tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34606652159432987282024-02-19T08:27:20.204-08:00Arakan Research CentreArakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-87944996328452157222014-01-18T21:08:00.001-08:002014-01-18T21:08:26.947-08:00Buddhism in Arakan<ul>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Ancient%20Gates%20in%20Mrauk-U">Ancient Gates in Mrauk-U</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Andaw%20Pagoda">Andaw Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Andawthein%20Pagoda">Andawthein Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Bawdishwegu%20Pagoda">Bawdishwegu Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Buraoat%20Pagoda">Buraoat Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Burbutaung%20Pagoda">Burbutaung Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Chitthaung%20Pagoda">Chitthaung Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Datphyutaung%20Buddha%20Image">Datphyutaung Buddha Image</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/General%20Information">General Information</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Haritaung%20Pagoda">Haritaung Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Htintawmu%20and%20Myintawmu">Htintawmu and Myintawmu</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Htoakkanthein%20Pagoda">Htoakkanthein Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Htuparyoon%20Pagoda">Htuparyoon Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Koenawon%20Pagoda">Koenawon Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Koethaung%20Pagoda">Koethaung Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Latkwaytaung%20Pagoda">Latkwaytaung Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Laungpwanpyauk%20Pagoda">Laungpwanpyauk Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Laymyatnar%20Pagoda">Laymyatnar Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Mahahti%20Buddha%20Image">Mahahti Buddha Image</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Mahamratmuni%20History">Mahamratmuni History</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Mahavizayyaranthi%20Pagoda">Mahavizayyaranthi Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Mingalamanaung%20Pagoda">Mingalamanaung Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Mingalardatshwegu">Mingalardatshwegu</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Mingaungshwegu%20Pagoda">Mingaungshwegu Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Minkhamaubg%20Pagoda">Minkhamaubg Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Moatsatetaw%20Pagoda">Moatsatetaw Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Mrauk-U">Mrauk-U</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Myatansaung%20Pagoda">Myatansaung Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Myawtawmu%20Pagoda">Myawtawmu Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Myotookhaung%20Pagoda">Myotookhaung Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Nandaw%20Pagoda">Nandaw Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Nankya%20Buddha%20Image">Nankya Buddha Image</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Narazall%20Buddha%20Image">Narazall Buddha Image</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Nipuzar%20Pagoda">Nipuzar Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Nyidaw%20Pagoda">Nyidaw Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Parapaw%20Pagoda">Parapaw Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Peesitaung%20Pagoda">Peesitaung Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Rakhine%20Tasaung%20Buddha%20Image">Rakhine Tasaung Buddha Image</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Ratanamanaung%20Pagoda">Ratanamanaung Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Ratanamankin">Ratanamankin</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Ratanapoon%20Pagoda">Ratanapoon Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Ratanasanrwe%20Pagoda">Ratanasanrwe Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Rathaytaung%20Pagoda">Rathaytaung Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/SanDaMuni%20Buddha%20Image">SanDaMuni Buddha Image</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Sandaw%20Pagoda">Sandaw Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Shinkite%20Pitakattike">Shinkite Pitakattike</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Shinmyawa%20Pagoda">Shinmyawa Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Shwegugyi%20Pagoda">Shwegugyi Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Shwegutaung%20Pagoda">Shwegutaung Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Shwekyathein%20Pagoda">Shwekyathein Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Shwetaung%20pagoda">Shwetaung pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Tayzarama%20Pagoda">Tayzarama Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Thakkyamanaung%20Pagoda">Thakkyamanaung Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Thattawra%20Pagoda">Thattawra Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Thattawshay%20Pagoda">Thattawshay Pagoda</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Chief%20Queen%20Cave">The Chief Queen Cave</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Thingyishwegu%20Buddha%20Image">Thingyishwegu Buddha Image</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Vesali%20Buddha%20Image">Vesali Buddha Image</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Video">Video</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Wathay%20Buddha%20Image">Wathay Buddha Image</a> </li>
<li> <a dir="ltr" href="http://mrauku.blogspot.com/search/label/Zinamanaung%20Pagoda">Zinamanaung Pagoda</a></li>
</ul>
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http://mrauku.blogspot.comArakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-1135615058950480532014-01-18T21:03:00.000-08:002014-01-18T21:03:26.552-08:00Arakanese cultivator killed by miscreants<a href="http://narinjara.com/index.php/arakanese-cultivator-killed-by-miscreants/rakhine-killed-by-muslim-bengali/" rel="attachment wp-att-3283"><img alt="Rakhine killed by Muslim Bengali" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3283" height="410" src="http://narinjara.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Rakhine-killed-by-Muslim-Bengali.jpg" width="572" /></a><br />
PaukTaw, 15 January 2013: One Arakanese cultivator was brutally
killed by a group of miscreants on January 13, while he was patrolling a
mountain farm, said the police and local villagers.<br />
The victim identified as U Kyaw Thein (40 years old son of U Shesar
Aung) from Waland village in west Pharongar island of Pauktaw township,
which is 30 miles east of Sittwe.<br />
The incident took place in the morning hours, when U Kyaw Thein was
keeping an watch on thieves for his farm, a village friend of the victim
said.<br />
“On that day, U Kyaw Thein went alone to his mountain farm getting
