at PinO, Thabok and Letkok villages, and looked into
the requirements in carrying out the regional,
education, health, road transport development tasks.
Bok-Papyin-Dahthwe-Mazawpyingyi-Myeik bypass is 38
miles long. Earth-filling of the 15 mile and two
furlongs long Bok-Pano section and the 12 miles and
two furlongs long Mazaw-pyingyi-Tharabyat section have
already been completed. Kyaukphya-Thabok-PinO-Dawh
road is 12 miles long. Gravelling of the four miles
long Pyonekyauk-phya-PinO section of the road has been
completed. The road is linked with the bypass.

---------

Maj-Gen Tin Aye inspects tax-free markets

Yangon, 21 March - Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of
Defence, together with Chairman of Yangon Division
Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon
Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe and officials, inspected
the activities of tax-free markets here this morning.
Maj-Gen Tin Aye and Brig-Gen Myint Swe arrived at the
tax-free market at the corner of Hanthawady and
Kyundaw Streets in Kamayut Township at 7 am. They were
welcomed by Commander of No 3 Military Region Col Yan
Naing Oo and officials. Maj-Gen Tin Aye, Brig-Gen
Myint Swe and party inspected the vegetable shops and
the meat, fish and egg shops of the ministries, Yangon
City Development Committee, battalions, units and
stations, departments, Nyaunghnapin Vegetable and
Poultry Production Zone and entrepreneurs, the grocery
of Yangon Division Wholesale Centre, the edible oil
shop of the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd and
the rice shops of Yangon Division Peace and
Development Council and Myanmar Rice Wholesalers
Association. They also had a cordial meeting with the
buyers and sellers. Maj-Gen Tin Aye, Brig-Gen Myint
Swe and party went to the tax-free market on
Kyaikkasan Street in Tamway Township.

They were welcomed by Commander of No 2 Military
Region Col Tin Oo Lwin and officials. They inspected
the vegetable shops of the ministries, departments and
entrepreneurs, the meat, fish and egg shops of YCDC
and entrepreneurs, the sea fish shop and edible oil
shop of the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd,
and the rice shop of Yangon Division Peace and
Development Council and Myanmar Rice Wholesalers
Association. Then, Maj-Gen Tin Aye and Brig-Gen Myint
Swe proceeded to the tax-free market near the Ministry
of Industry-2 on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Yankin
Township. Maj-Gen Tin Aye and Brig-Gen Myint Swe
inspected the vegetable shops of the ministries,
departments and entrepreneurs, the meat and fish shops
of companies, the edible oil shop of the Union of
Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd and the rice shops of
Yangon Division Peace and Development Council and
Myanmar Rice Wholesalers Association. They gave
instructions to the officials, and attended to their
requirements.

___________________________

( 4 ) Minister receives foreign guests

Yangon, 21 March - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi
Sone received Chairman of the Bernas Group, Malaysia,
Mr Dato Seri Mohd Noor and party at his office at 5 pm
today and cordially discussed the matters related to
bilateral economic cooperation. Also present at the
call were Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw
Hsan, Director-General of the Directorate of Trade U
Nyunt Aye, Director-General of the Border Trade
Department U Nay Win, Managing Director of the Myanma
Agricultrual Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and
officials.

--------

Education Minister inspects exhibition booth

Yangon, 21 March-Minister for Education U Than Aung
attended a workshop on Skills in Myanmar Tradition at
Central Department of Auxiliary Myanmar Literacy
Campaign in the compound of Myanmar Educational
Research Bureau this afternoon. Also present were
Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and U Myo
Nyunt, members of Committee for Contest of Skills in
Myanmar Tradition directors-general and chairmen of
departments and boards under the ministry and
officials. The minister inspected scale models, VCDs,
CDs and books put up to the competition. Later, he
inspected the booth of Ministry of Education to be
displayed at the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day
Exhibition at Defence Services Museum on Shwedagon
Pagoda Road in Dagon Township.

___________________________


( 5 ) Nawade column entertained by Saing Orchestra

Yangon, 21 March -Mingala Saing Troupe of Defence
Services (Navy) entertained Tatmadawmen of the Nawade
Column of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade
at Thiha Thura Tun Tin hall of Ayeyawady Naval
Regional Command Headquarters on yesterday evening.
Commanders of the headquarters and the column,
officers and other ranks enjoyed the entertainment.

