KAOWAO NEWS NO. 124
Newsletter for social justice and freedom in Burma
January Feb 2-Mar 5, 2007
Readers
Front
Mon Unity League New Strategy: Broadening participation of civil society
Sook Gloin: Rebel leader
goes into hiding
Mon Women's Day celebrated in honor of a Queen
Mon State: Rebel demands end to human rights violations
In 60th Year, Mon National Day attracts thousands
Violence used to disrupt Mon national day at Three Pagodas Pass
Candlelight a factor behind school fire
Organizational Change, Future Direction and Strategic Planning: By Thiha Thura
What does "Union Day"? By Nehginpao Kipgen
Reflection On A Glorious Past: By Siri Mon Chan
Announcement
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Readers'
Front
Dear readers,
We invite comments and suggestions on improvements to Kaowao
newsletter. With your help, we hope that Kaowao News
will continue to grow to serve better the needs of those seeking social justice
in
Regards,
Editor
Kaowao News
[email protected] http://by117fd.bay117.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/compose?mailto=1&msg=14FA098A-29B6-4E53-8BF8-6D21FE5B68D1&start=0&len=127903&src=&type=x&[email protected]&cc=&bcc=&subject=&body=&curmbox=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&a=2683c515dd5b8d814254b415ed99f4a7f30ab52f9a121045a44503c5fc05ae9c
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Mon Unity League's New Strategy:
broadening participation of civil society
(Kaowao:
This month marks a significant milestone in the Mon democratic movement's
partnership with the Mon Unity League, an umbrella organization of Mon people.
The League has transformed its strategy to focus more on mobilizing civil
society rather than taking a political stand in pressuring the Burmese
government for democratic change.
Nai Sunthorn Sripanngern, the newly elected President, explained,
"we will take the soft approach, we will continue to apply political
pressure, but now we have evolved from being a consultative body to becoming
more proactive in nature; it is not what we represent, but what we can do on
the ground. Civil society is an ongoing process involving many actors, this will have a profound impact on strengthening
our commitment to ensure our rights."
However, some see the reform as a disappointment. "The work of the MUL
over the past ten years was recognized by the international community,
including such organizations as the UN and UNPO. The MUL served as the voice
for the Mon people and actively engaged in an international campaign for
democracy after the New Mon State Party reached a cease-fire," said Nai Ong Sorn.
"We will continue using the name MUL but it is necessary to avoid overlap
among the Mon organization since the Mon Affairs Union (MAU) emerged, we need
to give more public space for another umbrella organization to be more
effective," said Sunthorn.
On February 17-18, representatives of the MUL met for the 5th Conference in Sangkhlaburi, a border town on the Thai-Burma border. The
gathering, composed of former refugees, activists, community leaders and
displaced peoples, reviewed the structure of the umbrella organization and
finally agreed to change its structure as an NGO or institution with a broader
public outreach.
The structure of MUL has shifted to an institution from a decentralized
umbrella organization. However, the functioning of the group is composed of
several local initiatives incorporating more of a global outlook working on
such programs as Health, Education, Political Advocacy, Research and Civil
Society's Capacities in order to support various communities and civil society
organizations of the Mon people.
The MUL meeting elected Advisory Board comprised of former MUL leaders and an
Executive Management Board. The MUL's programs is now headed by Nai Yeup, Director. The Executive Management Board is governed
by Sunthorn Siripanngern,
Dr. Ms Mon Htaw, Nai Kasauh Mon, Nai Ong Banjun and Nai Layeh Rot.
*************************************************
Sook Gloin:
Rebel leader goes into hiding
(Kaowao:
The whereabouts of Mon guerrilla, Sook Gloin (long hair), has become a topic of concern among
local people in southern Ye who are keeping a lookout for the armed guerrilla
who disappeared from the area last month.
"Many people are concerned about him. They worry he might be killed or
injured in fighting. He might also be charged by his group for a robbery that
took place in Pai Bee village," said a Buddhist
monk from Ye.
Civilians in southern Ye and Yebyu suffer from
various forms of suppression by the Burma Army accusing them of supporting the
rebel after a number of ambush attacks on the Burma military garrisons by his
Mon armed group.