information that some Bengali Muslim villagers from their adjacent
village intruded his farm and even took away some vegetables and
fruits,” the village friend added.<br />
When U Kyaw Thein did not return to his home during the lunch time,
his relatives went to the farm and found him deceased with severe
sword’s injuries on the body.<br />
“I am sure, it is the handiwork of those Bengali Muslim villagers. We
have informed the police about the sword injuries on the body that
point fingers to the Muslims,” he asserted.<br />
Meanwhile, the burial of U Kyaw Thein was done in his village on January 14 after the autopsy in the Pauktaw township hospital.<br />
A police officer from Pauktaw police station confirmed that the
murder was committed by a group of people. However no one is detained or
arrested in connection with the murder by the police till today.<br />
“Our police team has already left for the spot. As we are still
investigating the matter, we can not tell more at this moment,” said the
police officer on duty.<br />
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From Narinjara News Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001686109099142553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-43826528175893809832014-01-18T20:55:00.002-08:002014-01-18T20:59:16.395-08:00Fire broke out at Muslim refugee camp in Arakan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://narinjara.com/index.php/fire-broke-out-at-muslim-refugee-camp-in-arakan/pauktaw-refugee-camp-in-burma/" rel="attachment wp-att-3288" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pauktaw refugee camp in Burma" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3288" height="276" src="http://narinjara.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Pauktaw-refugee-camp.jpg" width="460" /></a><br />
(Pauk Taw, 15 January 2014): Once again the fire has broken out at a
refugee camp in Pauktaw township of Arakan State on the wee hour of
Thursday damaging nearly 40 makeshift houses, said a police officer
after visiting the location.<br />
“The fire was originated from the barrack of one Haniba (house no 87)
at Sin Datmaw Muslim refugee camp at around 1 am. It gutted at least 39
buildings,” said the police officer on duty.<br />
The damaged buildings include 34 barracks, consisting of 8 rooms each
with six kitchen rooms and also two school buildings. The buildings
were constructed by the Burmese authority for the Muslim inmates,
informed an eyewitness in the camp.<br />
Earlier the fire broke out at another refugee camp at Nget Chaung in
the same locality. The last incident of fire on December 12 burned down
34 makeshift buildings.<br />
According to the village sources, two Arakanese State ministers and
officials from Army and State police have already arrived in Sin Datmaw
Muslim refugee camp for prompt inspection.<br />
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From <span class="fsl fwb"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">Narinjara</a> news</span> </div>
Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001686109099142553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-19469111181239669312012-05-14T23:38:00.000-07:002012-05-14T23:38:42.692-07:00Thingyishwegu Buddha Image<h2 class="post-title entry-title" style="font-weight: normal;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_c-Udd4gIF_0/S0CjTUOJN6I/AAAAAAAAAMI/cR2tY_IMXLI/s1600-h/Thingreeshwegu.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422513503594952610" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_c-Udd4gIF_0/S0CjTUOJN6I/AAAAAAAAAMI/cR2tY_IMXLI/s320/Thingreeshwegu.JPG" style="float: left; height: 420px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 356px;" /></a>Thingyishwegu is one of the nine great caves in Mraukoo. Thingyishwegu stands on the hillock which is 30 feet high and one mile away from the south-east of the palace site. Thingyishwegu Buddha image was built by king Min Bar in AD 1532. The whole hillock was consecrated as the great ordination hall. The stone pillars used as the boundary pillars of the ordination hall, are still five feet high. Although the great cave had destroyed, the four facades of the wall have still remained. The Buddha image sat on the lotus throne in the cage, is 12 feet high. Nowadays, Shwetaung monk maintained the cave by expelling the residences around the hillock. </span></h2><h2 class="post-title entry-title" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></h2><h2 class="post-title entry-title" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">www.mrauku.blogspot.com </span></h2>Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-56680392357999939592012-05-14T23:29:00.000-07:002012-05-14T23:29:16.223-07:00Mrauk-U, The Last City of Arakan Kingdom, and General InformationMrauk-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.<br />
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<table class="image"><caption align="bottom"><b>Mrauk U - Arakan - From Schouten, Voyages (1676)</b></caption> <tbody>
<tr> <td><a href="http://myanmartravel.org/009/mrauk-u-arakan-full-size.jpg"><img alt="" height="394" src="http://myanmartravel.org/009/mrauk-u-arakan.jpg" title="Click me to see the full size image." width="640" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="DPS Online Maps -Mrauk_U Map, Myanmar (Burma)" border="0" height="419" src="http://www.dpsmap.com/mrauku/mrauk-u_map.gif" usemap="#FPMap0" width="640" /><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> Mrauk-U Map</b></div><br />
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. <br />
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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 <br />
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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bfyiLhJRjUVLuHoCyZAsdJgKzckqrZVt7iJdVZvAVfsLUDN4gerhM60xNlUZwDPZ5uWFR87QGJpYHXcG4wxpjbnVEjO23VGMHdP-I_T4AVUo0wRX_KI8OM3iWdQDW5I0uWgdr3X_e-0/s1600/Mrauk-U-pagoda.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bfyiLhJRjUVLuHoCyZAsdJgKzckqrZVt7iJdVZvAVfsLUDN4gerhM60xNlUZwDPZ5uWFR87QGJpYHXcG4wxpjbnVEjO23VGMHdP-I_T4AVUo0wRX_KI8OM3iWdQDW5I0uWgdr3X_e-0/s640/Mrauk-U-pagoda.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxxUcIBIXBJUCHJGXxXICr3LDPR-Ry_T5fVLJylswY2dJyV-ZHI8UCc9yH2yuVFoqoqcx6x7EhtgA-VLRgF6bZv8ex_kYNfkPDxyqk_49cfX2zrN58anatGmJR6djtL_QQrS8R9HU3Xo/s1600/p-20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxxUcIBIXBJUCHJGXxXICr3LDPR-Ry_T5fVLJylswY2dJyV-ZHI8UCc9yH2yuVFoqoqcx6x7EhtgA-VLRgF6bZv8ex_kYNfkPDxyqk_49cfX2zrN58anatGmJR6djtL_QQrS8R9HU3Xo/s640/p-20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>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. <br />
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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 <br />
been maintained in the whole of the kingdom. <br />
