88-05 BURMA PRESS SUMMARY (from the WORKING PEOPLE'S DAILY) Vol.II, No. 5, May 1988 +-+-+-+-+ Table of Contents DIPLOMATIC Singapore Ambassador Approved 1 Ambassador to Japan 2 Ambassador to Canada 2 U.S. Ambassador Sees Minister 2 Bulgarian Ambassador Approved 2 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Indonesian Donations 2 Child Development Courses 2 British Books Donated 2 Health Workshop 2 FOREIGN VISITORS Thai Defence Delegation 2 Chinese Sports Delegation........2 Australian Auditor-General 2 BURMESE DELEGATIONS Educators to U.S. 3 Foreign Minister Visits China....3 Deputy Prime Minister Returns 3 WHO Delegation Returns 3 Deputy Prime Minister to China 3 U Ne Win Returns 3 ILO Delegation 3 BURMA GAZETTE Probationary Appointments 3 Promotion 4 Transfers 4 GOVERNMENT Pyithu Hluttaw Reports-back 4 Pyithu Hluttaw By-elections......4 Rangoon Elections 4 U Sein Lwin on Tour..............4 Resignation from Pyithu Hluttaw..4 MILITARY Insurgents Surrender 4 Rakhine Arms Seized..............5 Insurgent Atrocities 5 KNU Grenade Attack 5 ECONOMIC Prime Minister Visits Mines 5 Restaurant Services 5 Computer Seminar 6 President Visits Syriam 6 Fertilizer Plant 6 Elephant Workers Rewarded 6 Transport of Decontrolled Goods 6 Mandalay-Lashio Rail Service 6 Co-operatives Lag 7 Rainfall in Rangoon 7 LABOR May Day Message 7 May Day Rallies 8 Labor Funds Used 8 HEALTH Muslim Hospital Appeal 8 Opium Denounced 8 CULTURAL Konbaung Period Writers 9 Buddha Day Observed 11 Archaeological Relics 11 Magazine Digest Urged...........11 Hlawga Gardens 12 Ancient Medical Treatises 12 Sangha Meetings.................12 Textbook Distribution 12 Kyaungsaung Donated 12 SPORTS Report on Thai Football Trip 12 Track & Field Meet..............13 Mountaineering..................13 Tennis Open.....................13 Table-Tennis Championships 13 Sports Study Team to China 13 Badminton Championships 13 Sailing 14 MISCELLANEOUS Engagement 14 Crime News 14 Obituaries 14 Marriage 15 Report of Riot Commission.......15 Pyithu Hluttaw Report on Sale 17 +-+-+-+-+ DIPLOMATIC Singapore Ambassador Approved May 12: The Burmese Government has approved the nomination of Mr. Tan Seng Chye as Ambassador of Singapore to Burma. Ambassador Tan Seng Chye was born in 1943 and obtained a B.Sc. (Honours) degree from the University of Singapore in 1966. He joined the Foreign Ministry in 1967, and served in London, Canberra, and Bangkok. From 1982-84 he was Deputy Director in the Foreign Ministry Political Division, and since then has served as Director of its Policy, Planning, and Analysis Division. (WPD 5/12) Ambassador to Japan May 16: U Ba Thwin, Burmese Ambassador to Canada, was named Burmese Ambassador to Japan. (WPD 5/16) Ambassador to Canada May 18: U Thein Aung, Burmese Ambassador to Japan, was named Burmese Ambassador to Canada. (WPD 5/18) U.S. Ambassador Sees Minister May 19: American Ambassador Burton Levin, accompanied by Attach‚ John A. Fredenburg, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Education Dr. Kyaw Sein. Deputy Ministers Dr. Maung Di and U Thaung Tut were present. (WPD 5/20) Bulgarian Ambassador Approved May 24: The Burmese government approved the nomination of Dimitar Stojnev Stanojev as Ambassador of Bulgaria to Burma. Ambassador Stanojev was born on Oct. 15, 1937, and is a graduate of the Philological University and the Academy for Diplomacy. From 1968-1973 served in the Bulgarian Mission to the United Nations, when he was reassigned to the Foreign Ministry. From 1983-85 he was Counselor of Embassy in Damascus, Syria. Since 1986 he has been Ambassador to Bangladesh [and is presumably resident in Dhaka]. He is married with two children. (WPD 5/24) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Indonesian Donations May 11: The Dharma Wanita of the Indonesian Embassy donated Ky 20,000 of medicines, clothing, and stationery to the Rangoon Children's Hospital. (WPD 5/12) May 16: Ky 8,000 of clothing was donated to the Women's Welfare Association in Wingaba Road. (WPD 5/17) Child Development Courses May 24: A workshop on the development of learning modules on child survival and development, sponsored by the Medical Education Department and by UNICEF, opened at the Institute of Medicine 1. It will last until May 26. (WPD 5/25) British Books Donated May 24: British Ambassador M. R. Morland donated 57 books to the Ministry of Energy. (WPD 5/25) Health Workshop May 30: A workshop on primary health care, sponsored by the Department of Health, the World Health Organization, and the UNDP, opened in Rangoon. It will last until June 2. (WPD 5/31) FOREIGN VISITORS Thai Defence Delegation May 5: A 17-member delegation from the Thai National Defence College, led by Lt. Gen. Surapol Thongpricha arrived in Rangoon. // It visited Pagan and Mandalay, and departed on May 9. (WPD 5/10) Chinese Sports Delegation May 9: A Chinese delegation led by Minister of the State Physical Culture and Sports Commission Li Meng-hua, comprising three members, arrived on a four-day visit. (WPD 5/10) // May 10: He called on Minister for Education and Acting Minister for Health Dr. Kyaw Sein, and on Minister for Trade and Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Gyi. He visited the Shwedagon Pagoda and donated Ky 1000, the National Indoor Stadium No. 1 at Thuwunna, and was given a dinner by Dr. Kyaw Sein at the Inya Lake Hotel. (WPD 5/11) // May 11: He visited the National Museum, and the Hlawga Gardens in Mingaladon Township. (WPD 5/12) // May 12: The Delegation left. (WPD 5/13) Australian Auditor-General May 24: The Acting Auditor-General of Australia, D. J. Hill, called on the Chairman of the Council of People's Inspector U Ohn Tin, accompanied by Australian Ambassador Christopher Lamb. (WPD 5/25) BURMESE DELEGATIONS Educators to U.S. Apr. 30: A two-member educational delegation left to participate in the Higher Education in the United States Group Project. It is led by Dr. Khin Maung Nyunt, Rector of the Institute of Economics, accompanied by U Win Maung, Director of the Department of Higher Education and Secretary of the Universities Central Council. (WPD 5/1) Foreign Minister Visits China May 4: Foreign Minister U Ye Goung left on a good-will visit to China. He was accompanied by Director-General of the Political Department U Ohn Gyaw, Director U Tun Ngwe, and his personal secretary U Hla Oo. (WPD 5/5) // May 12: The Minister returned to Rangoon. (WPD 5/13) Deputy Prime Minister Returns May 8: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Planning and Finance Thura U Tun Tin returned via Singapore after economic talks in Japan, where he called on Japanese Prime Minister Takeshita and other officials. He also attended the 21st Asian Development Bank annual meeting in Manila, and discussed ADB activities in Burma. (WPD 5/9) WHO Delegation Returns May 15: The Burmese delegation to the 41st World Health Organization Conference in Geneva, led by Minister for Health U Tun Wai, returned to Burma. (WPD 5/16) Deputy Prime Minister to China May 25: A Burmese delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Planning and Finance Thura U Tun Tin left for economic co-operation talks in China. He will spend nine days there. The delegation includes Minister for Construction Maj.