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Home, Pagoda In Arakan Monday, May 14, 2012
Mrauk-U, The Last City of Arakan Kingdom, and General Information
Posted by Arakan Research Centre Arakan History, Home Monday, May 14, 2012
Mrauk-U, a fine last royal capital of Rakhine has scenic beauty and historical remains which are inextricable and remarkable. Innumerable pagodas belonging to all ages can be found throughout the city. Everywhere one looks within Mrauk-Ucity wall on every mound, every field and every hill are Buddha images, temples, sima(Thein) and pagodas.
It is no wonder that Mrauk-U is popularly known as the 'Land of Pagodas' and Europeans remarked Mrauk-U as 'The Golden City'. The Rakhine of those days were proud of Mrauk-U. They were entirely satisfied to be the inhabitants of Mrauk- U. The history shows what happened in the city in early times.
Mrauk-U was founded in 1430 A.D. and became the seat of the Rakhine dynasty of that name. It had attained its highest prosperity for 355 years til! 1785 A.D. Before Mrauk-U, several other former royal cities, Dhanyawaddy, Vesali, Sambawet, Pyinsa,Parein, Launggret , Hkirt and Nayyinzaya-taungngoo had flourished from generation to generation for many years.
Geographically, Mrauk-U lies at the head of a tributary, Kaladan River, about 45 miles from the sea coast, but the largest sea-going ships of that period could reach it through a network of deep creeks by which it was surrounded. Mrauk-U's unique position in the Bay of Bengal, with both land and sea routes to the east and west, resulted in the development of its commercial and cultural centre which later emerged as a highly flourishing country because of its strategic location between India and South East Asia. It also received Buddhist religion and Indianized civilization from the west.
A visitor, Schouten, a Dutchman who visited the area in 16th century A.D , remarked that the city was comparable in size and wealth to such western cities as Amsterdam and London. He also mentioned that it was the richest city among the ports of Asia. The city was called by the Europeans as 'Golden City'. That term applies very fittingly to Mrauk-U whose wealth depended mainly on its extensive regions of riceland which surrounded the city. The crops never failed because of an annual 200 inches of rainfall. The export of rice increased from year to year. Moreover, the goods were allowed to enter the city duty-free in order to encourage trade. Thusthe city was crowded with a large number of foreign merchants from the neighbouring countries and western countries as well, such as the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. Various kinds of goods were on sale in the markets of Mrauk-U.
The export of elephants was most popular in the Mrauk- U period. An elephant cost 1300 silver coins in those days. The Portuguese and the Dutch were permitted to build a factory at Aungdat port in Mrauk-U. Since a ship after leaving Bengal on
a voyage to Java or any city on the eastern coast, and did not sail straight across the bay had to keep to the coast. Hence, trading ships naturally put. in at Mrauk-U to replenish food, water and other necessities.
In this way Mrauk-U became usual focus for trade on the eastern shore of the Bay of Bengal. Mrauk-U, therefore, was very prosperous during those days. At the beginning of the 16 century the sea-faring- nature of Rakhine was even more accentuated. TheKing Minbin (1531-1553 A.D.) was able to build a large naval tleet with modern cannon to guard the long coastal territory of about one thousand miles. According to the Magh Raider in Bengal it had ten thousand warboats and their cannon were so numerous that flotilla exceeded the waves of the sea. Now, several typesof old cannon can be seen in Mrauk-U 'Museum.
Mrauk-U was built as a defence city by the kings of those days. Taking advantage of the ridges surrounding the city, the citywalls have been built by joining the higher points of the ridge. The walls were built with local sandstone and earth. Inside the wail some portions of the mountain had to be levelled at the appropriate points to make ramparts. Some secret paths were constructed from top to bottom and stone gates had been erected for going in and out. Above them some bulwarks or forts were provided with modern artillery. A maze-like chain of lakes and moats were also constructed both inside and outside the city walls. These moats and water tanks not only supplied fresh water for the inhabitants but also provided a measure of defence.
Besides the venerable pagodas, visitors of today can see citywalls, moats,ramparts, watch towers and forts as the most interesting archaeological remains. They were all constructed with well-fitting cemented stones and they remain in good conditionup to the present time.
Some Japanese samurai came to Mrauk-U in 1623 A.D and served as domestic guards of Mrauk-U kings. Because of their valiant and incomparable swordsmanship they were selected as royal bodyguards by the kings.
The dynasty of Mrauk-U had successfully defended itself against all foreign invaders for many years. A few wars were fought, which ended in victory for the Rakhine kings. No civil strife had ruined the peasantry of Mrauk-U. Because of Buddhist teaching and an efficient administrative code, law and order had
been maintained in the whole of the kingdom.
The kingdom of Rakhine was divided into twelve provinces, each administered by a governor who pledged allegiance to the king.
It was the traditional obligation of the time for the governor of the provinces to build pagodas in the royal city of Mrauk-U.The people of Mrauk-U also offered very lavishly to religious causes. A pagoda, 400 feet to the east of Shitthaung Pagoda, was said to have been donated by a woman who sold fish-jelly, (Rakhine term Ngapithama). This pagoda has been known as Ngapithama Pagoda.
Monuments seem to overwhelm the landscape of the city of Mrauk-U. The whole city has numerous lakes, pagodas, traces of buildings and other vestiges indicating that it was the site of a once-important city. These monuments are of different sizes and of various types. They are in varying stages of preservation and disrepair.
Some of these have been repaired and restored by public donors. Most of them were demolished not by unruly people but by the tropical monsoon climate.
Nevertheless, these mounds of bricks here and there remind us of the site of the ancient Mrauk-U, once a splendid capital of Rakhine.
General Information
(a) Geography
Mrauk-U (lat 20'25'N, long 93 ll 1 E) is situated 45 miles to the north of Sittway, which can be reached by river route. It lies on a tributary river named Henkayaw, on the right side of the Kaladan River. The city holds a much better positionstrategically. It controls both the Kaladan and the Lemro valleys and extends to the two main rivers both by water and land. The city was built on a valley within the series of parallel ranges extending a little to north-west. The whole city was covered with a network of numerous creeks and canals forming a maze of interconnecting channels.
(b) Climate
The Mrauk-U region has three seasons. Summer, which is dry and hot, begins in March and ends in May; the rainy season, wet and damp, from June to October; and winter is a cool dry season from November to February. The average annual temperature is about 78 ံF. So there are no extremes of heat and cold. Even the hottest months. March to May becomes quite bearable because of the cool sea breeze and the evergreen forests around Mrauk-U. The tem- perature can rise to 100° F in Summer.
Annual rainfall ranges from 160" to 200". The rainy season is not quite suitable for visitors. Natural vegetations and weeds grow occasionally everywhere around the city, including pagodas. Other problems such as malaria and wild cyclones can be encountered in Rakhine during this season.