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The kingdom of Rakhine was divided into twelve provinces, each administered by a governor who pledged allegiance to the king. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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Nevertheless, these mounds of bricks here and there remind us of the site of the ancient Mrauk-U, once a splendid capital of Rakhine. <br />
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<b>General Information </b><br />
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<b>(a) Geography </b><br />
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<img alt="Map of northern Rakhine" border="1" height="640" src="http://www.trekthailand.net/myanmar/map/mrauku.jpg" width="611" /><br />
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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. <br />
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<b>(b) Climate </b><br />
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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. <br />
<div class="thumb"><span class="photo_container pc_m"><a class="rapidnofollow" data-rapid_p="16" data-track="photo-click" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/libyan_soup/4916749072/in/photostream"><img alt="Mrauk U Morning" border="0" class="pc_img" height="426" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4098/4916749072_f518de2b7c_m.jpg" width="640" /></a><a class="spaceball rapidnofollow" data-rapid_p="17" data-track="photo-click" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/libyan_soup/4916749072/in/photostream"><img alt="" src="http://l.yimg.com/g/images/spaceout.gif" /></a></span> </div><br />
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. <br />
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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. <br />
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<b>(c) Flora </b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIgyG-55M8BJ7qNhuDqdHt8AfM3Pymwnj4Fjz0W5Ie63sOeUjuaFk1pL1YmNfDWOCi26awHlJSWl5Z2Kgt-nmf85RZJgdEZXn6_hrXUwOOi-Sp3756Sv20OCwMBPGFjRsHo80IBjMpzk/s1600/a58d05de12196f3ef24896ea5e7f8dc4.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIgyG-55M8BJ7qNhuDqdHt8AfM3Pymwnj4Fjz0W5Ie63sOeUjuaFk1pL1YmNfDWOCi26awHlJSWl5Z2Kgt-nmf85RZJgdEZXn6_hrXUwOOi-Sp3756Sv20OCwMBPGFjRsHo80IBjMpzk/s320/a58d05de12196f3ef24896ea5e7f8dc4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>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. <br />
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<b>(d) Fauna </b><br />
<center><br />
</center> <span class="insertedphoto"></span>About one hundred species of mammals are found in Mrauk-U. Famous royal elephants were once found in the forests of northern hills. <br />
<span class="insertedphoto"><img border="0" class="alignmiddleb" height="579" src="http://multiply.com/mu/yomataungokethar/image/BcP8EkHmaDT0jHX8SeS2hQ/photos/1M/300x300/327/index99.jpg?et=R7NqzwFsIs1nK4zAwln6Ng&nmid=0" style="height: 163px; width: 180px;" width="640" /></span><br />
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. <br />
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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. <br />
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<b>(e) Clothing </b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsWlxHVbJUBJ2pfxvm3ZklTNPFxigw3NGqVdnsxGmlofj07PGc2DI0mrf-QuuuEwyMjlCnRmFD_VHlhHyfVKGRvmBPyLinbaGAyor5iF_yEpBSzu-COIzKh5Zc9QTL_OcfVXB5f2Q8Lw8/s1600/Rakhine+State+-+Traditional+Dress.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsWlxHVbJUBJ2pfxvm3ZklTNPFxigw3NGqVdnsxGmlofj07PGc2DI0mrf-QuuuEwyMjlCnRmFD_VHlhHyfVKGRvmBPyLinbaGAyor5iF_yEpBSzu-COIzKh5Zc9QTL_OcfVXB5f2Q8Lw8/s320/Rakhine+State+-+Traditional+Dress.gif" width="194" /></a></div>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 <br />
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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. <br />
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<i><b>ွSources</b></i>: <i><b><span style="color: red;">A GUIDE TO MRAUK - U,An Ancient City of Rakhine, Myanmar </span></b></i>By Tun Shwe Khine (M.A) <br />
First Edition, 1992<br />
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http://mrauku.blogspot.com/Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-29945560113077279582012-05-14T23:24:00.000-07:002012-05-14T23:24:51.228-07:00Sellers March to Prime Minister’s House for Reduced Market Taxes<div style="text-align: justify;">Sittwe: 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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.narinjara.com/main/index.php/sellers-march-to-prime-ministers-house-for-reduced-market-taxes/market-in-sittwe/" rel="attachment wp-att-688"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-688" height="300" src="http://www.narinjara.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Market-in-Sittwe.jpg" title="Market-in-Sittwe" width="400" /></a>“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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">“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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">“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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">An MP from Sittwe, U Aung Mra Kyaw, gave comments regarding this issue.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">“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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">..............................</div><div style="text-align: justify;">http://www.narinjara.com </div>Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-27531877030544955412012-05-14T23:22:00.000-07:002012-05-14T23:22:56.874-07:00Mrauk-U One of the Most Endangered Heritage Sites in Asia: Global Heritage Fund Reports<div style="text-align: justify;">Mrauk-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.</div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_672" style="text-align: justify; width: 650px;"><a href="http://www.narinjara.com/main/index.php/mrauk-u-one-of-the-most-endangered-heritage-sites-in-asia-global-heritage-fund-reports/amyin-taung-fortress/" rel="attachment wp-att-672"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-672" height="426" src="http://www.narinjara.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Amyin-Taung-fortress.jpg" title="Amyin-Taung-fortress" width="640" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text">An ancient Amyaint Taung fortress in Mrauk U destroyed by Bulldozer for railway</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In its report titled “<em>Asia’s Heritage in Peril: Saving Our Vanishing Heritage”</em> 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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">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:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">“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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">U Kyaw Tun Aung, however, said that heritage has been destroyed by natural disasters as well as the lack of systematic preservation and maintenance.