"This area has become increasingly targeted by many armed groups for
taxation. The Mon guerrilla group has also committed some crimes and rumor has
it that Sook Gloin was
punished or reprimanded by his group for some crimes. But at this point we
cannot confirm what happened," said Nai Lin, a
villager from
Sook Gloin and Chan Dein succeeded their positions with remaining Mon
guerrillas after Nai Hloin
and Nai Bin left the group. The Mon armed group
frequently uses ambush tactics and guerrilla warfare in southern Ye and Yebyu area.
Mon human rights activists say that grave human rights violations by the
Burmese Army have intensified with many villagers abandoning the area to go
live elsewhere. The BA often harasses local people by forcing them to disclose
the whereabouts of rebel groups in the area.
"Even though the guerrilla group has committed petty crimes the villagers
still support them, because we are unhappy with human rights abuses by the
Burmese Army," said another villager from southern Ye, Mon State.
After the New Mon State Party reached a cease-fire agreement with the military
junta in 1995, Nai Hloin
split from the party to resume fighting against the Burma Army.
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Mon Women's Day celebrated in honor of a
Queen
(Kaowao: March 2, 2007)
A group of women in the rural area celebrated modestly Mon Women's Day on
February 28 in recognition of one of Burma's great Mon Queens, Shin Saw Pu, representing one of Southeast Asia's most well known
royal dynasties.
According to Ms. Ong Mon Chan of Mon Women's
Organization of Canada, the Mon women in
"Despite continuing violence against Mon women in
"Women's issues in the community are not getting much attention here. Even
though, women work hard in the community, many men think their role is not
necessary and they forget about us," said Mi Mreh
Moh, a women activist at Waengka
village.
Mon Women's Day this year was held on February 28, the birthday of a famous Mon
Queen, Mi Jaobu or Banya
Thaw (Shin Saw Pu) sometimes referred to as "the
Supreme Female King" in ancient texts and who ruled Hongsawatoi
in the fifteenth century and whose lineage was both from the Mon and Burmese
dynasties. At that time she ushered in a new, and it would be the last, great
era of Mon civilization until its fall in 1757 to the Burman King, Alaungpaya.
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Mon State: Rebel demands end to human
rights violations
(Kaowao: February 20, 2007)
Long time guerrilla fighter, Nai Hloin
vows to continue fighting against the Burman government forces that commit human
rights violation in Mon State.
In spite of his group facing a large and ruthless army, 57-year-old Nai Hloin said, "though I have left the armed group in
In an interview with a Kaowao reporter, Nai Hloin says he wants to reach
out to the public to support him in his campaign and while talking to a group
of supporters recently he urged the public to join him. "We must enlarge
our hit and run attack force," he said as he walked toward the crowd with
a small limp.
"The BA has expanded its troops into our area. We cannot wage a position
war, our tactic is to disturb the Burma Army with mobile attacks, hit and run.
I want to retire and live a peaceful life but I can't stop the movement since I
see many of my people including my relatives being tortured by them (BA),"
said the long time fighter.
After he was wounded in 2005 he left his group to seek asylum and medical
attention in
About 50 guerrillas are operating sparsely throughout the area and are well
supported by Mon community. The Burma Army regularly tortures villagers from
Southern Ye after accusing them of supporting the Mon armed groups. Local
farmers are restricted to work on their farms and have to obtain the
authority's permission to go to their plantation and return home early in the
evening.
In December last year, several women were rounded up and tortured by Infantry
Battalion No. 31 of the Burmese Army in retaliation for an ambush attack by a
Mon guerrilla group during a military operation in southern Ye, Mon State.
After the New Mon State Party reached a cease-fire agreement with the military
junta in 1995, Nai Hloin
split from the party to take up arms against the Burma Army. The two brothers, Nai Hloin and Nai
Bin were active until early 2005 before they sought a safe haven in
**********************************************************
In 60th Year, Mon National Day attracts thousands
(Kaowao:
Wat Siri Molkorn, a Mon temple in Maharchai,
Thailand, hosted about 6000 Mons with senior abbots,
Thai local authorities, and representatives from the Mon Unity League, New Mon
State Party and Harn Yawnghwe,
the son of Sao Shwe Thaike, the last hereditary ruler
of the Shan principality of Yawnghwe and the first
president of the Republic of the Union of Burma.
"It is our greatest day where Thai Mons, migrant
During the nights of February 1st and 2nd the biggest Mon music stars led by Hongsar Marn, Ramarn
and Joey Marn entertained the crowd.
Other Similar events and activities were held at Wat Klong Jet, Wat Jedi Thong with
Mon culture troupes, sport's competition, improvised music, and public
assembly.