The best time to visit Mrauk-U is winter from October to February. During this cool season the weather in Mrauk-U is fine and pleasant. All the pagodas are cleaned and painted white and they look very beautiful.
(c) Flora
Mrauk-U is densely covered with variety of plants; this is because of tropical climatic condition . Bamboos are dominant, covering the largest part of the hilly regions. Trees, herbs and shrubs are commonly found during the rainy season. They are alive up to the end of December. Villagers of Mrauk-U cultivate coconut palm, banana, mango, jackfruit, betel-palm, lemon, orange, lychees and many other useful trees. Besides, Mrauk-U is the rice bowl of Rakhine State. After the harvest time, most of the paddy-fields are replanted with vegetables such as tomato, radish,cauliflower, cucumber, cabbage, gourd, pine-apple, papaya, bean, chilly, egg fruits and others.
(d) Fauna
Now they migrate to Maru Ridge, northwest of Mrauk-U. Other common varieties of wild animals such as, pigs, stags, hogs, barking-deers, leopards, wild cats, jackals, monkeys, bears are found all over the countryside.
About 300 species of birds wander in the hills. Among them, jungle fowl, house crow, house sparrow, jungle sparrow, robin, hawks, owls, hornbiils, woodpeckers, imperial pigeon, green pigeon, wild ducks are very well-known species. In winter one can see many geese in the rivers and lakes of Mrauk-U. They are Siberian faunas. Sometimes several kinds of snakes are commonly found somewhere in theforests and the great crocodile is also found in the tidal creeks of southern part of Mrauk-U.
(e) Clothing
As Mrauk-U lies mainly within the tropical zone and unless you are an official in Rakhine, it is not advisable for you to wear a tie or western suit, because of the weather condition. Long pants for men, long skirts for women or Myanmar dress style are quite good for visitors. You will need a suitcase containing light clothes, a hat or an umbrella, sun- glasses, and some medicine you may
need on your trip. Quick drying cloths are very suitable for rainy season. In winter you should wear a sweater or a jacket. Since Mrauk-U is full of pagodas, according to tradition one always removes one's shoes before entering the precincts of religious monuments or private homes or guesthouses. So it is better for you to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes which you can slip in and out easily. Or you could buy a new pair of local-make slippers. In addition, antimalarial drugs, antibiotics, and other first-aid items should also be packed in your suitcase.
..............
ွSources: A GUIDE TO MRAUK - U,An Ancient City of Rakhine, Myanmar By Tun Shwe Khine (M.A)
First Edition, 1992
http://mrauku.blogspot.com/
 |
It is no wonder that Mrauk-U is popularly known as the 'Land of Pagodas' and Europeans remarked Mrauk-U as 'The Golden City'. The Rakhine of those days were proud of Mrauk-U. They were entirely satisfied to be the inhabitants of Mrauk- U. The history shows what happened in the city in early times.
Mrauk-U was founded in 1430 A.D. and became the seat of the Rakhine dynasty of that name. It had attained its highest prosperity for 355 years til! 1785 A.D. Before Mrauk-U, several other former royal cities, Dhanyawaddy, Vesali, Sambawet, Pyinsa,Parein, Launggret , Hkirt and Nayyinzaya-taungngoo had flourished from generation to generation for many years.
Geographically, Mrauk-U lies at the head of a tributary, Kaladan River, about 45 miles from the sea coast, but the largest sea-going ships of that period could reach it through a network of deep creeks by which it was surrounded. Mrauk-U's unique position in the Bay of Bengal, with both land and sea routes to the east and west, resulted in the development of its commercial and cultural centre which later emerged as a highly flourishing country because of its strategic location between India and South East Asia. It also received Buddhist religion and Indianized civilization from the west.
Mrauk-U Map
A visitor, Schouten, a Dutchman who visited the area in 16th century A.D , remarked that the city was comparable in size and wealth to such western cities as Amsterdam and London. He also mentioned that it was the richest city among the ports of Asia. The city was called by the Europeans as 'Golden City'. That term applies very fittingly to Mrauk-U whose wealth depended mainly on its extensive regions of riceland which surrounded the city. The crops never failed because of an annual 200 inches of rainfall. The export of rice increased from year to year. Moreover, the goods were allowed to enter the city duty-free in order to encourage trade. Thusthe city was crowded with a large number of foreign merchants from the neighbouring countries and western countries as well, such as the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. Various kinds of goods were on sale in the markets of Mrauk-U.
The export of elephants was most popular in the Mrauk- U period. An elephant cost 1300 silver coins in those days. The Portuguese and the Dutch were permitted to build a factory at Aungdat port in Mrauk-U. Since a ship after leaving Bengal on
a voyage to Java or any city on the eastern coast, and did not sail straight across the bay had to keep to the coast. Hence, trading ships naturally put. in at Mrauk-U to replenish food, water and other necessities.
In this way Mrauk-U became usual focus for trade on the eastern shore of the Bay of Bengal. Mrauk-U, therefore, was very prosperous during those days. At the beginning of the 16 century the sea-faring- nature of Rakhine was even more accentuated. TheKing Minbin (1531-1553 A.D.) was able to build a large naval tleet with modern cannon to guard the long coastal territory of about one thousand miles. According to the Magh Raider in Bengal it had ten thousand warboats and their cannon were so numerous that flotilla exceeded the waves of the sea. Now, several typesof old cannon can be seen in Mrauk-U 'Museum.
Mrauk-U was built as a defence city by the kings of those days. Taking advantage of the ridges surrounding the city, the citywalls have been built by joining the higher points of the ridge. The walls were built with local sandstone and earth. Inside the wail some portions of the mountain had to be levelled at the appropriate points to make ramparts. Some secret paths were constructed from top to bottom and stone gates had been erected for going in and out. Above them some bulwarks or forts were provided with modern artillery. A maze-like chain of lakes and moats were also constructed both inside and outside the city walls. These moats and water tanks not only supplied fresh water for the inhabitants but also provided a measure of defence.
Besides the venerable pagodas, visitors of today can see citywalls, moats,ramparts, watch towers and forts as the most interesting archaeological remains. They were all constructed with well-fitting cemented stones and they remain in good conditionup to the present time.
The dynasty of Mrauk-U had successfully defended itself against all foreign invaders for many years. A few wars were fought, which ended in victory for the Rakhine kings. No civil strife had ruined the peasantry of Mrauk-U. Because of Buddhist teaching and an efficient administrative code, law and order had
been maintained in the whole of the kingdom.
The kingdom of Rakhine was divided into twelve provinces, each administered by a governor who pledged allegiance to the king.