</div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_673" style="text-align: justify; width: 650px;"><a href="http://www.narinjara.com/main/index.php/mrauk-u-one-of-the-most-endangered-heritage-sites-in-asia-global-heritage-fund-reports/damage-ancient-corrider/" rel="attachment wp-att-673"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-673" height="426" src="http://www.narinjara.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Damage-ancient-corrider.jpg" title="Damage-ancient-corrider" width="640" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text">An ancient corridor in Mrauk U is totally damaged for railway</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">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.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;">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.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">...................................</div><div style="text-align: justify;">http://www.narinjara.com </div>Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-45515562904945294732012-05-14T23:18:00.002-07:002012-05-14T23:18:53.946-07:00Arakan’s Danyawady and Vesali recognized as official archaeological sites<div style="text-align: justify;">Mrauk 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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.narinjara.com/main/index.php/arakans-danyawady-and-vesali-recognized-as-official-archaeological-sites/buddha-image-in-arakan/" rel="attachment wp-att-721"><img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-721" height="180" src="http://www.narinjara.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Buddha-image-in-Arakan-300x180.jpg" title="Buddha-image-in-Arakan" width="300" /></a>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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The cultural ministry stated that it would preserve and protect the ancient cultural heritages in those zones with the enacted laws.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">“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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">He said the ancient cultural heritages in those sites would be preserved and protected by the state following the recognitions.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">“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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">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. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">....................................</div><div style="text-align: justify;">http://www.narinjara.com</div>Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-45569368755462978892012-05-14T23:17:00.000-07:002012-05-14T23:17:14.590-07:00Bangladesh Government says Burma wants to share Bangladesh’s submarine cableBurma, presently known as Myanmar, wants to share Bangladesh’s submarine cable to upgrade its countries cable networks, said Bangladesh’s high authority.<br />
<a href="http://www.narinjara.com/main/index.php/myanmar-wants-to-share-bangladeshs-submarine-cable-minister/submarine/" rel="attachment wp-att-693"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-693" height="210" src="http://www.narinjara.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/submarine.jpg" title="submarine" width="280" /></a> “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.<br />
According to a local Bangladesh news agency, Burma has invited the minister of Bangladesh telecommunication to Burma to discuss the issue.<br />
“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).<br />
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.”<br />
He, however, did not make it clear whether Bangladesh would allow Burma to use it.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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http://www.narinjara.comArakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-19088287624589150832012-05-14T23:15:00.000-07:002012-05-14T23:15:32.965-07:00Farmers Still Oppressed, Despite New Government<strong>Rathidaung: </strong>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.<br />
<a href="http://www.narinjara.com/main/index.php/farmers-still-oppressed-despite-new-government/burma-peasant-farmers/" rel="attachment wp-att-712"><img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-712" height="199" src="http://www.narinjara.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/burma-peasant-farmers-300x199.jpg" title="burma-peasant-farmers" width="300" /></a>“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.<br />
“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.<br />
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.<br />
“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.<br />
A farmer also said that Saw Aung Thein has bribed the judge to prolong the case.<br />
“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.<br />
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.<br />
“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.<br />
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. <br />
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http://www.narinjara.comArakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-88145349291969220442012-05-05T01:14:00.000-07:002012-05-05T01:14:12.049-07:00Board Formed in Parliament to Scrutinize Arakanese National Flag and Costume<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><strong>Sittwe</strong>: 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.</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span> <div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.narinjara.com/main/index.php/board-formed-in-parliament-to-scrutinize-arakanese-national-flag-and-costume/flag-of-rakhine/" rel="attachment wp-att-520"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-520" height="400" src="http://www.narinjara.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Flag-of-Rakhine.jpg" title="Flag-of-Rakhine" width="602" /></a>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.</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span> <div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span> <div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">“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.</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span> <div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">He said the state parliament decided to form the board with 24 votes in support, 16 objections, and 1 abstaining.