-Gen. Myint Lwin and Deputy Minister for Finance and Planning U Kyaw Myint. (WPD 5/26) // May 27: On May 26, he received a courtesy call from Chinese Minister of Finance Wang Bingqian, and was given a dinner by Vice-Premier Wu Xueqian. (WPD 5/28) U Ne Win Returns May 26: BSPP Chairman U Ne Win returned from tour abroad, together with his wife Daw Ni Ni Myint, Council of State members Dr. Maung Maung, U Thaung Tin, and U Ohn Kyi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Thura U Kyaw Htin, Council of People's Attorneys member U Lay Maung, Minister for Industries 2 U Maung Cho, and other officials. The Chairman was met by high officials led by President U San Yu, including the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and West German Ambassador Dr. Walther Von Marschall. (WPD 5/27) ILO Delegation May 28: A delegation to the 75th Conference of the International Labour Organization, headed by Deputy Minister for Social Welfare and for Labour U Pau Khan Thang left for Geneva. Other members were Director of the Labour Department Lt. Col. Aung Ba Kyi, Director of the Factories and General Labour Laws Inspection Department U Kyaw Win, Additional Director of the Labour Department U Maung Maung Khin, Head of the Rangoon Division Labour Department U Myint Thein, and Central Executive Committee member of the Workers Asiayone Central Body Headquarters U Aung Win. (WPD 5/29) BURMA GAZETTE Probationary Appointments May 14: The Council of State made the following probationary appointments: Dr. U Maung Maung Lay, Professor/Head of Department, Rangoon General Hospital, Ministry of Health, to be Director-General, Department of Medical Education. U Ba Thwin, Director, Forest Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, to be Director-General, Forest Department. Dr. Tun Maung, Pro-Rector, University of Mandalay, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, to be Rector, University of Mandalay. U Khin Maung Tint, Pro-Rector, University of Moulmein, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, to be Rector, Institute of Education. (WPD 5/14) Promotion May 14: The Council of State has transferred, promoted and appointed U Tin Oo Hlaing, Principal, Bassein Degree College, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, to be Rector, University of Moulmein. (WPD 5/14) Transfers May 28: The Counci of State has transferred and appointed: U Ohn Khin, Managing Director, Agriculture and Farm Produce Trade Corporation, Ministry of Trade, to be Managing Director, Paper, Stationery, Printed Matter and Photographic Stores Trade Corporation. U Aung Kyi, Managing Director, Myanma Export-Import Corporation, Ministry of Trade, to be Managing Director, Agriculture and Farm Produce Trade Corporation. (WPD 5/28) GOVERNMENT Pyithu Hluttaw Reports-back Throughout the month, the WPD reported on "report-back meetings" held by members of the Pyithu Hluttaw, informing their constituents of the results of the last two sessions. Pyithu Hluttaw By-elections May 2: U Khin Maung Yin was elected Pyithu Hluttaw member for Mandalay North-West 2, in a by-election held on May 1. (WPD 5/3) May 3: Col. Tin Hla was named Pyithu Hluttaw candidate for Hlegu 2, Rangoon Division, in a by-election to be held May 1-15. (WPD 5/4) // May 16: He was declared elected on May 14. (WPD 5/17) May 3: Col. Than Oo was named Pyithu Hluttaw candidate for Myayde 2, Magwe Division, in a by-election to be held May 1-15. (WPD 5/4) // May 16: He was declared elected on May 14. (WPD 5/17) May 4: U Thaung was named Pyithu Hluttaw candidate for Thayet, Magwe Division, in a by-election to be held May 1-15. (WPD 5/5) // May 16: He was declared elected on May 14. (WPD 5/17) May 4: U Tha Tun was named Pyithu Hluttaw candidate for Thingangyun 1, Rangoon Division, in a by-election to be held May 1-15. (WPD 5/5) May 4: Daw Than Han was named Pyithu Hluttaw candidate for Tamwe 2, Rangoon Division, in a by-election to be held May 1-15. (WPD 5/5) May 14: Col. Myo Swe was named Pyithu Hluttaw candidate for Muse 2, Shan State, in a by-election to be held in May 1988. (WPD 5/15) // May 27: He was declared elected. (WPD 5/28) May 18: U Kya Khe was named Pyithu Hluttaw candidate for Matupi 2, Chin State, in a by-election to be held in May 1988. Rangoon Elections May 14: By-elections were held in Rangoon Division to fill three Pyithu Hluttaw seats, 13 township level seats, and 64 ward/village tract level seats. (WPD 5/15) U Sein Lwin on Tour May 18: BSPP Joint General Secretary U Sein Lwin toured northern Shan State, Mandalay Division, and Sagain Division, from May 15-18, "inspected political, organizational, economic and public management work and gave necessary guidance." (WPD 5/19) Resignation from Pyithu Hluttaw May 27: Pyithu Hluttaw member Dr. Hla Myint of Madaya 2, was permitted to resign as of May 13, according to Council of State Notification No. 70/88. (WPD 5/28) MILITARY Insurgents Surrender May 9: Between April 2-13, 26 insurgents surrendered with their weapons. (WPD 5/10) // May 10: Between April 14-29, 28 surrendered. (WPD 5/11) [names and details given] Rakhine Arms Seized May 13: A small Rakhine insurgent group called the Pyi-nai Lutmyauk-ye Ahphwe has been purchasing arms in the Ye/Tavoy region [Tenasserim Division] with the help of KNU and Mon insurgents. Acting on information that arms and equipment had been hidden in Ye, pending shipment by motorized vessels to Rakhine State, an Army column has been operating since March 18. On May 4 the column captured arms including: 5 carbines; 4 G-2 rifles; 8 G-3 rifles; 6 G-4 rifles; 6 .303 rifles; 1 M-79 launcher; 8 AK-47 rifles; 1 M-16 rifle; 6 M-72 launchers, for a total of 45 weapons; plus 6,155 rounds of small arms ammunition; 12 44mm bombs; 1 60mm mortar; 1 lb. TNT; and 4 communications sets, all hidden by Mon and Rakhine insurgents near Magyee village, 20 miles south of Ye. According to captured insurgents, Rakhine youths are to be recruited and sent to the Tenasserim region borders for military training. (WPD 5/14) Insurgent Atrocities May 18: U Ja Ye Phawng, 50, was killed on May 6 by a KIA mine while crossing the Nangkwe creek in a bullock-cart, near Mongkhaing village, Myitkyina Township. Three women were seriously wounded by a KIA mine at Yinkwe hill near Kanhla village on May 4. Ko Sein Tun, 34, was killed by a KNU mine on Apr. 26 in Mone Village, Kyaukkyi Township. (WPD 5/19) May 24: Maung Ja Khawng, 17, of Myaybinkhwe village, Mongpaw Township, was killed by a BCP mine on May 11. (WPD 5/25) May 26: Phyu Tun, 6, was wounded by a KIA mine near the Momauk Township Co-operative office on May 20, and died in Bhamo Hospital. U Jare Pung was wounded on May 13 by a KIA Mine on the Namkwe Creek near Mangkhein village, Myityina Township. (WPD 5/27) May 27: Maung Maung Thein, 25, of Theindan Ward, Kyaukkyi Town, was wounded by a KNU mine on his way to the east bank of the Bawgahta Creek on May 24. Bawga, 25, of Maheinsu Village, Langkho Township, was killed by a Shan mine of the Mohein group, while going to his farm. (WPD 5/29) KNU Grenade Attack May 30: A KNU group led by Hla Kaw and Pili fired seven grenades at Pa-an from a 2.75 launcher on a nearby hilltop on May 38. One exploded in front of the Pa-an College in No. 5 Ward, and other nearby. Pa-an College Principal U Mahn Kyi Shein, 57, and Daw Mya, 52, were killed and 11 other injured. The Burma Army is in hot pursuit. (WPD 5/31) ECONOMIC Prime Minister Visits Mines May 3: Prime Minister U Maung Maung Kha on May 2 visited the pilot special metal (2) gold mine Padauk-myaing worksite in the Kwinthonze region of Thabeikkyin Township, Mandalay Division. Director-General of the Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration Department U Thaung reported on metal deposits in Thabeikkyin and Singu Townships, and the type of metal to be produced on an experimental basis in the new pilot plant. The Prime Minister then went on to visit the phosphate rock pilot test plant in the Waphyutaung region, and the Phayaungtaung Pilot Special Metal (2) Gold Project in Patheingyi Township. On May 3, he