It was the traditional obligation of the time for the governor of the provinces to build pagodas in the royal city of Mrauk-U.The people of Mrauk-U also offered very lavishly to religious causes. A pagoda, 400 feet to the east of Shitthaung Pagoda, was said to have been donated by a woman who sold fish-jelly, (Rakhine term Ngapithama). This pagoda has been known as Ngapithama Pagoda.
Monuments seem to overwhelm the landscape of the city of Mrauk-U. The whole city has numerous lakes, pagodas, traces of buildings and other vestiges indicating that it was the site of a once-important city. These monuments are of different sizes and of various types. They are in varying stages of preservation and disrepair.
Some of these have been repaired and restored by public donors. Most of them were demolished not by unruly people but by the tropical monsoon climate.
Nevertheless, these mounds of bricks here and there remind us of the site of the ancient Mrauk-U, once a splendid capital of Rakhine.
General Information
(a) Geography
Mrauk-U (lat 20'25'N, long 93 ll 1 E) is situated 45 miles to the north of Sittway, which can be reached by river route. It lies on a tributary river named Henkayaw, on the right side of the Kaladan River. The city holds a much better positionstrategically. It controls both the Kaladan and the Lemro valleys and extends to the two main rivers both by water and land. The city was built on a valley within the series of parallel ranges extending a little to north-west. The whole city was covered with a network of numerous creeks and canals forming a maze of interconnecting channels.
(b) Climate
The Mrauk-U region has three seasons. Summer, which is dry and hot, begins in March and ends in May; the rainy season, wet and damp, from June to October; and winter is a cool dry season from November to February. The average annual temperature is about 78 ံF. So there are no extremes of heat and cold. Even the hottest months. March to May becomes quite bearable because of the cool sea breeze and the evergreen forests around Mrauk-U. The tem- perature can rise to 100° F in Summer.
Annual rainfall ranges from 160" to 200". The rainy season is not quite suitable for visitors. Natural vegetations and weeds grow occasionally everywhere around the city, including pagodas. Other problems such as malaria and wild cyclones can be encountered in Rakhine during this season.
The best time to visit Mrauk-U is winter from October to February. During this cool season the weather in Mrauk-U is fine and pleasant. All the pagodas are cleaned and painted white and they look very beautiful.
(c) Flora
(d) Fauna
Now they migrate to Maru Ridge, northwest of Mrauk-U. Other common varieties of wild animals such as, pigs, stags, hogs, barking-deers, leopards, wild cats, jackals, monkeys, bears are found all over the countryside.
About 300 species of birds wander in the hills. Among them, jungle fowl, house crow, house sparrow, jungle sparrow, robin, hawks, owls, hornbiils, woodpeckers, imperial pigeon, green pigeon, wild ducks are very well-known species. In winter one can see many geese in the rivers and lakes of Mrauk-U. They are Siberian faunas. Sometimes several kinds of snakes are commonly found somewhere in theforests and the great crocodile is also found in the tidal creeks of southern part of Mrauk-U.
(e) Clothing
need on your trip. Quick drying cloths are very suitable for rainy season. In winter you should wear a sweater or a jacket. Since Mrauk-U is full of pagodas, according to tradition one always removes one's shoes before entering the precincts of religious monuments or private homes or guesthouses. So it is better for you to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes which you can slip in and out easily. Or you could buy a new pair of local-make slippers. In addition, antimalarial drugs, antibiotics, and other first-aid items should also be packed in your suitcase.
..............
ွSources: A GUIDE TO MRAUK - U,An Ancient City of Rakhine, Myanmar By Tun Shwe Khine (M.A)
First Edition, 1992
http://mrauku.blogspot.com/
Sellers March to Prime Minister’s House for Reduced Market Taxes
Posted by Arakan Research Centre Arakan News, Home Monday, May 14, 2012Sittwe: Around 60 sellers from Nazi Market in Sittwe marched to Prime Minister U Hla Maung Tin’s house on Sunday morning and demanded he address the problems they are facing.
“We are facing several problems, the main problem is the high market levy. A room of eight square feet is levied at 1,000 kyats a day. A trishaw carrying a bag is taxed 1,000 kyats if it enters the market. A mont-dee shop (a traditional Arakanese noodle shop) has to pay 700 kyats, a sticky rice shop 500 kyats, and at worst, cross-passing in front of the market tax collector’s house costs some money. Failing to comply with the tax collection results in being threatened by thugs. We can not bear it anymore and so, we are marching to the Prime Minister’s house to ask him to solve our problems. We have about 60 people,” a group leader said.Even though they marched to the Prime Minister’s house, they did not get a chance to meet with him, so they again marched to the Municipal Office.
“Because we could not meet the PM, we continued to the Municipal Office, where we met the Minister of the Municipality, Deputy Director, and the State Municipal Officer. They confirmed that they will solve our problems. We were given a second appointment for 20 of us this morning. If found guilty, the market tax license will be withdrawn from the collectors,” he added.
The sellers from the markets had already submitted their complaint to the authority with evidence such as videotape and documents, but they received no response. That is why the decided to march to the PM’s house.
“Our profits are ripped off by the high tax every single day and we are left with nothing. Even buyers are levied with unofficial taxes every time they come to the markets and finally our market does not get any customers any more. Our business has been affected so much with this unfair tax. We have lodged the compliant with the authority but no one paid attention. That’s why we are asking the PM to intervene,” he said.
An MP from Sittwe, U Aung Mra Kyaw, gave comments regarding this issue.
“The tax collector U Khin Maung Hla, aka Saw Lain, has been bullying people since the time of the military intelligence and he has not stopped his practice. We received several complaints about him. We have informed the state government about the issue as there might arise unnecessary problems with respect to this case,” he said.
U Khine Maung Hla is reportedly imposing high taxes on the Nazi Market as well as another small market near primary school no. 3 in Factory Group Quarter, on Aye Thar Yar Road. This small market is about 1,500 feet away from Nazi Market and it is meant for the poorest people who can not afford much.
All across Arakan State, people from the time of the old military intelligence have been exploiting people by imposing heavy duties because they are close to the military and they hold market, fishing, and shrimp farm operation licenses. The march to the PM’s house was the first demonstration of this kind to demand a reduction from heavy taxes in Arakan State.
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http://www.narinjara.com
Mrauk-U One of the Most Endangered Heritage Sites in Asia: Global Heritage Fund Reports
Posted by Arakan Research Centre Arakan History, Home, World News Monday, May 14, 2012Mrauk-U, the ancient capital city in northeastern Arakan State in Burma, is one of the most endangered cultural heritage sites in Asia, according to a report of the Global Heritage Fund.
An ancient Amyaint Taung fortress in Mrauk U destroyed by Bulldozer for railway
In its report titled “Asia’s Heritage in Peril: Saving Our Vanishing Heritage” that was released on 3 May, Global Heritage Fund has listed Mrauk-U, “Capital City of the First Arakanese Kingdom”, in its highlights of the ten most significant archaeological and heritage sites facing irreparable loss and destruction in Asia.