</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span> <div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span> <div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">Many Arakanese are now worried that their long accepted national symbols will be ruined after being scrutinized by the board, he said.</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span> <div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span> <div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">................................</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">www.narinjara.com </div>Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-72690722332997802222012-05-05T01:10:00.000-07:002012-05-05T01:10:04.965-07:00Bangladesh Celebrates Sea Victory Over Burma<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><strong>Dhaka</strong>: 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.</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><div class="wp-caption alignright" id="attachment_611" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify; width: 410px;"><a href="http://www.narinjara.com/main/index.php/bangladesh-celebrates-sea-victory-over-burma/sheikh-hassina/" rel="attachment wp-att-611"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-611" height="259" src="http://www.narinjara.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Sheikh-Hassina.jpg" title="Sheikh-Hassina" width="400" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text">Prime minister Sheikh-Hassina receives a replica of a boat at a civic reception.</div></div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">“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.</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.”</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.narinjara.com/main/index.php/bangladesh-celebrates-sea-victory-over-burma/s-committee-of-bangladesh-2/" rel="attachment wp-att-624"><img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-624" height="165" src="http://www.narinjara.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/s-committee-of-Bangladesh1-300x165.jpg" title="s-committee-of-Bangladesh" width="300" /></a>Bangladesh’s famous singers and dancers attended the ceremony and entertained the crowd with their performances to celebrate the sea victory as well.</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">The Burmese regime stated that the ITLOS settled the case with a fair judgement.</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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. </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">....................................</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">www.narinjara.com</div>Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-43584177506963609362012-05-05T01:03:00.000-07:002012-05-05T01:03:08.896-07:00What is going on on Madae Island, a crucial location on the Shwe Gas pipeline project?<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><em><strong>If you want to know, read the interview.)</strong></em> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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:</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify; width: 650px;"><img alt="" height="395" src="http://www.narinjara.com/IMAGES/KP-P6.jpg" title="What is going on on Madae Island, a crucial location on the Shwe Gas pipeline project?" width="640" /><div class="wp-caption-text">Local day laborers from Madae island ( Photo by Narinjara)</div></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><strong>(How many villages are there on Madae Island and what is the total population?)</strong></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">- 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.</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><strong>(How do most of the people make their living?)</strong></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><strong>(Why) </strong></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><strong>(What about agriculture businesses?) </strong></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_494" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify; width: 650px;"><a href="http://www.narinjara.com/main/index.php/what-is-going-on-on-madae-island-a-crucial-location-on-the-shwe-gas-pipeline-project/kp-p-7/" rel="attachment wp-att-494"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-494" height="480" src="http://www.narinjara.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/KP-P-7.jpg" title="What is going on on Madae Island, a crucial location on the Shwe Gas pipeline project?" width="640" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text">An Arakanese village on Madae Island ( photo by Narinjara)</div></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><strong>(Some jobs are created for the locals, right?) </strong></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><strong>(We heard that schools and clinics were built for the people.)</strong></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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?</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><strong>(Didn’t anyone report such loss of rights to the authorities?) </strong></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><strong>(This is your government. If you report, they will become aware of the situation and they will try to solve your problems, right?)</strong></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><strong>(How do all those bans trouble the locals?) </strong></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><strong>(Did not they do anything to develop for the locals?)</strong></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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?</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><strong>(Because of that dammed lake, we heard of some damages to the locals. Why?) </strong></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><strong>(When they dammed the lake, did you all lose some land? Is there some garden land that was lost? </strong></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">(End) </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">..........................</div><div style="text-align: justify;">www.narinjara.com</div>Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-44928592521576571102012-05-05T01:01:00.000-07:002012-05-05T01:01:40.681-07:00Colonial Era Exploitation Should Be Avoided: Dr. Aye Maung<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">Sittwe: 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.<br />