Organized by Mon National Democratic Front (liberated area), the MND was held
at the China Community Hall in Kulua Lumpur, Malaysia
with about 1500 people attending. Mon MP, Nai Thaung
Shein was among the activists and refugees present.
Inside
The Mon National Day is largely celebrated in
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Violence used to disrupt Mon national
day at Three Pagodas Pass
(Kaowao: February 3, 2007)
Mon National Day celebration at the Three Pagodas Pass border was cancelled
after a grenade was thrown into the celebration ground yesterday.
Nai Sark, an organizer of
the MND said the grenade attack by unknown men injured two persons in the
compound area of Taing Tayar
or Dayaing Klom Mon
Monastery where the celebration was held on the Thai-Burma border town.
"No group claimed responsibility of the attack but it was planned to
dampen our celebration. The MND celebration has gained wider public support and
the event that night drew thousands of people to the area. We are well
organized and this may have riled up other rival groups to disrupt the
event," said the organizer of the MND.
Mon National Day's assembly successful took place in the morning and about
three thousand Mon and other ethnic civilians joined in the celebration. The
entertainment had planned to host a beauty contest and a cultural performance
during evening, but was cancelled due to the bomb attack.
The attackers believed to be members of an armed group, shot back at the New
Mon State Party's security unit. Following the attack, the security unit
followed the men who fled away on motorcycles and fired shots at the NMSP
security officer.
Nai Tun Lwin,
an officer of the NMSP said the attack occurred during the exchange of the NMSP
troops about
********************************************************
Candlelight a factor behind school fire
(Kaowao:
A fire that destroyed a Mon community girls' school on February 2nd could have
been caused by a burning candle during the Mon National Day celebration at Nyisar Panang Pein
village.
"Nobody got hurt because all the girls were attending the Mon National Day
parade organized by the New Mon State Party, but all school supplies and
personal belongings (books and clothes) were destroyed," said Nai Aikom, officer of MNEC.
The school and most of the buildings are made of bamboo and thatch and quickly
caught fire burning down the surrounding buildings including a kitchen and a
warehouse.
The girls' school hosted about 70 girls and 4 female teachers,
the damage from the fire is estimated to be about 10 million Kyats.
The
"All my books and clothes are gone, the only thing I have left is my
costume for the MND, the others are in the same boat," said Ms. Nyan Mon, a Nyisar student.
In
Mon National Education Committee is seeking help to rebuild the school and will
need new school supplies for the girls, including desks, blackboards, books,
food, blankets and clothes.
Donors can contact the MNEC at 034 595 336 or Mon Refugee Committee at 034 595
080.
***********************************************
Organizational Change, Future Direction
and Strategic Planning
(By Thiha Thura)
All Mon around the world will be equally pleased to hear the good news of the
successful completion of the 5th Conference of the MUL. In that conference,
delegates both at home and abroad have passionately discussed the future
directions of the MUL in line with the current socio-political situation in Monland, in
In deed, all Mon people will be impressed and heartened by the right and
appropriate approach taken by the MUL to re-strategise,
reform and realign its future direction relevant to overall Mon national
strategy. In fact, all key players in Mon politics such as the NMSP, the MNDF,
the MUL and Overseas Mon Organizations should realign its future direction and
strategy in line with the Mon national strategy. In Organizational Behaviour (OB) and organizational management, realigning of
departmental strategy in line will overall organization's strategy is vitally
important. Without realigning and in alignment with the overall strategy , it is like a vehicle out of alignment, all wheels
are not in alignment and, as a result it cannot drive as fast as it should be.
Therefore, for an organization to function well and to achieve its goals, it
should reform, realign its strategy and make appropria
te changes in the
organization.
Organizational change is, in fact, one of the essential approach
in
As a result, it is encourage that the MUL and all Mon organizations to maintain
and utilize organizational change. If the MUL and all of our Key players in Mon
politics such as the NMSP , the MNDF and the Overseas
Mon organizations all can effective manage the organizational change, their
contributions to our Mon will greatly improve and our indented ultimate goal of
national liberation and national sovereignty cannot be far away. Nowadays,
organizations taking part in
Therefore, in our Mon all our Mon key players in Mon politics such as the MUL,
the NMSP, MNDF and the Overseas Mon organizations are earnestly encouraged to
take a proactive approach to changes and at all time and revise and realign
their strategy in line with overall Mon national strategy. If all of our
strategies and our future directions are aligned together, the victory of our
national liberation and sovereignty is just around the corner, waiting all of
us to to take it.