The report said those sites are being threatened by five accelerating man-made threats, including development pressure, unsustainable tourism, insufficient management, looting, and war and conflict.
The other sites listed in the report are Ayutthaya, the former Siamese capital in Thailand; Fort Santiago and Intramuros, the historic fortress in the Philippines; Kashgar, one the last intact silk road cities in China; Mahasthangarh, one of South Asia’s earliest urban archaeological sites in Bangladesh; Mes Aynak, an ancient Buddhist monastery complex on the Silk Road in Afghanistan; Plain of Jars, megalithic archaeological landscape with mysterious origins in Laos; Preah Vihear, picturesque masterpiece of Khmer architecture in Cambodia; Rakhigari, one of the largest and oldest Indus sites in the world in India; and Taxila, former crossroads of industry in the ancient Middle East in Pakistan.
When asked about the report and identification of Mrauk-U as one of the most endangered sites, U Kyaw Tun Aung, a retired archaeologist as well as a resident of Mrauk-U, made the following comments:
“The construction of the railroad through the main archaeological zone in Mrauk-U has destroyed many cultural and historic heritage in the city. The earthen city walls have been bulldozed for the earth to be in-fill in highway construction near the city. There are also big hotels being built within the zone and any well-wishers are allowed to restore or renovate the ancient pagodas or religious structures with in the zone as they like without regard for the original design of the structures. What is the ugliest is the bus stations are allowed to build within the palace site in the city. The destruction of archaeological heritage is increasing without an prevention or preservation because anyone can do whatever they wish in the city. That is why the city has become the most endangered site,” said U Kyaw Tun Aung.
He said many valuable heritage sites, including city walls and pagodas in the ancient cities of Danyawady and Vesali were also damaged as the railroad to connect Sittwe and Ann was constructed to cross through the middle of those cities last year.
U Tun Aung Kyaw also said that the cultural heritage in Mrauk-U is historically very important not only for the Arakanese but also for people around the world. “There are four prominent periods that began from 3325 BCE that are known as Danyawady, Vesali, Laymro, and Mrauk-U. All civilizations in the former periods converged in the Mrauk-U period and Mrauk-U emerged as the golden city with the vast stone-sculptured architecture that includes magnificent Buddha statues, stupas, and pagodas. Now Mrauk-U offers some of the richest archaeological sites in the world and it is very significant not only for the Arakanese but also people around the world,” said U Kyaw Tun Aung.
Mrauk-U, the last capital of the independent Arakanese kingdom, was founded by King Monn Saw Mon in 1430 CE. It was stable for over 300 years and it is now an ancient city rich in historical heritage.
U Kyaw Tun Aung, however, said that heritage has been destroyed by natural disasters as well as the lack of systematic preservation and maintenance.
An ancient corridor in Mrauk U is totally damaged for railway
“There are still great weaknesses in the preservation and maintenance of our ancient historical heritage. That is why the ancient historic and cultural monuments have been ruined by natural disasters such as earthquakes, storms, and heavy rain. For example, the Shwegutaung Pagoda, the Barbutaung Pagoda, and Haritaung Pagoda collapsed during heavy rains. And there are also so many monuments being destroyed by creepers like the banyan trees,” he said.
When asked how the archaeological department is working to prevent the damages of ancient cultural heritage sites, U Kyaw Tun Aung said, “When I was serving in the archeological department, there was yearly distribution of funds, but as the funds were so small and there were so many monuments, no preservation work could be properly done.”
To the question of how Mrauk-U could still be saved, he said, “There are archaeological zones recognized by the national government in Mrauk-U. Those zones should be protected exactly in line with the laws. There is also a need for systematic and scientific preservation of the heritage sites. It is also important to preserve the original design and structure while restoring or repairing damaged or deteriorating heritage sites. And then Mrauk-U will reach a curable situation from being endangered.”
There is widespread criticism among the local people that the successive Burmese regimes have not only abandoned the ancient cities of Arakan, including Mrauk-U, Danyawady, and Vesali without preservation, but extensively destroyed those city sites by constructing railroads and highway crossings through them under the guise of regional development.
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http://www.narinjara.com
Arakan’s Danyawady and Vesali recognized as official archaeological sites
Posted by Arakan Research Centre Arakan News, Buddhism In Arakan, Home Monday, May 14, 2012Mrauk U: The Burmese ministry of culture has reportedly included the ancient cities of Danyawady and Vesali in Arakan State in its official recognition of five more sites in the country as official archaeological sites.
The official Burmese language newspaper, Kyemone, reported in its publication on 10th May that the cultural ministry has zoned and recognized those five ancient sites in the country as “Ancient Site Zone” and “Protected and Preserved Zone”with effect on 9th May 2012.The five sites include Danyawady Ancient City in Kyauktaw Township and Vesali Ancient City in Mrauk-U Township in Arakan State, Myaungmya Ancient City in Myaungmya Township in Irrawaddy Division, Thargaya Ancient City in Launglone Township in Taninthari Division and Amyintywa and Thonepanhla (Anitywa) Region in Chaung-Oo Township in Sagaing Division.
The cultural ministry stated that it would preserve and protect the ancient cultural heritages in those zones with the enacted laws.
“It is good to have taken these steps for these ancient heritages. Mrauk-U was recognized in 2009 and now Danyawady and Vesali are also recognized as official archaeological sites. We welcome these steps taken by the government for our cultural heritage sites”, said U Kyaw Tun Aung, a retired Archaeologist and Curator of the Ancient Cultural Museum in Mrauk-U.
He said the ancient cultural heritages in those sites would be preserved and protected by the state following the recognitions.
“Danyawady and Vesali are the earliest cities in Arakanese history. The Danyawady is the oldest because it was founded in 3325 BCE. Now the state has recognized them as ancient site zones in order to ensure the protection and preservation of them”, he said.
The Vesali City Site is situated between the Waetharli and Thanlarwady Villages in Mrauk-U Township and the Danyawady City Site is situated near the Maharmuni Village in Kyauktaw Township.
It is said in the newspaper that the creation of a land plot, construction of road, digging of irrigations and ponds, setting up lampposts and antennas and mining are not allowed on the ancient zones recognized by the cultural ministry.
Such activities on the zones are restricted by the Cultural Heritage Protection Law enacted in 1998, and any violations of the law will be prosecuted, said the newspapers citing the cultural ministry.
Narinjara has contacted to the Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library in Mrauk-U over telephone regarding to the official recognition of ancient zones in the area, but the phone calls were not answered by the department.