<img alt="" class="alignright" height="250" src="http://www.narinjara.com/images/Dr-Aye-Aye-Mg.jpg" title="Colonial Era Exploitation Should Be Avoided: Dr. Aye Maung" width="290" /></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">“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.</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">“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.</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">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.</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">“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.</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">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. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">.....................</div><div style="text-align: justify;">www.narinjara.com</div>Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-49121341388917190612012-05-05T00:58:00.000-07:002012-05-05T00:58:44.244-07:00Ministers should show care with how they talk during the time of increasing media freedom<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Naypyidaw:</strong> ‘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.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.narinjara.com/main/index.php/ministers-should-show-care-with-how-they-talk-during-the-time-of-increasing-media-freedom/myanmar-parliament-inside/" rel="attachment wp-att-628"><img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-628" height="191" src="http://www.narinjara.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Myanmar-Parliament-inside-300x191.jpg" title="Myanmar-Parliament-inside" width="300" /></a>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.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">‘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.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">‘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.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">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 23<sup>rd</sup> of March.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">This comment sparked fury among the MPs as they felt they were insulted and reported the statement to the Parliament Affair Committee.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">This Committee inquired about the incident on the 27<sup>th</sup> 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.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">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.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">‘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.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">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. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">..........................</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: justify;">www.narinjara.com</div>Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-18054160306398978202012-05-05T00:44:00.001-07:002012-05-05T00:54:27.082-07:00Arakanese Leaders Comment on Entry of Aung San Suu Kyi and NLD to Parliament<a href="http://www.narinjara.com/main/index.php/arakanese-leaders-comment-on-entry-of-aung-san-suu-kyi-and-nld-to-parliament/arakanese-leader-comments-2/" rel="attachment wp-att-643" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-643" height="240" src="http://www.narinjara.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Arakanese-leader-comments1.jpg" title="Arakanese leader comments" width="400" /></a>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”.<br />
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:<br />
U Aye Thar Aung – senior politician and General Secretary of the Arakan League for Democracy<br />
<a href="http://www.narinjara.com/main/index.php/arakanese-leaders-comment-on-entry-of-aung-san-suu-kyi-and-nld-to-parliament/u-aye-tha-aung-ald/" rel="attachment wp-att-635" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-635" height="119" src="http://www.narinjara.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/U-Aye-Tha-Aung-ALD.jpg" title="U Aye Tha Aung ALD" width="142" /></a>“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.”<br />
Dr. Aye Maung – President of the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party<br />
<a href="http://www.narinjara.com/main/index.php/arakanese-leaders-comment-on-entry-of-aung-san-suu-kyi-and-nld-to-parliament/dr-aye-maung-rndp/" rel="attachment wp-att-636" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-636" height="119" src="http://www.narinjara.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Dr-Aye-Maung-RNDP.jpg" title="Dr-Aye-Maung-(RNDP)" width="142" /></a>“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.<br />
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.”<br />
Dr. Khin Maung – President of the National United Party of Arakan<br />
<a href="http://www.narinjara.com/main/index.php/arakanese-leaders-comment-on-entry-of-aung-san-suu-kyi-and-nld-to-parliament/dr-khine-maung/" rel="attachment wp-att-637" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-637" height="119" src="http://www.narinjara.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Dr.Khine-Maung.jpg" title="Dr.Khine-Maung" width="142" /></a>“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.”<br />
Ashin U Thiha – President of the Rakhine Sangha Union<br />
<a href="http://www.narinjara.com/main/index.php/arakanese-leaders-comment-on-entry-of-aung-san-suu-kyi-and-nld-to-parliament/vem-u-thiha/" rel="attachment wp-att-638" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-638" height="119" src="http://www.narinjara.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Vem-U-Thiha.jpg" title="Vem-U-Thiha" width="142" /></a>“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.”<br />
Daw Saw Mra Raza Lin – President of the Rakhine Women’s Union<br />
<a href="http://www.narinjara.com/main/index.php/arakanese-leaders-comment-on-entry-of-aung-san-suu-kyi-and-nld-to-parliament/mra-razar-lunn/" rel="attachment wp-att-639" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-639" height="119" src="http://www.narinjara.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Mra-Razar-Lunn.jpg" title="Mra-Razar-Lunn" width="142" /></a>“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.<br />
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.” <br />
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www.narinjara.comArakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-57612161625652025602011-11-16T19:36:00.000-08:002011-11-16T19:36:59.341-08:00Ven Ottama Educare Program<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Zawgyi-One;">In 2003, I paid a short visit to a monastery in Rangoon; which is providing free language classes such as English, Spanish, Korean, French, German etc for adults. An idea swept over my head that it would be great if such program could be implemented in our fatherland. Such monastery-led education has been done so widely throughout Rangoon since long ago. It is the best way to upgrade education whilst there is hard access to education or proper education for poor family and youngsters inside.<br />
<span id="fullpost"><br />