**********************************************************************
What does "Union Day" mean to
By Nehginpao Kipgen
Union Day history starts at Panglong in southern Shan
State on February 12, 1947, when 23 representatives from the Burman government,
Chin Hills, Kachin Hills and Shan States signed an agreement in the presence of
representatives from the executive council of the governor of Burma, to form an
interim government.*
The emergence of Union Day initially, though, did not include all the ethnic
nationalities of present day Burma, yet it has served as a threshold for a
unified Burma. The agreement was aimed at establishing a federal
Had not Aung San promised political equality and self-determination to ethnic
minority groups, the Union of Burma might have never been born.
During the drafting the Union of Burma's constitution, hopes were abruptly
shattered with the assassination of Aung San, along with six of executive
councilors on July 19, 1947. Aung San was the architect of the Panglong Agreement, and his departure dashed the dream of
having a federal government: the constitution was hastily created on the model
of a quasi-federal organization, categorically downplaying the visions of the Panglong signatories. This mischievous turn of events has
become a source of lingering distrust between the Burman government and ethnic
minorities of today.
With the adoption of the amended constitution on
Partly due to the discontent of the non-Burman ethnic nationalities during 1951
to 1961, the civilian government was confronted with many constitutional
challenges. At the same time, there was a leadership crisis within the ruling
Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League-the party splitting into two factions-AFPFL-clean
and AFPFL-stable in May 1958.
Consequently, U Nu, the prime minister, asked the army chief, Ne Win, to form a
caretaker government and conduct general elections. During the 1960 election, U
Nu's AFPFL-clean faction returned to power. Sticking
to their demands, leaders of ethnic minorities demanded discussions with Prime
Minister U Nu about amendments to the constitution. This demand was reasserted
at a conference when the Ethnic States Unity and Solidarity Organization
convened in 1961.
Construing the political maneuver as a threat to the integration of the country
based on a federal model, Ne Win seized power by military coup on
The non-Burman ethnic nationalities largely saw the military regime as the
Burman government. Having little hope for any peaceful agreement with a
military-dominated government, many ethnic minority groups resorted to armed
struggle.
Under Ne Win's Revolutionary Council government, the 1947 constitution was
replaced by the 1974 constitution which stressed a unitary federal form of
government. On
In remarks on the 60th anniversary of Union Day, SPDC chief Snr-Gen
Than Shwe, said: "Certain powerful countries
desirous of gaining dominance over the Union of Myanmar are stirring up racial
conflicts to break up national unity and cause the recurrence of armed
conflicts."
Our view, however, is that successive Burman military governments have
dominated the ethnically diverse country with very little tolerance and
absolute, dictatorial control.
Despite the observation of Union Day for the past 60 years, the true spirit of
the day has never been honored by the Burman government: guaranteeing the
ethno-political equality and self-determination of ethnic nationalities.
This does not, however, give a clean chit to secessionism, but rather stresses
the intrinsic importance of establishing a unified
As long as the present and future leaders of
Therefore, every nationality in the Union of Burma has the right to claim or
proclaim its pre-independence status.
This fact needs to remain as a focal point of all political stakeholders,
regardless of ethnicity or religious affiliations. The emergence of a unified
and peaceful country rests on the shoulders of all the peoples of
*[Burman representative: Aung San; Chin representatives: U Hlur
Hmung, U Thawng Za Khup, U Kio
Mang; Kachin representatives: Sinwa
Nawng, Zau Rip, Dinra Tang, Zau La, Zau Lawn, Labang Grong; Shan representatives: Tawnpeng,
Yawnghwei, North Hsenwi, Laika, Mong Pawn, Hsamonghkam and representatives of Pawnglawng,
Tin E, Kya Bu, Sao Yapa Hpa, Htun Myint, Hkun Saw, Hkun Htee.]
********************************************************
Reflection On A Glorious Past and Aspiration for A Prosperous Future
(By Siri Mon Chan)
As the curtain comes down on another Mon National Day, I sit here in
The past 10 years has been an amazing journey for me and I am able to reflect
on my good fortune living in a free country. At this time of the year, I enjoy
rediscovering the long ancient history of the Mon and their contributions to
humanity and learn of a people who had once been at the forefront of technology
and civilization in
Hongsawatoi was one such kingdom founded in 573 A.D.