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http://www.narinjara.com
Bangladesh Government says Burma wants to share Bangladesh’s submarine cable
Posted by Arakan Research Centre Arakan News, Breaking News, Home Monday, May 14, 2012
Burma, presently known as Myanmar, wants to share Bangladesh’s submarine cable to upgrade its countries cable networks, said Bangladesh’s high authority.
“It is on a payment basis by Burma if Bangladesh agrees to share it’s submarine cable with Burma,” said Raziuddin Ahmed Raju, minister of Telecommunication, on Sunday in a seminar held in Dhaka titled ‘Submarine Cable Connecting Ocean Going Countries Economic Maritime Boundary.
According to a local Bangladesh news agency, Burma has invited the minister of Bangladesh telecommunication to Burma to discuss the issue.
“A minister of Burma has invited me to visit the neighboring country Burma to discuss the matter,” the minister told the seminar in Dhaka organized by the Engineers Institution, Bangladesh (IEB).
The minister said the existing submarine cable in Burma is not adequate to serve its demand. “That’s why they expressed their interest in using Bangladesh’s submarine cable.”
He, however, did not make it clear whether Bangladesh would allow Burma to use it.
The minister also said the government would launch the much-hyped 3G mobile phone in July or August, while the 4G mobile service would go ahead in December this year.
According to Bangladesh officials,9 million people in Bangladesh are using an internet service while the global users of internet are 2.5 billion. 58.5 percent (86.5 million) people of the country are now using mobile phone, while global users 5.6 billion people or 80 percent.
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“It is on a payment basis by Burma if Bangladesh agrees to share it’s submarine cable with Burma,” said Raziuddin Ahmed Raju, minister of Telecommunication, on Sunday in a seminar held in Dhaka titled ‘Submarine Cable Connecting Ocean Going Countries Economic Maritime Boundary.According to a local Bangladesh news agency, Burma has invited the minister of Bangladesh telecommunication to Burma to discuss the issue.
“A minister of Burma has invited me to visit the neighboring country Burma to discuss the matter,” the minister told the seminar in Dhaka organized by the Engineers Institution, Bangladesh (IEB).
The minister said the existing submarine cable in Burma is not adequate to serve its demand. “That’s why they expressed their interest in using Bangladesh’s submarine cable.”
He, however, did not make it clear whether Bangladesh would allow Burma to use it.
The minister also said the government would launch the much-hyped 3G mobile phone in July or August, while the 4G mobile service would go ahead in December this year.
According to Bangladesh officials,9 million people in Bangladesh are using an internet service while the global users of internet are 2.5 billion. 58.5 percent (86.5 million) people of the country are now using mobile phone, while global users 5.6 billion people or 80 percent.
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Farmers Still Oppressed, Despite New Government
Posted by Arakan Research Centre Arakan History, Breaking News, Home Monday, May 14, 2012
Rathidaung: A farmer from Nipukhan Vilage in Rathidaung Township, who is going to court for alleged trespassing, said that farmers are still being oppressed despite the new government.
“About 26 farmers are being sued for allegedly trespassing on his land by U Saw Aung Thein, a crony backed by the military. The farmers took to the land after the new government was sworn in because they believed that the land would be given back to them as it was confiscated from them during the military government. Now a court case has been brought against them and the farmers are so disappointed as even the military did not sue them for any other reasons,” one of those 26 farmers from Nipukhan Village told Narinjara on the condition of anonymity on 6 May, 2012.
“We 26 farmers are from villages called Nipukhan, Kaung Ree Chaung, Kyung Chaung, and Paung Sar on the bank of the Mayu in Rathidaung Township. What happened is this: The military confiscated our land of about 1800 acres in 1996 with the pretext that it falls within a wild area. We have been farming this land a long time, since the introduction of land possession after first cultivation. When the new government came in, we appealed that these lands belong to us and should be redistributed back to us. The government explained that only 780 acres were confiscated from us. The rest of the land was not included, but when we stepped foot on that land, we were sued for trespassing, stealing shrimp, and intending to destroy other people’s property. Thats why we are going to court as defendants,” the farmer said.
An educated youth from Rathidaung, who is helping with the case, reported that when the land was confiscated, farmers were tortured by being tied up with ropes when they refused to release their land.
“Some corrupt officers from the military and U Saw Aung Thein were cooperating for their own benefit with the support of the military. The military in fact took away 750 acres by force, and the military lent the land to U Saw Aung Thein. And then he took over more land by saying the extra land belonged to the military. He was able to do this by giving bribes to the military. The total land grab extended to 1800 acres and Saw Aung Thein has been exploiting this land for his own benefit. Some farmers who did not want to give up their land were taken and tortured. Since then, he has been using this land,” the youth said.
A farmer also said that Saw Aung Thein has bribed the judge to prolong the case.
“The court case was instigated on 9 March. We have been to the court 6 times but no defendants have been asked any questions yet in the court. The court is only asking questions on the testimonies from the plaintiff. Out of 16 testimonies, only 6 have been investigated and the court case is moving so slow. We believe that U Saw Aung Thein is planning this way to make the farmers jobless during the court case. Sometimes, we go to the court but because the plaintiff doesn’t show up we have to return home,” they said.
The 26 farmers have to travel to the court by boat from their villages and every trip costs them dearly. One trip costs 1,000 kyat and after the court hearing, the farmers cannot go back to their villages and have to stay in Rathidaung for the night, and it costs them more for food and accommodation in the town.
“We have so many difficulties coming to the court. We just want to urge the judge to send us to jail. We do not want to spend the time and money coming to court several times. Otherwise, the judge should finish the case as quickly as possible,” the farmer added.
The latest news reports reveal that other businessmen who are associated with the military are also suing some 19 other farmers in the same region. This is the first time that such groups of farmers have been brought to court over land issues.
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“About 26 farmers are being sued for allegedly trespassing on his land by U Saw Aung Thein, a crony backed by the military. The farmers took to the land after the new government was sworn in because they believed that the land would be given back to them as it was confiscated from them during the military government. Now a court case has been brought against them and the farmers are so disappointed as even the military did not sue them for any other reasons,” one of those 26 farmers from Nipukhan Village told Narinjara on the condition of anonymity on 6 May, 2012.“We 26 farmers are from villages called Nipukhan, Kaung Ree Chaung, Kyung Chaung, and Paung Sar on the bank of the Mayu in Rathidaung Township. What happened is this: The military confiscated our land of about 1800 acres in 1996 with the pretext that it falls within a wild area. We have been farming this land a long time, since the introduction of land possession after first cultivation. When the new government came in, we appealed that these lands belong to us and should be redistributed back to us. The government explained that only 780 acres were confiscated from us. The rest of the land was not included, but when we stepped foot on that land, we were sued for trespassing, stealing shrimp, and intending to destroy other people’s property. Thats why we are going to court as defendants,” the farmer said.
An educated youth from Rathidaung, who is helping with the case, reported that when the land was confiscated, farmers were tortured by being tied up with ropes when they refused to release their land.