What is the most important thing we should do right now for the future of the fatherland?<br />
The answer would all be the same that we should promote education for the new generation if the above-mentioned question is arisen. So we have reached a point that we should do this. Then we must be practical. There have been more than 300 monasteries in Rangoon which are doing free education for the needy students.<br />
<br />
Since around 2000, some visionary and thoughtful Arakanese monks who think that such free education should be done in Arakan as well started implementing free education for Primary, Middle and High School Graders in some area. Now there have been a few monasteries in Arakan now which are trying to raise such education access for the school graders in urban and rural area as much as they can.<br />
<br />
Those education programs should be backed up<br />
<br />
.<br />
As everybody knows the true situations inside, of course they have financial hardships to extend the program. Those programs should not see the end on the grounds of financial problems while there are a lot of Arakanese who are now abroad and can support the program financially.<br />
<br />
Our pennies matter for their life.<br />
<br />
Whilst there is no any regular source of flow of money for those who are implementing such free education program, our pennies would be able to accelerate the program. A small amount of foreign currency (our money) would be a big help to get such education program move on. We give them just a little but they get a lot. Our pennies really matter not only for their life but also the future of Arakan because it hundred percent depends on the education of new generation. Everybody knows very well that education is the most important thing for the future of the land. The thought of today new generation of ours is the future of fatherland for tomorrow. So we really ought to support financial aides to make the program bigger and wider. We will reach our ultimate destination some day if we are desperate and patient enough. It will take but the move needs to be steered in a systematic and organized way.<br />
<br />
Trust with money situation<br />
<br />
It usually happens that we don not trust one another with money situations because there have been some sad stories before_ money was lost on the half-way before it reached its destination. For money situations, two young monks (about whom will be introduced briefly later) who are currently in Thailand will handle it. So anybody need not worry about it. Their contact number would be mentioned so that anybody can discuss about the long program or socially talk to them.<br />
<br />
Brief historical background of this education plan<br />
<br />
After a short visit to a free-education-providing monastery in Rangoon motivated an idea that it would be wonderful if such monastery-monitored High School education program could be carried out, I tried to gather some young active monks who harbor a keen interest in such education development and the effort was worthy as there was a group of young monks came out with who we all together reached a promise that we would raise education access for those have hard access especially in rural area. For sure, it took time to get to the point that some more monks became interested in the program. After a year, each went abroad respectively for further education to make themselves qualified enough to educate the youths and to bear out future young leaders. Now they are qualified and capable enough to implement such school education program no matter it is Primary, Middle, High School education or even some university education. They get ready now for that.<br />
<br />
Some who remained inside since then have been endeavoring their best to seed the program. Now they also have reached a level that a few schools are open where all school graders can learn every school subject for the respective grades in some townships. Students need not pay even a penny to learn at monastery-led school. Nonetheless, we should support the program financially so that those graders have such easy education access for long.<br />
<br />
Aims of this program<br />
<br />
The initial idea of this program is to found monastery which gives educational support to school graders while they are schooling. Graders will live, have meal and sleep there. They don not have to pay even a penny for food, stay and tuition fee. Teachers would, if possible, be hired for each subject according to the different grades or young monks will be teaching all school grades. It is a firm belief that tuition teacher will come volunteer if the program is really successful.<br />
<br />
For the students who matriculated, there would be English Classes (ESL) provided and they can still live in the monastery while they go to university if they wish to.<br />
<br />
Those who matriculated would be teaching Primary School graders. The program would be running all year round.<br />
<br />
Such free-education-providing monastery would be set up in all towns in the long run. However, it also depends on the fact that how much fund they have in order to run the program in the long run or how much we Arakanese (abroad) support those programs financially.<br />
<br />
Thoughtfully, imagine how much the new generation would benefit from this program during next five or ten years. If that is the case, imagine how the future of Arakan would be within next ten years if this program is really successful or there are many educated people. To make this program, each and single Arakanese should share responsibility. We should think about our future, the future of our land. Education is the backbone for our ultimate destination. It is not only promoting the future of new generation but also our future. Their future is the future of Arakan. There would not be even a tiny space for us to stand up. The future of Arakan is ours. Imagine how much locals would be benefited from the program if a monastery could be founded in Site-tway; which can provide systematic education or many language classes such like in Rangoon.<br />
<br />
The list of donors<br />
<br />
Individual names would be mentioned with the amount of donation and every donor can contact the treasurer to make sure that all correct amount of money be sent. A careful handling would be taken with money situations.<br />
<br />
It is the right time now that we should deeply think about the future of our land next 50 years. We should critically invest education of new generation for the sake of our future in the long term. If not, we would be far left behind other nationalities once again.<br />
<br />
Let us help together the future of Fatherland grow gradually.<br />
<br />