visited the No. 1 Copper Project in the Kyesintaung region of Monywa Township. (WPD 5/4) May 8: "We are sure that the Prime Minister will find ways to improve the existing conditions and take remedial measures to remove shortcomings and boost production." (WPD editorial 5/8) Restaurant Services May 7: The work of the Restaurant and Beverages Trade Corporation is discussed. The Corporation opened its restaurants to replace the FL-17 shops jointly owned and run with private entrepreneurs, opening one in each city and town where the Corporation has a branch. Forty restaurants were opened on Aug. 1, 1987, and another 40 on Apr. 1, 1988. A further 40 will be opened Apr. 1, 1989. In Rangoon the People's Confectionery, the Yatha Confectionery, and the Shwe Wuthmon Restaurant produce bread, snacks, etc. in accordance with the Corporation motto "towards health, happiness, and welfare of the working people." Ky 66.3 million of foodstuffs were sold in 1986-87, and Ky 93.6 million in 1987-88. The People's Confectionery on Bogyoke Aung San Street can hold wedding and engagement receptions, meetings, novitiation ceremonies, and anniversaries; three receptions each on Saturday and Sunday. It also sells tray beer. The Shwe Wuthmon Restaurant on Shwedagon Pagoda Road can hold three receptions each Sunday. (WPD 5/7) Computer Seminar May 9: A technical seminar and demonstration on GEOCOMP Software-Computer Aided Surveying and Engineering was held by Surveying Computing Consultants (Vic) Pty Ltd, Australia at the Inspection and Agency Corporation auditorium. (WPD 5/10) President Visits Syriam May 12: President U San Yu, accompanied by high officials, visited the Syriam environment development project region. Minister for Construction Maj. Gen. Myint Lwin reported on the building of mills and factories for producing export items, the Rangoon-Syriam Road cum Rail Bridge across the Pegu River, and on Syriam town planning. Minister for Transport & Communications U Sein Ya reported on the Rangoon-Thilawa Rail construction project, the Rangoon Port extension project, and the Thilawa Dockyard Project. Minister for Agriculture and Forests U Than Nyunt reported on water projects in the Syriam area. "The President and party then gave necessary guidance." The President landed at the Glass Factory Jetty, and visited Shoe Factory No. 3, Garment Factories Nos. 3 and 4, Industrial Training Centre No. 1, and the Tin Smelting Plant before returning to the Jetty and the naval vessel "Yadanabon." (WPD 5/13) Fertilizer Plant May 14: The No. 3 Chemical Fertilizer Plant (Kyawswa) in Myayde Township, Magwe Division, was completed in 1985, and it now manufactures 360 tons of ammonia water and 600 metric tons of urea per day. It uses natural gas, and employs over 1,100 workers who work round-the-clock in three shifts. Natural gas comes from the Pyalo and Prome Mountain Ranges oilfields. 50 kilo bags of urea fertilizers are distributed in Burma and also exported. The plant is near Kyawswa village, 34 miles from Myayde and 22 miles from Prome. It covers 23.26 acres and the housing estate 879.31 acres. A contract for building the plant was signed in 1981 with the West German Uhde Company. (WPD 5/15) Elephant Workers Rewarded May 15: 25 elephant workers were given bonuses totalling Ky 227,481 for their work on the Kawlin Timber Extraction Project in Sagaing Division in 1987-88. (WPD 5/16) Transport of Decontrolled Goods May 24: The Ministry of Transport and Communications has abolished the system practised by the Central Movement Co-ordination Committee as of June 1. As of that date, persons wishing to ship private decontrolled goods by the Five Star coastal vessels may contact the Agency Department of the Ports Corporation directly. Or they may contact the owners or agents of cooperative-owned or private-owned vessels and LCT's. The existing system will continue to apply to goods of government departments and co-operatives. (WPD 5/25) Mandalay-Lashio Rail Service May 27: The 137-up and 138-down passenger trains between Mandalay and Lashio will run daily, after May 31, instead of on alternate days. The up train leaves Mandalay at 4 a.m. and arrives at Lashio at 6 p.m.; the down train leaves Lashio at 9 a.m. and reaches Mandalay at 6:10 p.m. (WPD 5/28) Co-operatives Lag May 30: At a recent meeting at the Ministry of Co-operatives it was pointed out that although performance in 1987-88 was Ky 518 more than the previous year, it was only 79% of target, due to weak performance in processing rice and cooking oil. Investments made in 1987-88 also fell far short of the target. The village-tract and consumers coops, which "constitute the largest number and are in close touch with the consumers," were previously able to sell commodities purchased under the contract system. There is a decreasing supply of these commodities. The departments and coops have to "find ways to ensure a smooth flow of commodities through the basic co-operative societies." (WPD editorial 5/30) Rainfall in Rangoon Rainfall since January 1, 1988, in inches, at Rangoon's three weather stations of Rangoon Airport (RA), Kaba-Aye (KA), and Central Rangoon (CR) was: As of RA KA CR May 1 1.22 0.75 1.27 May 15 1.38 1.61 2.72 May 30 6.50 6.46 10.71 LABOR May Day Message May 1: BSPP Chairman U Ne Win issued the following message on the occasion of 1988 Workers Day: "To all the esteemed workers, "I extend joyous greetings to all the workers in the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma on this auspicious Workers Day. "We are now building a socialist society and the Workers Asiayone at different levels has been formed in conformity with the socialist democratic structure to ensure the active participation of the entire mass of workers in it. The entire mass of people including the workers is taking an active part in the activities being undertaken for the establishment of a socialist society under the leadership of the Burma Socialist Programme Party. As much as the Workers Asiayone at different levels is able to strengthen the unity of all the mass of workers, it will be able to create more favourable conditions for the successful implementation of the nation-building work. Therefore every effort must be made to consolidate and broaden the organizational set-up of the Workers Asiayone at different levels and keep its leadership dynamic. "The economic plans drawn up and laid down in accordance with the long-term and short-term economic policies of the Burma Socialist Programme Party are being implemented. In order to successfully implement the economic plans, it is necessary for the workers to take an active part with full consciousness in the tasks of raising productivity, of protecting and maintaining the means of production and of expanding the research and innovative work. At the same time the workers must pay especial attention to keeping down to a minimum and finally doing away with losses and wastages and to effectively using time and labour power. "Moreover, since the tasks of increasing production and of keeping down to a minimum and doing away with losses and wastages are inter-linked with maintenance and observance of worksite disciplinary rules, there is the need for the management and the workers to more effectively carry out co-operation and co-ordination work for improving the observance of worksite disciplinary rules. Only then would they be able to produce more and enjoy their rights and the benefits gained. Therefore, the workers must make their utmost efforts at their respective tasks for the successful implementation of the economic plans of the State. "While we are striving to bring about the economic development