It was a prosperous, independent city, famous throughout its history in lower
In school in
I close my eyes and imagine what life must have been like for our people who
lived with peace, dignity and prosperity, a stark contrast to our way of life
now living under the repressive Burmese regime. Hongsawatoi
was brutally attacked and occupied by the Burmans in 1757 AD. Thousands were
driven away to escape certain death, while others constrained by poverty or
other obstacles endured the persecution.
We have enjoyed freedom at most points in our history and we will again. I am
sure of it. While our far-sighted Mon rulers were determined to develop our Mon
kingdom in terms of economic, social and political conditions, we did not fail
to pay attention to mutual and peaceful co-existence with other nations and
countries in the world.
Unity is the most important precondition for us to regain our dignity and
sovereignty. We have a well-established historical background, a well-developed
civilization, our resources both in terms of human and
natural resources and our state's infrastructures will support a strong civil
society, local governance and an administrative system. We urgently and
desperately have to unite to reach our ultimate goal of national liberation.
****************************************
Announcement
Kaowao Seeks Volunteer
Kaowao Newsgroup is looking for a volunteer English
teacher who will teach our team members and local Mon community.
We will provide accommodation and food during the stay. The volunteer is
encouraged to adjust to the new life in the refugee and migrant community. For
further information, please contact [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> or
[email protected]
_________________________________________________________
Masters of Human Rights at Mahidol
University, Bangkok
The Office of Human Rights Studies and Social Development (OHRSD) is located at
Mahidol University, Bangkok. It was established in 1996 by
The Masters of Human Rights and Social Development is the only Masters human
rights program offered in the South East Asian region. It attracts students
from around the world, and students from about 20 countries have graduated or
are completing their research.
Human rights are fundamental and are the birthright of all humans. These
rights, however, must be gained through struggle. Regardless of the
universality of international declarations and covenants, such as the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights and other recent human rights instruments, the full
observance of human rights is not yet guaranteed to all human beings. The
ultimate aim of these declarations cannot be achieved until people become aware
of their rights as humans.
The Office of Human Rights Studies and Social Development (OHRSD) aims to
develop the ways and means by which human rights are transformed into social
and political realities at the community, national and international levels. It
does so primarily through educating human rights practitioners, but also
through outreach programs to community and international organizations, and
conducting cutting edge research on issues of crucial importance to human
rights.
The OHRSD is committed to developing education programs which are contemporary
and relevant to the students and their social contexts. Learning in the program
is highly participatory and allows a space for the students to learn, engage
with issues, and take an integral part in developing their own skills and
knowledge.
The OHRSD supports research which contributes to the greater understanding and
increasing reach of human rights to all levels and groups in society. Research
supported by the program aims to both develop academic knowledge of critical
concern to human rights, and provide practical applications of human rights
activities in a wide diversity of fields.
The OHRSD is an active component of the human rights network of organizations
from the grassroots level, to the national and international level. The OHRSD
works with NGOs, government offices, and regional groups who are active in the
field of human rights. It facilitates communication between students,
researchers, academics, civil society and practitioners. It also works in
cooperation with many organisations who share the same goals of promoting human
rights and contributing to society.
Office of Human Rights Studies and Social Development
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Mahidol University
Salaya Campus
Nakhon Pathom, 73170
Bangkok, Thailand
Telephone: +66 2 441 4125, ext 400, 401.
Fax: +66 2 441 94 27
Email:[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
, [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
For any Burmese people who are interested in studying for a Masters of
Human Rights at Mahidol University, Bangkok, you can apply for a
scholarship through the Open Society Institute.
The OSI scholarship due date is
The applications for the Masters are due 31 March.
Please, if you are interested in applying to study this course, contact
the Office of Human Rights Studies as soon as possible, and we can work
with you in sending in your application.
For further information on the masters of Human Rights, visit our web
page:
http://www.humanrights-mu.org/
For further information on the scholarships for OSI visit their
website:
http://www.soros.org/initiatives/scholarship/focus_areas/supplementary_burma
Sincerely,
Mike Hayes
Dr Mike Hayes
Office of Human Rights Studies and Social Development
Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University
Salaya, Nakorn Pathom
Thailand 73170
Tel: 66-2-4414125 ext 400, 401
Fax: 66-2-4419427
Email: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
Webpage: www.humanrights-mu.org <http://www.humanrights-mu.org/>
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