“Some corrupt officers from the military and U Saw Aung Thein were cooperating for their own benefit with the support of the military. The military in fact took away 750 acres by force, and the military lent the land to U Saw Aung Thein. And then he took over more land by saying the extra land belonged to the military. He was able to do this by giving bribes to the military. The total land grab extended to 1800 acres and Saw Aung Thein has been exploiting this land for his own benefit. Some farmers who did not want to give up their land were taken and tortured. Since then, he has been using this land,” the youth said.
A farmer also said that Saw Aung Thein has bribed the judge to prolong the case.
“The court case was instigated on 9 March. We have been to the court 6 times but no defendants have been asked any questions yet in the court. The court is only asking questions on the testimonies from the plaintiff. Out of 16 testimonies, only 6 have been investigated and the court case is moving so slow. We believe that U Saw Aung Thein is planning this way to make the farmers jobless during the court case. Sometimes, we go to the court but because the plaintiff doesn’t show up we have to return home,” they said.
The 26 farmers have to travel to the court by boat from their villages and every trip costs them dearly. One trip costs 1,000 kyat and after the court hearing, the farmers cannot go back to their villages and have to stay in Rathidaung for the night, and it costs them more for food and accommodation in the town.
“We have so many difficulties coming to the court. We just want to urge the judge to send us to jail. We do not want to spend the time and money coming to court several times. Otherwise, the judge should finish the case as quickly as possible,” the farmer added.
The latest news reports reveal that other businessmen who are associated with the military are also suing some 19 other farmers in the same region. This is the first time that such groups of farmers have been brought to court over land issues.
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Board Formed in Parliament to Scrutinize Arakanese National Flag and Costume
Posted by Arakan Research Centre Arakan News, Breaking News, Home, Politics Saturday, May 05, 2012Sittwe: A board was formed with five members in the regional parliament of Arakan State on 3 April, reportedly to scrutinize the current Arakanese national flag and costume, despite that the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party, or RNDP, which won the majority of elected parliamentary seats in the 2010 election, strongly opposed such a committee.
The members of the board are U Hla Thein, the regional advocate general, U Min Tun, professor of the faculty of history, U Zaw Win Hline, professor of the faculty of Burmese, U Mhway Hla, writer, and U Zaw Zaw, the curator of the cultural museum.The five-member board was formed by the state parliament amid widespread opposition against renewal of the Arakan national symbols by lawmakers from the RNDP, and the Arakanese intellectual community.
“We, the members of the RNDP, have proposed in parliament matters that are more important than the already existing national flag and costume for the development of Arakan State, but the parliament never accepted our proposals, and has been busy renewing those national symbols since the session started. Now it has already formed a board for scrutinizing those symbols by the votes of the USDP and military representatives,” said a lawmaker of parliament from the RNDP, on condition of anonymity.
He said the state parliament decided to form the board with 24 votes in support, 16 objections, and 1 abstaining.
According to him, the board was formed in the parliamentary session on 3 April after lawmakers from the USDP – U Maung San Shwe from Buthidaung Township and U Than Naing from Rambree Township – spoke on 29 March in support of the proposal made by U Thar Nyaunt of the USDP from Man Aung Township to change the current Arakanese national flag and national dress, asserting that they are out of fashion with the current age.
Many Arakanese are now worried that their long accepted national symbols will be ruined after being scrutinized by the board, he said.
The Arakan State flag, seals, and national dress emerged when Arakan State was promoted to a state from division-level status by the Burmese socialist government led by former dictator U Ne Win, in accordance with the 1974 constitution.
The flag, seal, and national dress were recognized even by the U Ne Win government, and they were developed by Arakanese scholars and historians after about three years of work.
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Bangladesh Celebrates Sea Victory Over Burma
Posted by Arakan Research Centre Breaking News, Home, World News Saturday, May 05, 2012Dhaka: Bangladesh celebrated its victory over Burma in a sea boundary dispute on 28 April in front of the parliament building in Dhaka and honored Prime Minister Sheik Hasina in the ceremony.
Prime minister Sheikh-Hassina receives a replica of a boat at a civic reception.
The ceremony was organized by the Bangladesh National Citizen’s Committee and had the participation of thousands of citizens to celebrate the country’s recent victory over Burma in the dispute.
Chairman of the National Citizen’s Committee, Prof. Zillur Rahman Siddiqui, presented a crest to Premier Sheik Hasina on behalf of the people honoring her leadership in the government for security victory in the maritime dispute with Burma.
“Our national leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman led our country during its Liberation War and his daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also led our country in its maritime boundary case with [Burma], and under her righteous leadership the country has achieved victory in the case. Such achievements of the father and daughter are unique in world history,” said one of the organizers during a speech at the ceremony.
According to the recent verdict of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), Bangladesh has exclusive economic and territorial rights for 200 miles into the Bay of Bengal, a substantial share of the outer continental shelf beyond 200 miles, and a full 12-mile territorial area around St. Martin Island.
While speaking at the ceremony,Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, “This is not my victory, but the victory of the people who have supported my government of the next generation.”
She also expressed thanks to her foreign minister, Dipu Moni, the officials involved, the Bangladesh Navy, and others for their efforts to bring the country’s maritime case with Burma to the ITLOS and for gaining victory.
Bangladesh’s famous singers and dancers attended the ceremony and entertained the crowd with their performances to celebrate the sea victory as well.The Burmese regime stated that the ITLOS settled the case with a fair judgement.
Bangladesh and Burma had two minister-level and six expert-level bilateral negotiations for delimitation of the territorial sea in the Bay of Bengal between the two countries from 1974 to 1986, but they had to suspend negotiations without reaching any agreement in July 1986. In November 2008, when Burma tried to carry out gas exploration in the disputed sea, the two countries had escalating tension with naval confrontations, but the conflict was resolved without fighting when they agreed to solve the dispute using peaceful means. They held four expert-level meetings in the period from March 2008 to July 2009, but they were still unable to solve their dispute and agreed to bring it to the UN’s ITLOS. Their dispute was finally settled by the jurisdiction of the ITLOS on 14 March, 2012.
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What is going on on Madae Island, a crucial location on the Shwe Gas pipeline project?
Posted by Arakan Research Centre Home, Interview Saturday, May 05, 2012If you want to know, read the interview.)
Madae Island located in Kyaukpru Township of Arakan State is a crucial location on the Shwe Gas pipeline project. It is where a deep seaport for Chinese oil tankers is located. Oil storage tanks, drinking water tanks for seagoing vessels, oil terminals, oil and natural gas pipelines, and living quarters for Chinese engineers are being built on the island. Due to all these projects on the island, what has been happening to the lands of local people that have been passed down in families for generations? Narinjara had a chance to ask an elder from the island on the phone. He began talking about his island as follows:
Local day laborers from Madae island ( Photo by Narinjara)
(How many villages are there on Madae Island and what is the total population?)