of the State by the strength of the people, the destructive elements are hindering our work by their destructive activities. In such a situation the workers, hand in hand with the peasants, the working people and Pyithu Tatmadaw must always be striving to put an end to the very existence of the destructive elements raising the military tempo and stepping up organizational work with a view to ensuring peace and tranquillity of the entire nation. "Therefore, I emphatically call on the Workers Asiayone at different levels and the entire mass of workers to realize the following three political objectives laid down for the Workers Day of this year: --to consolidate the organizational set-up of the Workers Asiayone at different levels and to keep its leadership dynamic; --for the entire mass of workers to increase production at respective sectors with might and main for the successful implementation of the economic plan of the State; and --for the entire mass of workers to continuous co-operate with the People's Tatmadaw for the prevalence of peace and tranquillity in the country." (WPD 5/1) May Day Rallies Mass rallies were held throughout Burma to commemorate 1988 Workers Day on May 1. (WPD, various dates) Labor Funds Used May 21: Since 1972 workers have contributed their services on the normal weekend holidays before the Workers Asiayone Conference or Central Body Meeting, and the funds are used to establish recreation centers, dispensaries, and guest houses. A worker's guest house was opened in Rangoon in 1976, and one in Mandalay in 1984, and both have earned profits. A second guest house in Rangoon, to accommodate 200 guests, is planned. From 1972 to Sept. 1987, 281 Township Workers Asiayones and Organizing Committees have handed over almost Ky 11 million, and an account has been opened for these funds. Up to Sept. 1987 it acquired savings certificates worth Ky 4 million, in addition to bank accounts totalling Ky 5.1 million. Funds presented to the Third Workers Asiayone Central Body amounted to over Ky 1.3 million. "The figures show that there has been mounting enthusiasm of the Workers in the labour contribution work." (WPD editorial 5/21) HEALTH Muslim Hospital Appeal May 6: The Muslim Free Hospital, 196/200 Barr Street, Rangoon, appealed in an advertisement for donations. It provides treatment for 200 hospitalized patients and 450 outpatients daily, "of all communities," and has maternity, eye, medical and surgical wards. The ad is signed by the President of the Managing Committee, Haji U Khin Maung Hla. (WPD 5/6) Opium Denounced May 25: A feature article entitled "Opium: deadlier than sin," by Khin Aung Tin, discusses the drug menace in Burma. Opium and marijuana were introduced after 1885 as "a ruthless design of the colonialists to prolong their rule." Feudalists and foreign capitalists benefitted and the working people suffered. The Revolutionary Council adopted the Narcotics Drug Law in 1974; "the drug menace has, however, grown with the development of modern science, leading to the production of heroin...." The destructive elements, including the BCP, are collaborating with the drug producers in the border regions. The people and the Tatmadaw are fighting against drugs. "...prohibition of poppy cultivation is the key factor in the prevention of narcotic drug abuse." (WPD 5/25) CULTURAL Konbaung Period Writers May 1: The Twelfth in Aung Moe's series concerns "Court bards and peculiar poets." U Yauk Kyi was of distinguished ancestry and became a Page to Bodawpaya's Crown Prince, and rose steadily to end as Minister of the Cavalry under Bagyidaw. He wrote "U-Daung Myin Pyo," "Eithi Theingi Pyo," "Sanda Keinnary Pyo," "Shay Yon Sardan," "Royal Sister Pagan Princess E-chin," "Nyaung Yan Min E-chin," "Ratnapura Palace Mawgun," "Ratnapura City Mawgun," "Inauguration of Ratnapura City Mawgun," "Mingun Ceti Mawgun," "Royal Elephant Pondareik Mawgun," and "Maya Vijayanti Zigon Ceti Mawgun," He died in 1835 at the age of 61. Pakhan Prince was son of Bodawpaya's Northern Queen, and when banished to the forests composed a patpyo song bewailing his misfortune, which earned his recall to the capital. He died in 1810 aged 27. Atwinwun Bala Raza was a monk who entered the King's service as tutor to the Prome Prince. Later he became a royal secretary atwinwun, and a superintendent of lithic inscriptions. The "Mudha Beiktheik Mawgun," and "Maha Puritha Lekhana Pyo" are attributed to him. Mai Khwe was daughter of Sittaung Wun resident at Ratna Theinkha (Shwebo) and wife of Maung Swet, an Official Receiver Amwe-wun. She wrote famous eh-chins on the twelve seasons, tyar-chins and ngo-chins, laysits and ratus. She was regarded as the mother of ngo-chin laments. Myo Sare Thinkha Thara was a little known composer of pyos, who wrote the "Thuriya Kumar Pyo," "Thiri Rama Pyo," "Arthinkha Pyo," and the "Garu Dhamma Pyo." U Lann was a courtier in Bodawpaya's court "with a strong sense of humour and talents for peculiar poetry." He composed ratus to be conveyed by witches or human wind. He also composed satirical ton-chin songs on various professions or individuals. When U Toe wrote his Rama Rakan, praising the thazin orchid and making it famous, U Lann wrote a rakan on the stinking lekkok flower (Sterculia foetida). U Lar was a clerk in the Hluttaw who composed love songs and love letters, became a ladies' man, and was executed after he was caught in the apartments reserved for court ladies. (WPD 5/1) May 9: The thirteenth in the Series is entitled "Diverse Flowers". U Aung Hpyo was a minstrel and poet from Hanlin, 10 miles south-west of Shwebo, who had "an enormous store of knowledge on legends and ancient history," and composed historical thar-chins. King Bodawpaya, who had met him when prince, appointed U Aung Hpyo as a court official amat with the title of Sithu Kyaw Htin. Among his surviving thar-chins are: "Story of Kings", "Ramayana", "Kyansittha", "China Buddha's Tooth", "Bodhi Tree", "Royal Genealogy", "Twenty-eight Buddhas", and "Hnget Kyi". Some authorities say he wrote the "History of Hanlin" lingar, but others say Sithu Kyaw Htin and U Aung Hpyo were different people. U Kyin U was a native of Sinbaungwe, north of Myede (Aunglanmyo), and was born in 1773. He wrote stage plays on the Mahawthahta and Vesantara jataka tales, and created the Deva Gomban, Winkanta, Parpahein, and Karla Kanni plays, composing the songs as well as the dialogue. He also wrote many ratus, thi-chan-sans or avant-garde songs, and nyee-chins elegies. A simple villager, he travelled extensively in the delta region but is not known to have visited the capital. Many of his songs have been published in the "Thi-chin Padetha" anthology. U Pinnya is one of the least known Burmese writers of Bodawpaya's time, but created the "Thuta Seinta Sommasar" or "Thar Shwe U Sommasar", Moral Advice to the Beloved Son, which all young students once used to memorize. "It provides an inexhaustable fund of stock phrases that can be are are being quoted on many occasions by almost all latter day writers." (WPD 5/9) May 16: The fourteenth in the series begins a two-part account of Myawaddy Mingyi U Sa. He was an artisan, a musician, a composer, a military commander, a statesman and diplomat, and a linguist, who married in his early teens, was a widower at 19, and lived to be 87. U Sa was born in 1766 at Migyaungtet Chaung village, near Sagaing, the son of U Pauk Kyaw (son of the King's horserider myinsigyi of Mauktet village north of Ahlon) and Daw Nyein Tha (grand-daughter of Binnya Gyandaw, a minister of King Tha Lun). After living in a monastery, U Sa married Ma Aye, daughter of the King's goldsmith U Nyun