---------

Parade columns entertained

Yangon, 21 March - Hailing the 57th Anniversary Armed
Forces Day, the Akyaiktaw Music Band conducted by U
Htay Myint, together with vocalists Cho Pyone, Khaing
Heman, Sandar Phyoe, Phyu Phyu Han, Zarchi Han, May
Thingyan, Waing, Zin Zin Tun, Nge Nge Aung, Lin Lat
Tun, Thiri Ko Ko, Aye Sandar Aung and Cho Wah Lin,
entertained Tatmadawmen of the Anawrahta Column, the
Bayintnaung Column and the Aungzeya Column of the 57th
Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade at No 1 Transit
Centre in Bayintnaung from 7 pm to 9 pm yesterday.
Commander of the Anawrahta Column Col Thaung Shwe,
Commander of the Bayintnaung Column Col Khin Maung
Win, Commander of the Aungzeya Column Col Khin Maung
Latt, officers, other ranks and family members of the
transit centre enjoyed the entertainment.

---------

Myawady magician troupe entertains parade column

Yangon, 21 March - Under the arrangement of the
Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological
Warfare, Myawady magician troupe entertained
Tatmadawmen of the Hsinbyushin Column of the 57th
Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade from 6.30 pm to
9.30 pm yesterday. Commander of the Hsinbyushin Column
Col Myo Thant, officers and other ranks enjoyed the
entertainment.

---------

Invitation cards for Armed Forces Day parade can be
drawn

Yangon, 21 March - The list of Mawgun Awards Winner
first-class title recipients and second-class title
recipients who are invited to attend the 57th
Anniversary Armed Forces Day, has been published on
March 22 issue of the Myanma Alin Daily and the lists
of Mawgun Award Winner third-class title recipients on
March 22 issue of the Kyemon Daily. They can draw
their invitation cards at the Myanma News Agency, No
212, Theinbyu Road between 9 am and 4 pm from 23 to 26
March.
___________________________

( 6 ) Victorious Myanmar U-17 football team honoured

Yangon, 21 March - A dinner was hosted in honour of
the Myanmar U-17 football team, which brought honour
to the State, at the Traders Hotel yesterday evening.

The Myanmar team won the group 7 qualifiers of Asia
Youth U-17 Football Tournament, which comprised
Myanmar, Singapore and Hong Kong, held at the Youth
Training Centre in Thuwunna, here, from 13 to 17 March
this year. It was attended by Chairman of the Myanmar
Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura
Aye Myint, Chairman of the Committee for Ensuring
Success of the Myanma Sports Chairman of Yangon City
Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, Vice-Chairman of
MOC Vice Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Deputy
Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint
Kyu, Secretary of MOC Director-General of the Sports
and Physical Education Department U Thaung Htaik,
officials, members of the Leading Panel of Patrons of
the Myanmar WomenÕs Sports Federation, Chairman of the
Kanbawza Bank Ltd U Aung Ko Win, officials of social
organizations, the manager, the coach and players of
the Myanmar team and guests.

The minister made a speech on the occasion and
presented K 300,000 each awarded by Chairman of the
Myanmar National Olympic Council Secretary-1 of the
State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt
to the manager, the coach and the players. Maung Win
Min Htut, on behalf of the footballers, spoke words of
thanks. Then, the dinner was served to the members of
the victorious team.

___________________________

( 7 )  MV Lady M leaves for Singapore

Yangon, 21 March - MV Lady M of South East Asia
Liveaboards Co Ltd, which arrived at Yangon on 18
March 2002, left Nanthida port for Singapore 4 pm
today. Officials of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism
and the Ministry of Transport saw off the crew members
at the port. South East Asian Liveaboards Co Ltd has
started power-yatch enterprise around the Myeik
Archipelago and Kawthoung since 1997 and is now making
arrangements to attract tourists to visit Yangon
aboard ships like MV Lady M.

___________________________

( 8 ) Myanma buckwheat exported to Japan

Yangon, 21 March - Myanmar is making efforts for the
eradication of narcotic drugs and has grown buckwheat
as opium substitute crop in the region where opium
poppy was cultivated before. This year is the third
time that buckwheat has been exported to Japan by the
Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading. A ceremony to
mark the export of buckwheat to Japan was held at
Direct Freight Handling Section-3, Group-15, Store-32,
here this morning attended by Deputy Minister for
Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Managing Director of the
Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and
officials, Mr Imamura of Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA) and officials, Director U
Yan Aung Tun of Myanmar Nippon AK2 Co Ltd and others.
MV Bago will leave here tomorrow, carrying Myanma
buckwheat.

___________________________

( 9 ) Poppy plantations destroyed in Kachin State

Yangon, 21 March - A combined team comprising local
Tatmadawmen, members of Myanmar Police Force and
Anti-drug Squad, together with members of Kachin State
Special Region-2, destroyed a total of 1336.173 acres
of poppy plantations in Pajao-Naphaw and Hsamar
regions in Kachin State from 12 February to 14 March
this year.

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