- There are three big villages on Madae Island. They are Rwa Ma Village, Prain Village, and Kyauk Tan Village. There are about 700 houses on those three villages and about 2000 people live there.
(How do most of the people make their living?)
Most of the residents used to rely on fishing for their livelihood, while others rely on growing crops and vegetables, and on raising cows and animals. Now such means of livelihood are almost gone.
(Why)
We, residents of Madae Island make a living at fishing. Now those Chinese build big ports. Construction wastes such as mud, silt, rocks fragments were recklessly flushed out to the rivers and creeks. So we can’t fish anymore. We are having a hard time finding fish around. While going fishing, we have to stay away from their ships. Our fishing nets got stuck under the excavated rocks and mud and were lost. We are losing our livelihood here.
(What about agriculture businesses?)
This island has a lot of grazing land for cows. Now the Chinese have graded the land. They leveled the mountains so the cows cannot graze anymore. Cows have nowhere to graze. We are losing agriculture lands as well. After they destroyed the mountains, the land below became infertile. They also dammed the water upstream. So we lost arable lands downstream. Our island is in total jeopardy.
An Arakanese village on Madae Island ( photo by Narinjara)
(Some jobs are created for the locals, right?)
The locals are called for jobs paying 6000 [kyats] per day. But the middlemen only give us 2000 [kyats per day]. And, not everyone gets such jobs. Even when [the villagers] get them, the jobs are not desirable. They are the jobs that no one wants. The locals are forced to work all day and are harassed. With the jobs [the Chinese] provide us, a lot of locals are struggling to put the food on the table.
(We heard that schools and clinics were built for the people.)
Now one clinic was built. But we don’t know whether a physician or a medical staff will come and work there. They also built a new school. But there are no students because here we are struggling for our everyday meals. Because of the Chinese, our rivers are gone (polluted.) We can’t fish anymore. Over half of the locals are struggling with food and daily needs. That new school does not benefit us. That school won’t raise our education standard. That’s why I feel angry whenever I see that school they built. What can we do with that school when our stomach is empty?
(Didn’t anyone report such loss of rights to the authorities?)
We are just trying to now. Since there is no one to help us, we don’t know how to proceed. That’s why we have not done anything yet. And, the locals think that the authorities won’t do anything even if we do report it. They don’t feel confident right now.
(This is your government. If you report, they will become aware of the situation and they will try to solve your problems, right?)
We don’t think so. The Chinese are not the only ones who are making our life miserable. The officers are doing the same. In our area, the mayor announced all those decrees and put up all the regulation boards with white lettering on the red background around the village and along the pond embankments. We are being banned to do certain things. There are so many prohibitions. Basically we are not allowed to raise cow, buffalo and other animals. We are not allowed to weed the land. No burning. No throwing seeds. No swimming. No fishing. These are what the authorities wrote. That’s why we think nothing will come to our favor even if we report.
(How do all those bans trouble the locals?)
When we raise cows, we let them roam around. Now we cannot raise them anymore. Because of all those bans, we can no longer work on the garden land. When we don’t weed the land and burn the weeds, they just ruin the land. Also we have some difficulty with transportation. Because of the bans, our rights are being limited and we can no longer make new garden. We can no longer raise cows, buffalo and other animals. We are not allowed to build tents or houses to stay for some time. All those bans are giving us a lot of trouble.
(Did not they do anything to develop for the locals?)
So far, there is nothing for the locals. There is one big lake and they dammed it. They said they will distribute water for the locals. Our island has always had enough water. What do we have to do with their water distribution?
(Because of that dammed lake, we heard of some damages to the locals. Why?)
When they flooded the lake, it became very difficult to travel to the garden land located at the south of the water. It used to take about 10 minutes to travel around. Now it takes about 2 hours. People are managing to go to the garden land. Now it seems that people will no longer be able to work on those garden lands. It is extremely difficult to transport produce from those lands, such as betel nut and vegetables.
(When they dammed the lake, did you all lose some land? Is there some garden land that was lost?
Yes. We lost [some garden land]. They compensated for our loss according their designated compensation formula. However, all those officers cut and cut for different reasons. At the end, the locals ended up receiving so little.
(End)
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Colonial Era Exploitation Should Be Avoided: Dr. Aye Maung
Posted by Arakan Research Centre Home, Interview Saturday, May 05, 2012Sittwe: Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party, says the Burmese government should avoid colonial-style exploitation of natural resources, referring to its lack of a plan to utilize any portion of the gas from the Shwe Gas Project in Kyaukpru in Arakan State for regional development.
He made the statement when he was asked about his party’s public conference that is scheduled to be held on 1 January, 2012, at the clock-tower grounds in Kyaukpru to demand local rights in the project.
“Our dreams for unity and amity in our nation will be far away if the natural resources from one region are swept away and just used for the benefit and development of another region in the similar manner of exploitation as in the colonial era. So, the government should share some portion of profits that will be obtained from the gas project in Arakan State for the benefit and development of local Arakanese people, who have rights to the natural resources in their homeland, and while it is building a genuine union, it should ensure equal benefit and development in all ethnic regions in the union,” said Dr. Aye Maung.
He added that the natural resources are most abundant in ethnic regions and the hope for ethnic unity will be shattered if the government continues to sweep away the resources from those regions to use in only Rangoon, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and other parts of central Burma where industrial zones are being established.
Dr. Aye Maung said the main aim of holding the public conference is to mobilize the local Arakanese people as well as their brethren of other ethnic nationalities for their wider participation in making demands on the gas project for the development of Arakan State.
“We will make demands just for what we should get from our union and we hope all Arakanese people and our ethnic brothers with their kind hearts will support our move to strive for our regional development and hope the responsible authorities in all levels will do their best to meet our demands,” he said.
He also said his party would be able to make known to the central government what local people are expecting from the Shwe Gas Project after holding public conferences in the region, although lawmakers from his party had not received any positive answers from the union ministers when they raised questions about the project last September, with the aim of softening the stance of the central government over the region’s natural resources.
“No matter how the regional natural resources are being centralized in the 2008 constitution, we hope the government will consider the fact that every region or division needs to use its own resources for its development,” he said.
The regional election commission granted permission on 27 December for the RNDP to hold the public conference, which is scheduled from 5 pm to 11 pm on 1 January at the clock-tower grounds in Kyaukpru. It was learned that only 500 people are allowed to take part in the conference, and six senior leaders of the party, including Dr. Aye Maung and U Ba Shin, the legislator from People’s Parliament in Kyaukpru, will speak at the conference.