of Sagaing, and worked as a goldsmith and dealer. When U Sa was 19 his wife died and he became an itinerant player of kye-waing brass gongs in U Tarok's orchestra. U Sa then became a royal clerk, and began to compose his classical the-chin-khans, kyos, bwes and patpyos. In 1789, at 23, he was placed by the Crown Prince on a panel of princes, ministers, and authors ordered to translate Thai and Lao dramas into Burmese. He composed musical scores for the Thai dramas. In 1798 U Sa was commissioned to put into Burmese the Thai Drama of "E-Naung", with the assistance of Thai royalty captured at Ayuthia. In 1785 he was assigned to record the stories of the Thirty-Seven Nats, with their traditional rituals, dances and music; this he accomplished with the aid of musicians U Taroke and U Myat Tha. In 1808 U Sa was named Herald and Commander of Warboat Pye Lon Yu, and later Secretary to the new Crown Prince. In 1812-13 he led an army of 150 horse and 1,500 footsoldiers into Manipur, via Tamu, and put Marjit Singh on the throne. The Khambat (Kabaw) valley was ceded to Burma by Manipur in gratitude. At 53, in 1819, U Sa became Secretary Atwinwun to the new King Bagyidaw. In 1820 he resumed his compilation of the stories of the Thirty-Seven Nats, in collaboration with Kawi Deva Kyaw, a leading Nat medium, and historian U Nu. In the same year he experimented with marionette shows, in consultation with Thabin Wun, Curator of Dramatic Arts. When war broke out with Britain in 1823-24, U Sa led a column from Hsinbyhukyun-Salin to Panwa (Ramu), 10 miles east of Cox's Bazaar, defeated the British troops, and joined Maha Bandoola's column on the march to defeat British forces at Gadawpalin. He then went on to capture Cox's Bazaar, but had to withdraw under British attack after the British defeated Maha Bandoola at Danubyu. In 1828, King Bagyidaw named U Sa his Army Minister with Myawaddy as his fief. It covered all the land at the confluence of the Made and Irrawaddy Rivers, including 14 ywathugyi and 1 myo-thugyi. Under British administration it became part of Kamma Township in Thayetmyo District. (WPD 5/16) May 23: The fifteenth in the series continues the saga of Myawaddy Mingyi U Sa. As Army Minister, U Sa got to know well the British Agent Major Henry Burney and the American Missionary Dr. Judson. He induced the British to abandon their claim to the Khambat (Kalaw) valley as part of Manipur. Dr. Judson described U Sa as one of the most intelligent and far-sighted Burmese leaders he had met. Major Burney also praised him warmly in his diary. In 1836 U Sa was handed over as prisoner to the rebellious Prince Tharrawaddy, and when Tharrawaddy became King in 1837 he remained a prisoner on a road gang for two years. He was released in 1839 after composing songs for Maung Shwe Tha's marionette show (and because he had long been a favorite of Tharrawaddy's daughter Princess Supayagyi). U Sa was then 73 and held no further public office, but continued to write songs for Kings Tharrawaddy and Pagan. He died in 1853. U Sa composed the "Shwebon Nidan", the Yodaya "Enaung Drama", and authorized the "Thamoddha Gawtha" drama. He composed theinga-than songs sung by nats. He composed over forty classic yodaya, patpyo, bwe, kyo and the-chin-gan songs, and eight of his pat-pyos are still very popular. His bwe songs on the seasons and nature are exquisite. His yodaya songs are of many types: "htat-tunts", "ngu-ngits", "khameins", "frantins", "keet-muns", "htanauks", ale-mes, "phyin-chars", "bayet-le-swes", and "phyin-chins;" some are for oboes and others for brass-gongs. His Mon songs are also of three types. U Sa was an initiator of the art of marionette plays. (WPD 5/23) May 30: The sixteenth in the series starts a report on U Paw U, "who had a very strong sense of humour and was possibly cheeky." U Paw U (1759-1838) was a native of Daze (Tanse) village, Myedu circle, Shwebo district. After a monastic education, he became a Senior Recorder of the King's Commands or Nar-khan-daw-gyi to King Bodawpaya, and a favorite the King. The next year he became an Atwinwun Royal Secretary. But when he criticized the King's extravagance, he was fired and exiled in chains to the Shan State of Hsenwi. There U Paw U wrote six ratus explaining the nation's budget, suggesting that Kings should never draw on State funds for private purposes, and sent them to the King. He was pardoned and restored to his appointments. Discussing the case of a koyingyi elder novice who kowtowed to everyone, even those much inferior to him, U Paw U said he must be atoning for having been either a King or a thathanabaing [prelate] in an earlier life. The thathanabaing, who was present, was not amused. Later, when tenants of the King's relatives near Shwebo were illtreated by them, U Paw U named the King as a defendent and found judgement against him. This got him into trouble. [to be concluded] (WPD 5/30) Buddha Day Observed Apr. 30: The Fullmoon Day of Kason (Buddha Day) was observed. The Fifth water-pouring ceremony (Nyaung Ye Thoon Festival) was held at the Shwedagon Pagoda Maha Bodi tree, and the Second at the Maha Wizaya Zedi. It was also held at the Bilatpyan Image Tazaung of the Botataung Pagoda, and at the Sule, Kyaikkasan and Maelamu Pagodas. Under the sponsorship of the Mogaung Pagoda, Yankin Township, 1,000 sparrows, one bull and three goats were released into the Ward 16 Sanctuary, Thingangyun Township, 100 viss of fish into the Inya Lake, and 1,000 carps into the Rangoon River. (WPD 5/1) Archaeological Relics May 3: Sixty ancient silver coins were found in the compound of U Mya Aye in Sinmakyat Village, Nwamayan Village-tract, Shwedaung Township, on Oct. 16, 1987. The finder was given Ky 8,250 by the Archaeology Department. (WPD 5/4) May 10: Daw Lone Tin found an antique gold chain (Shwenawzagon) weighing one tical, while digging in December 1987 at the Police Compound in Myogon Ward, Lawsawk. She has been awarded Ky 10,120 by the Archaeology Department. (WPD 5/11) May 12: Ky 66,647 was given on May 11 to four persons for turning over ancient objects excavated from the Hanlin ancient city site in Wetlet Township, Sagaing Division. (WPD 5/13) Magazine Digest Urged May 5: "To our readers' delight, books published every month are of numerous kinds. Among them monthly magazines top the list. Some highlight on specific subjects, such as religion, movies, thabin, music and general knowledge. Most include various topics that will attract the attention of general public. ... In endeavouring for popularity as well as for implementing the Party's policy on literature and journalism, magazines present new style of writing or provide food for thought. At the same time, selected works of the late literati are also reproduced. What is more, persons of various professions have entered the literary field sharing their personal experiences." However, magazines are expensive and readers "can enjoy only a few books every month." Therefore, "arrangements ought to be made to reproduce selected works from the monthly publications." (WPD editorial 5/5) Hlawga Gardens May 6: The Hlawga Gardens, opened to the public on April 30, will remain open on Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. (WPD 5/7) // May 19: The gardens will be closed for the rainy season, beginning May 21. (WPD 5/20) Ancient Medical Treatises May 17: Sayadaw U Panasami of Kanswai Kyaungtaik, Chaunggwa Village, Tada-U Township, Mandalay Division, donated six ancient medical treatises and six ancient methods of medical treatment to the Health Department. (WPD 5/18) Sangha Meetings May 22: The 47-member Second State Maha Nayaka Committee met, and discussed "the matters on defining the wording `with the Sayadaws nominated by State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee' under para 34 of chapter 4 of the fundamental rules of the Sangha organization." (WPD 5/23) May 26: The Second State Central Working Committee of the Sangha began a three-day meeting in the meeting hall on Kaba Aye Hill, Rangoon. The agenda was approved, and reports presented on various subjects including vinicchaya affairs, religious affairs, and pariyatti education affairs. A draft amendment on the Pariyatti Education Project, and a definition of wording in chapter four, paragraph 34 of the First Amendment to the Basic Organizational Rules of the Sangha Organization were discussed. (WPD 5/27) // May 27: On the second day a draft rule concerning Upadha Sanghika and Upadha Puggalika, various reports, and an addendum to the Vinaya Dhammakamma procedures were discussed. (WPD 5/28) // May 28: The meeting concluded after approving the matters discussed by it. (WPD 5/29) Textbook Distribution May 24: The co-operative societies will ensure the timely distribution of school text and exercise books for the 1988-89 school year. They will be sold for the same prices as last year. Textbooks, exercise books, and stationery have already been sent to 27 far-flung regions--9 townships in Kachin State; 1 in Karen State; 9 in Chin State; 2 in Shan State; 2 in Magwe Division; and 4 in Sagaing Division. (WPD 5/25) Kyaungsaung Donated May 29: Libation ceremonies were held for a new four-story kyaungsaung with a clock tower, Pyathat and zedidaws, two-story kitchen, two-story kudi, bathroom, dhammayon and other buildings, constructed at a cost of Ky 4.1 million for the Maha Theindawgyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Pabedan Township. (WPD 5/30) SPORTS Report on Thai Football Trip May 2: Members of the Youth Football Team which has returned from a goodwill trip to Thailand in April discussed the visit at Aung San Stadium. (WPD 5/3) // May 8: Sportswriter Ivan King reported on the meeting in a feature article, noting that after "a light banter," "the scene changed for a spell when truth came out and the SPED [Sports and Physical Education Department] sportingly answered in rebuttals that soon satisfied everyone present." Myanma Alin and other reporters commented on the delay in reports on the trip, "since the SPED Information sector seemed to have been withholding the truth, which was later found to be quite a damaging factor in the sense that the people not finding any news account decided that the results were withheld due to our team being blanked out by big scores and it was shameful to print." In fact, "our young people gave a very good account of themselves, and although we lost all three games, our lads fought hard till the final whistle." (WPD 5/8) Track & Field Meet May 8: Construction Corporation swept the field in the 24th Inter-Departmental Track & Field Meet, with 257 points in the mens' 97 in the women's, and 354 in the overall sections. People's Police Force was second with: 168, 82, and 250 points. Foodstuff and General Merchandise Trade Corporation was third with: 140, 67, and 207. Federation President U Aye Ko Ko presented the championship shields. (WPD 5/9) Mountaineering May 8: A 23-member team led by President of the Burma Hiking and Mountaineering Federation U Ba Than Haq successfully climbed Mount Mogon (6,172 ft.) and Mount Byinkye (6,252 ft.) in Tatkon Township on May 5-6. (WPD 5/9) Tennis Open May 9: The finals of the 1988 Burma Open Tennis Championship were held at the Theinbyu Tennis Plaza. In Mixed doubles, Aung Win-Juli Biak Cin was first and Edwin-Monica second. In Women's doubles, Juli Biak Cin-Nang Ngwe Lin was first and Sirilaic Allers-Aye Aye second. In Men's doubles (above 50), Pe Khin-Thein Aung was first and San Tha-Kyaw Myint second; (above 45), Maung Maung Htwe-Robert Biak was first and Than Ngwe-Pe Khin second. In Men's singles (above 45), Than Ngwe was first and R Papen Hagen second. In Men's doubles (above 35), Se Mone-Myint Swe was first and Kyaw Win-Hla Yi second. In Men's singles (above 35), Kyaw Win was first and Hla Ye second, and in doubles, Thet Lwin-Aye Tun first amd Tin Than-Yu Kyaw Aung second. In Women's singles Juli Biak Cin was first and Nang Ngwe Lin second; in Men's singles Thet Lwin beat M Dinja. (WPD 5/10) Table-Tennis Championships May 17: Ministry of Trade defeated Ministry of Construction (A) by a score of 3-2 in the women's team section of the Inter-Department Table-Tennis Tournament. Foodstuff Industries Corporation won the men's team section. (WPD 5/18) // May 18: Aung Htoo-Aye Aye Myint defeated Win Nyin Aung-Nilar Htwe Aung (20-22, 21-15, 21-15) to win the mixed doubles title. (WPD 5/19) // May 19: Aung Win I (Labour) defeated Kyi Myint 3-2 (25-23, 20-22, 16-21, 21-12, 21-16) to win the men's singles; Aung Htoo and Aung Myint were joint third. Aye Aye Myint (Industry 1) trounced San San May 3-0 (24-22, 21-18, 21-17) to win the women's singles; Khin San Nwe was third. Kyi Myint-Tun Win defeated Myo Win-Aung Win (1) 2-1 (21-19, 13-21, 21-17) to win the men's doubles title. San San May-Aye Aye Myint defeated Khin Hnin Yu-Khaing Tha Zin 2-0 (23-21, 21-15) to win the women's doubles title. Khin Latt defeated Zaw Myint 3-1 (19-21, 21-10, 21-11, 21-10) to take the men's singles championship title. President of the Burma Table-tennis Federation Commander Tun Oo (BN) presented the championship shields and prizes. (WPD 5/20) Sports Study Team to China May 25: A four-man sports study delegation departed for China under the bi-lateral cultural exchange program, headed by Director of the Sports and Physical Education Department U Aung Nyein. The other members are U Ba Myint, U Thant Zin, and U Myint Maung. (WPD 5/26) Badminton Championships May 25: Ministry of Industry 1 captured the novices championship in the Inter-Departmental Badminton Tournament, defeating Burma Airways Corporation 3-1. Burma Airways won the junior championship, with Department Stores Corporation second. In women's juniors, Ministry of Trade defeated Ministry of Industry 1. In women's novices, Ministry of Industry 1 (A) and (B) teams were first and second. Burma Railways won the men's seniors, with Ministry of Industry 1 second. President of the Burma Badminton Federation U Maung Maung Ohn distributed prizes. (WPD 5/27) Sailing May 29: At the annual regatta of the Rangoon Sailing Club, Khin Thein won the Commodore's Cup (senior division); Aung Htike the Vice-Commodore's Cup (junior division); and Khin Then the Advocate's Cup (rater class). Khin Thein won the best yachtsman award for the senior class, and Aung Htike for the junior class. Sailing Club President U Myo Myint made the awards. (WPD 5/31) MISCELLANEOUS Engagement Apr. 29: Paul Rajan, son of Mr. Silva Rajan and Mrs. Betsy Rajan, was engaged to Thin Thin Mar Thein, daughter of the late U Thein Maung and of Daw Hla Yin, in a ceremony solemnized by Rev. U Myo Chit and Rev. Thara O. K., at the Min Thar Hall, Strand Hotel, Rangoon. (WPD 5/17) Crime News May 4: Rangoon police on May 1-2 arrested a che-hti stakeholder, three agents, and 13 gamblers, together with stakes totalling Ky 506,131. In addition, 25 cases were opened against 23 male and 3 female che-hti gamblers, with seized stakes of Ky 319,967. [photos] (WPD 5/5) May 17: Rangoon police on May 16 arrested 23 che-hti gamblers, plus stakes totalling Ky 90,313 and gambling documents. (WPD 5/18) May 17: Mandalay police on May 2 arrested two persons with a packet containing 0.5 kilos of Chu-hnit-kaung Kabalon brand heroin. [photo] (WPD 5/18) May 25: Lashio Police, acting on a tip, on May 10 