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Ministers should show care with how they talk during the time of increasing media freedom
Posted by Arakan Research Centre Home, World News Saturday, May 05, 2012Naypyidaw: ‘In an era of increasing media freedoms in Myanmar, government ministers should think carefully before they express their thoughts’ U Pe Than, an MP from Mraybon township, told Narinjara yesterday.
He made these remarks during an interview with Narinjara regarding U Myint Hlaing, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, who had to formally apologize to the MPs from the parliament.‘He loses a lot of credibility because of this incident where he had to make a formal apology. It seems that the people developed a bad impression of the MPs because of this too. I hope that government ministers rein in their unscrupulous speeches in the future’ said he.
‘Other people should also take lessons out of this occasion and if no further episode of this kind happened in the future; there would be no more glitches between Ministers and MPs’ he continued.
Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, U Myint Hlaing, remarked in an interview with Hot News Journal that MPs are not educated, did not even pass High School and were acting in Parliament without proper care of affairs, reported a domestic Journal called ‘Hot News Journal’ on the 23rd of March.
This comment sparked fury among the MPs as they felt they were insulted and reported the statement to the Parliament Affair Committee.
This Committee inquired about the incident on the 27th March by summoning him. Then, he replied that he said so with concern for the good-will of the country and had no intention to insult the MPs; the media outlet misunderstood his observation; and that he respects both the parliament and the MPs and he confirmed no intent of offense and said it was just lost in translation’ explained U Pe Than.
Minister U Myint Hlaing is reported to have said that he felt regret because of the unnecessary event and that he was even ready to bow down to show respect in front of the MPs if necessary.
‘He said he learnt a lot of lessons from this experience. In the utmost, he was told by the committee that he willingly or unwillingly created an occasion which can be interpreted as an offence and he was asked if he would be willing to make a formal apology for the felony of personal offence and he admitted. He said he even was ready to show traditional respect-giving posture towards the MPs if asked so’ U Pe Than elaborated.
This is the first of this kind of formal apology from a Union Minister at the Parliament since the introduction of Parliament in Myanmar and MPs in the parliament received the apology with total satisfaction.
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Arakanese Leaders Comment on Entry of Aung San Suu Kyi and NLD to Parliament
Posted by Arakan Research Centre Arakan News, Home, Politics Saturday, May 05, 2012
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her party the National League for Democracy has entered parliament, despite a disagreement over the oath of office to which she and her party yielded on the use of the current word “safeguard” instead of their demand for use of the word “respect”.This entry to the parliament has sparked different opinions among people. Reporter Maung Rammar from Narinjara has contacted several political leaders from Arakan State to provide comments, as Arakan is one of the most politically active states in Burma. The leaders commented as follows:
U Aye Thar Aung – senior politician and General Secretary of the Arakan League for Democracy
“I would like to assert first that it is not possible to build a truly democratic state without amending the 2008 constitution, even though Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has entered parliament. During the earlier discussions on the issue of party registration and competition in the by-elections, it was noted that it is important to amend the 2008 constitution. Without amending this constitution, Burma won’t be a democratic state. There would be no national reconciliation. Civil war can not be stopped. Therefore, everyone sees that amending the 2008 constitution is the ultimate goal. They might encounter difficulties in amending the constitution inside parliament. Therefore, if amendment of the 2008 constitution is to be accomplished, they have to seek assistance from the forces outside parliament, and the general public. Let along the amendment of constitution, even this small issue of the oath of office wording can not be amended, the amendment of the constitution will face several difficulties; so I analyze. Thus, when in parliament, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has more than 40, USDP has a great number of them, plus 25% military MPs, therefore, it is not easy to change the parliament and they will surely face difficulties. Therefore, rather than inside parliament, I prefer that forces outside parliament only will help.”Dr. Aye Maung – President of the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party
“Burmese politics will change. We must be instrumental in changing. We say when Daw Aung San Suu Kyi arrives that our forces are supplemented. We feel we are warm with her presence. We welcome her. When we think about the future of Burma, we have to analyze the struggles of the NLD since 1988 as we recognize that the NLD is a force behind national reconciliation and general peace in the country.One more think is that is is difficult to change ‘table 4’, as everyone knows. The NLD has also recognized that several difficulties will have to be face in the amendment of the constitution. But I believe that the NLD has planned for 2015 and made a move right now. Change will need time and time will also create people who will want change. I believe that after Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been in office one or two years, one section after another of constitutional amendments will be considered according to the will of the people. There are also many people who want change. Even the USDP has the same in mind.”
Dr. Khin Maung – President of the National United Party of Arakan
“The opposition groups receive some sort of force because Daw Suu is in parliament. At the same time, I see that the peoples’ voices are more powerful inside parliament. On the other hand, she did not get what she wanted when she asked for the oath of office edit. So, even when this small word can not be replaced, there would be more difficulties in changing more important things such as laws. In addition, when we look at the parliament, 25% of the MPs are military men, who can not be easily persuaded to side with you. And the rule is also that to change the constitution, she needs to get more than a 75% majority vote. So, it’s not a very easy task for her. No matter what, she came to the parliament over the request of the opposition groups, also because her will to fight for the people from inside parliament, and her will to change the constitution. Because of all these factors, she entered parliament by reciting ‘safeguarding’ the constitution. In any event, I think her entry to the parliament might be a hope for the opposition and the people.”Ashin U Thiha – President of the Rakhine Sangha Union
“There is a hint of change and development right now, no matter what. However, change will not come easily. Because they don’t have a political will to change the 2008 constitution. The NLD is going to fight in the space that is presented and thus, there might be some changes. Change is coming but might not be significant. As there are 25% military MPs in the parliament, they will conduct affairs according to the USDP’s policies. The government will not relax their policies and procedures. NLD has to fight, but even if they do, they won’t get it easy.”Daw Saw Mra Raza Lin – President of the Rakhine Women’s Union
“Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s entry to the parliament is an encouragement for the ethnic parties and their MPs. That’s why they persuaded Daw Aung San Suu Kyi patiently to enter the parliament. Is she going to stay as an opposition leader in parliament of is she going to accept a post appointed by the U Thein Sein government? We have to wait and see. Out of one of these choices will speak of the benefits for political change and her leadership role.She did not accept the 2008 constitution, and thus, did not compete in the 2010 election. I guess that they have vision that the constitution will be changed with majority choice, that’s why perhaps they competed in the 2011 election. We are still wondering to what extent they will be able to materialize their basic election missions, such as rule of law, domestic peace, and constitutional amendment. I would also like to comment on the oath of office dispute. I do not think that the two words ‘safeguard’ and ‘respect’ are that different. I clearly see that competing in the election is basically following the rules of the constitution. Mere entry into the parliament of Aung San Suu Kyi will not equate political change. It is not an accomplishment to just wait and rely on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi alone either. We need people to surround her and to support her. All must also try their best in the meantime.”
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