arrested a woman in front of the Than-lwin-aye Rest House, and found a 0.5 kilo packet of Chinthe Hnakaung Gabalon brand heroin in her bag. She and another woman have been booked under the Narcotic Drugs Law. [photo] (WPD 5/26) May 25: Following a Dec. 31, 1987 raid by Insein police, in which 24 che-hti gamblers were arrested and Ky 658,824 in stakes seized, the culprits were tried on Jan. 29, 1988. On May 24 the Insein Township Court found 15 of them guilty, and sentenced them to prison terms of from one to three years. (WPD 5/26) May 26: Mandalay Railway Police on May 18 arrested Shi Chone Kyin of Khomone village, Kutkai Township, and Ywet Kham of Kyansha village, Muse Township, at the Mandalay railway station with one kilo of heroin concealed in six cartons of Chinese-made "Golden" cigarettes. [photo] (WPD 5/27) May 28: Acting on a tipoff, Mandalay Police on May 26 searched a vehicle plying between Mandalay and Monywa and seized 3.2255 kilos of heroin in a plastic container in the front seat. 1.41 kilos of heroin were then seized from a plastic container in the front seat of a vehicle in Mandalay North-West Township. On May 22, Mandalay Railway Police searched three passengers on the up train about to leave for Myitkyina, and found 0.5 kilos of Chu-hna-kaung Kaba-lon brand heroin. Five people were arrested. [photos] (WPD 5/29) May 29: Police and Forest Personnel from Taikkyi Township arrested five persons for illegally felling over Ky 750,000 worth of timber on Okkan forest reserve. (WPD 5/31) Obituaries Jan. 17: U Shein Myint, (a) Henry Maung Gyi (St. Philip), husband of Daw Mya Seinn (a) Daw Mya Kyi, father of Maung Win Myint (a) Jeffrey Myint, died in New York City, aged 61, and was buried in Rangoon on April 28. (WPD 5/5,13) May 4: Rustomjee, Behram Kaikhushroo, husband of Dorothy and uncle of Lorna Williams, died in Rangoon, aged 88. (WPD 5/5) May 11: Dr. U Kyaw Myint, LL.D., Barrister-at-Law Middle Temple Inn, (Ret'd Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Rangoon), husband of Daw Hla Kyi, brother of U Myint Thein (Chief Justice, Ret'd), died in Rangoon, aged 91. (WPD 5/12) May 16: Thado Maha Thray Sithu U Chan Htoon, former Chief Justice of Burma, former President, World Federation of Buddhists, former General Secretary, Buddha Sasana Council, General Secretary, Burma Pitaka Association, husband of Wunna Kyaw Htin Daw Khin Khin Thein, died in Rangoon, aged 83. (WPD 5/17) May 27: K Tilak Rao (Babu), son of Mr. K.S. Rao and Smti Padmavathi of 10 Bowlane Road, Rangoon, died in Rangoon, aged 23. Cortege to Tamwe Hindu Cemetery, May 28. (WPD 5/28) Marriage Apr. 29: Ma Moe Moe (a) Marie Simons (M.Sc. Thesis, Zoo), (Dip. in French), daughter of U Si Maung and Daw Ma Ma Gyi, of Rangoon, married Maung Win Myint (a) Jeffrey Myint (Final year, Pre-engineering, Hunter College, New York), son of [the late] U Shein Myint and Daw Mya Seinn of New York City. The ceremony was at the Thamada Hotel, Rangoon. (WPD 5/13) Report of Riot Commission May 13: The Council of State issued a release on the report of the Enquiry Commission established by Notification No. 45/88 of March 17, 1988, to investigate the riots that took placed on March 12-13, as follows [text quoted in full]: How it Started The issue started with an ordinary quarrel between some students and other youths of the ward. On the night of 12 March 1988, three students of Rangoon Institute of Technology who were staying in an outside boarding house in Gyogon West Ward were in Sanda Win Tea Shop near Gyogon Railway Station listening to music from a cassette tape when four youths of the ward arrived. Starting with the matter of asking for changing the cassette music tape, the three students and the youths of the ward quarrelled, and the youths of the ward who were drunk began hitting the students. Some students from outside the boarding house who heard that the students were hit, that one Zaw Zaw (a) Nyi Nyi Lwin, a resident of the ward, was involved, went to look for him at the house where he lived. The Insein Police Station immediately investigated the case and took into custody some ward resident youths including Zaw Zaw (a) Nyi Nyi Lwin. A member of the Ward People's Council who lived in the same street as Zaw Zaw (a) Nyi Nyi Lwin asked the Police not to take him into custody saying he was not involved, but the Police Station Officer took him in that very night. As the authorities immediately took such action and the teaching staff led by the Rector of the Institute of Technology managed to take control, the issue that emanated from the quarrel ended for that night. How the issue arose again On 13-3-88 Insein People's Police Station conducted necessary examination and released Zaw Zaw (a) Nyi Nyi Lwin as he was not connected with the matters of the criminal case. On hearing that Nyi Nyi Lwin had been released, the students got swayed by instigation of some students who wanted to cause disturbance, instead of taking recourse to law, and on the night of 13-3-88, some students went to Sanda Win Tea Shop and Ward People's Council Office and threw stones and stools at them. Then, they went on to the street where Zaw Zaw (a) Nyi Nyi Lwin lived, and damaged some houses including the house Zaw Zaw (a) Nyi Nyi Lwin lived in. At this, some residents of Gyogon West Ward, instead of seeking recourse to law, switched off lights of the streets and the houses and attacked the students with dahs [knives], seriously injuring two students. When it came to be known to other students, they were incensed and the student crowd on the BPI road grew. Some students who wanted to create disturbances, taking advantage of the gathering of students, set fire to the co-operative shop near the BPI roundabout. The fire spread and burnt four neighbouring huts and two car godowns as well. Ward residents who could not stand the act of setting fire in the ward gathered and barred the students from coming into the ward, put out the fire and responded with harm to the students. As the ward residents came after them up to Insein Road, the students withdrew up to Insein Road and the two sides were in hostile confrontation on the Insein Road in front of the Institute of Technology. Things came to a situation wherre the residents of the ward were about to go in pursuit of the students into the campus of the Institute of Technology and cause harm, wielding dahs, spears and lances. Because of incompleteness in lower-level's reporting on the lawless acts being committed by both the students' and the ward residents' sides like that, it got to such a stance wherein those taking security responsibility were given to understand only that students got rowdy and set fire [to] the ward. On account of the on-coming sixth session of the Fourth Pyithu Hluttaw and in accord with the security arrangements made for the Armed Forces Day, it was arranged for the authorities to go out and control the situation only with the strength of the Security Control Unit in the area to quell the issue taking place in front of the Institute of Technology on the night of 13-3-88. There were about 300 or 400 students in fron of the RIT campus at that time as well as over 300 residents who were armed with dahs, spears and pikes. The residents were about to enter the RIT campus and take hostile action against the students. As the two platoons of the Security Control Unit took their positions the students entered the campus while the residents went into the BPI street an towards the Gyogon junction, thus breaking away. The students who were on the RIT campus hurled stones at the security squad who had arrived to take positions on the Insein Road. The security forces also hurled these stones back at the students. Breaking up the mob Some of the personnel who were responsible for maintaining order and security and some members of the squad were hit by stones and got hurt and they began to use water hoses from fire engines to break up the crowd. About 15 minutes later the fire engines ran out of water. The students got more rowdy with more throwing of stones. The Rangoon Division People's Police Force Commander ordered the platoon commander of the riot squad to use tear-gas to break up the crowd and if the crowd did not break up and members of the squad were in danger of being harmed, six of the twelve members who were armed with Remington twelve-bore shot-guns were to open fire at a level close to the ground. The riot squad entered the campus of the Rangoon Institute of Technology and broke up the crowd using 14 tear-gas bombs six of which were fired by guns and eight of which were thrown by hand as well as opening fire with six Remington shot-guns each using only one shot. Five students got wounded and one of them, Maung Phone Maw, died. According to the testimonies of the Police Surgeon and other doctors, as well as the Ballistic Expert of the Criminal Investigation Department (Insein), the lead shots extracted from the wounds of the students were found to be those which came from shot-guns. So, student Maung Phone Maw of the RIT succumbed to the wounds caused by shots from amonst six shot-guns numbered 755856, 756438, 755554, 753695, 753170 and 753816 used by members of the riot squad. Besides Maung Phone Maw, RIT student Maung Soe Naing also succumbed to the bullet wounds on 5-4-88 while undergoing medical treatment at the Rangoon General Hospital. The Enquiry Commission found that there were two students who died of gun wounds, three students who got gun wounds, two students and one civilian who were injured, and 28 members of the squad who got hit by stones. Those who got gun wounds have already recovered. Considering that the use of security forces armed with M-16 rifles as provided for under the existing law in breaking up crowds would cause more wounds, the Rangoon Division People's Police Force Commander replaced the security forces with the riot squad armed with Remington twelve-bore shot-guns which cause less wounds and got them [to] open fire. Although measures were taken in breaking up the mob according to the Riot Manual, there were defects owing to confusion in the methods of control and of giving orders according to the changed administrative machinery as the Manual was an old one as well as owing to little practice and lack of experience on the part of the personnel concerned. Taking Control in RIT After the breaking up of the crowd by the authorities on 13-3-88 night, the students on 14-3-88 and 15-3-88 went round in a procession [,] got rowdy, put forward demands, destroyed classroom property and carried out agitation work to spread disturbance. Therefore, the authorities who were on security duty in the day time on 15-3-88, told through the public address system to those of the students who wished to peacefully go on with their academic pursuits to return to their hostels and the students peacefully returned to their hostels. The authorities arrested only a few students who tried to get away. When the authorities arrived on the RIT campus, the students in the hostels were asked to gather in front of the hostel. The authorities, together with the teachers, scrutinized the students and took 68 students into custody on 15 March, 1988. In an incident related to the RIT students' disturbance, some students of the Rangoon University (main) due to external political influence, caused disturbances on 16-3-88 and 17-3-88 and the authorities took into custody 625 students including those 68 already arrested. Altogether 484 students were released on 16-4-88 and on 1-5-88 after due investigation and scrutiny. Investigation and scrutiny work will continue to be carried out in connection with the remaining 141 students and necessary action will be taken. Taking of Action What ought to be carried out in connection with the disturbances shall continue to be carried out as regards residents, students, members of the security forces and the People's Councils. The Constitution states that every citizen has the right to freely join political, social, class and mass organizations permitted by law and to enjoy freedom of association, of assembly and of procession. Rules will be prescribed for the full exercise of these rights and measures will also be taken to enact a law that would give the right to disperse crowd and other procedures should there be infringement of those provisions and public tranquility. (WPD 5/14) Pyithu Hluttaw Report on Sale May 23: The English-language version of "Reports to the Pyithu Hluttaw on financial, economic and social conditions for 1988-89" went on sale at the Sarpay Beikman bookshop in Merchant St. (WPD 5/24) Subscription Information and General Notices +-+-+-+-+ TO SUBSCRIBE Write to Hugh C. MacDougall, 32 Elm Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Annual Subscriptions: U.S. (Individuals)- US$30.00 U.S. (Institutions)- US$40.00 Foreign- US$40.00 (by airmail) Additional charge for US$ check on foreign bank-$4.00 NOTE: Checks should be payable to: Hugh C. MacDougall. Please indicate the monthly issue with which you wish your subscription to begin (available back to April 1987). +-+-+-+-+ Policy: The items summarized are those which seem most likely to be of interest outside Burma, including official appointments, foreign travel and visits, economic statistics, military communiqu‚s, narcotics, and cultural information. Except for quoted passages, stories are paraphrased in the interests of brevity, but every effort is made to be faithful to the intent of the original. To Readers: Your comments and suggestions for the Burma Press Summary are most welcome. So is your assistance in increasing our paid circulation, which at present is 36 in 6 countries. Write or telephone me at (607) 547-2118. Hugh C. MacDougall BURMA STUDIES FOUNDATION The Burma Studies Foundation has been recognized by the Internal Revenue Service, thus making gifts, bequests, or other transfers to the Foundation deductable under Federal Income and Gift Tax regulations. Books, artwork, and other articles given to the Burma Studies Foundation will be offered to the Burma Studies Center, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, to be held and exhibited by it under the terms of the the Contract between the Center and the Foundation, but title will remain with the Foundation. The Foundation can also receive gifts in cash. Persons considering gifts to the Burma Studies Foundation should contact the Secretary-Treasurer, John P. Ferguson, Box 144, Star Route 1, Warnerville, N.Y. 12187. +-+-+-+-+ THE BURMA BULLETIN The Burma Bulletin is a new monthly newsletter containing news and commentary about Burma, issued by U Kyaw Win, 24941 Mustang Drive, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. It can be obtained by writing to U Kyaw Win. There is no fixed subscription price, but readers are asked to make donations to help defray the expense. [Note: this publication is not sponsored by the Burma Studies Group.] +-+-+-+-+ BURMA STUDIES GROUP CONFERENCE The Burma Studies Group will hold a joint conference with the Council on Thai Studies at the Center for Burma Studies, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, on October 14-16, 1988. It will celebrate the 25th Anniversary Jubilee of N.I.U.'s Center for Southeast Asian Studies. We hope to see many of our readers there! Hugh C. MacDougall