The collected money would be sent to a monastery which is providing free education for all school graders in Kyauk Taw township. The school is run by some young active, skilled and educated monks who devoted their lives for the good of the future of new generation. The school had around 100 students of all grades last year and this year there are over 200 students. For sure, they have financial problems and manage the school with a small amount of fund obtained from some locals and relatives. Our financial aids would be a big support and it is best if regular fund could be supported for the sake of new generation education in the long term.<br />
<br />
P.S. Please introduce yourself first; name and country and the reason of your contact when you contact the contact persons. Then you can move on.<br />
<br />
Contact persons: + 66-850-322-385<br />
+ 66-831-827-718<br />
<br />
I am sending the text file to you all coz I was told that the file can't be opened. I will appreciate any suggestions and edition or addition to it from you. Thanks for your time and cooperation.<br />
With due respect to all,<br />
A friend.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Zawgyi-One;"><span id="fullpost">..............................................</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Zawgyi-One;"><span id="fullpost">http://rakhinesthought.blogspot.com</span></span></div>Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-59726357857386739902011-11-16T01:55:00.000-08:002011-11-16T01:55:15.130-08:00An Outline of the Arakanese Rule in Southeast Bengal During 16th and 17th Century AD<div class="article" style="text-align: justify;">Arakan had been an independent kingdom for over four millennium and its relations with Bengal was very intimate, specially Chittagong, the southeastern part of Bangladesh, which derived its name in consequence of the victory over local chieftain by King Chula Taing Chandra of Arakan in 953 AD1. The subordination of Chittagong to Arakan is corresponded to the absence of supremacy of other royal claimants over the region. The statement of the Arakanese chroniclers may, however, be taken as a proof of the Arakanese lordship over southeast Bengal.<br />
Arakan, “in fact, a continuation of the Chittagong plain,”2 was neither purely a Burmese (Myanmar) nor an Indian territory till the 18th century AD the land that has been called Arakan by the foreigners is known to its own people Rakhaing-pray and call themselves Rakhaing-tha. The word rakkha means guardian, pray means land and tha meaning son. Hence, Rakhaing-pray and Rakhaing-tha means ‘land of the guardian’ and ‘son of the guardian’. The Bengali on the other hand refer them as Magh, the word adopted in the 17th century, to mean it with degrading appellation. Neither the Arakanese nor any other Mongoloid brethren ever speak or write of themselves as “Magh” as it has been alien to them. The European travelers and chroniclers refer them as ‘Recon, Rakan, Arracan, Aracao, Orrakan, Arrakan, Arakan’. In colloquial Chittagong dialect, the country is called ‘Rohang and Roshang’. All these various forms are closely related to the original one ‘Rakhaing’ (or Rakhine)3.<br />
Mung Saw Mwan alias Narameikhla, King of Arakan when expelled by the Burmans from his Kingdom, Laungrat, found shelter in the court of Gaur for 22 years and was reinstalled on his throne in 1430 AD. He thereupon built himself a new capital named Mrauk-U in 1433 AD, which for the next four centuries known as Mrauk-U dynasty, the last in the series of dynastic rule. His successor Mung Khari alias Ali Khan (1434-1459 AD), established peace with the eastern neighbour, the Burmese king, repossessed Penwa (Ramu, in Cox’s Bazar district). Like his predecessor he and his successors continued to use Persian (Mohammedan) titles, no long as a sign of vassaldom but as a token of their sovereignty over Chittagong4. Benefiting from trade with Bengal and Malacca, Arakan became so prosperous and powerful that, his successor Ba Saw Pru alias Kalim Shah (1459-1482 AD) occupied Chittagong in 1459 AD5.<br />
This important port remained under Arakanese control with irregular incursion from Tripura and Sultan of Bengal. However, from about 1580 AD till its subjugation by Shaista Khan, in 1666 AD for nearly a century, Chittagong almost uninterruptedly was under Arakanese rule, which is undoubtedly an important period marked by momentous events. During this period, a company of eight sovereigns successively ruled Arakan along with southeast Bengal (comprising the present districts of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachari, Feni and Noakhali) with full despotic power.<br />
In the mid 16th century the European ships made their appearance, as raiders, and the Portuguese freebooters (feringhe) began to settle at Chittagong6. Unlike the other races of Burma (Myanmar), the Arakanese maintained sea-going craft and Chittagong bred a race of competent seamen. The union with the Portuguese marked the high watermark in Arakanese history. The thriving port of Chittagong was always held either by a second son or a brother or a faithful clansman of the king, with an Arakanese garrison. Every year the king sent a hundred boats full of troop, powder and ball, and then the garrison and boat sent in the previous years returned home to (Mrauk-U capital of) Arakan7.<br />
During the Arakanese rule Chittagong was divided into three divisions Diang, Chakrashala and Penwa. Diang was the commercial centre with port and a strong naval base. The fort, according to Talish’s narration8, connected all the hills, high or low encircling the Laldighi tank. The residence of the Arakanese viceroy of Chittagong was situated within the fort. The principal Buddhist temple was situated on the Rangmahal hill from where a large image of Lord Buddha has recently been dug out9.<br />
The paper tries to sketch out a brief account of Arakan focusing on its rule on southeast Bengal from 1580 to 1666 AD.<br />
Mung Phaloung or Sikander Shah (r.1571-1593 AD) was the 17th king of the Mrauk U dynasty and youngest son of King Mung Ba Gree or Zabuk Shah (r.1531-1553 AD) the 13th king of the line. Ralph Fitch, the British traveler who was at Chittagong in 1585 mentions Chittagong along with Ramu as subject of Arakan10. The significant event during Mung Phaloung’s reign is that in 1586 Arakanese army attacked Udoypur, capital of Tripura, from which they could never regain power to challenge the supremacy over Chittagong. The king of Arakan himself led an army to Dhaka and stationed two battalions at Jugdia and Alamdia11. During the initial years of his occupation of Chittagong, Mung Phaloung appointed two Uzirs–one Jalal Khan in the northern Chittagong and the other Adam Shah in the south. In Arakanese, the Chittagong governor is called Saitagong-za and Saitagong-mung.<br />
Ashun Sandamala Lankara12 confirms appointment of Chittagong Uzir to one Jalil in Arakanese era (AE) 936 (i.e.1574 AD) but did not mention about the governor. The reverend author further reveals that as the western territory expanded the king created some new posts as Anouk-barang, Murshidabad governor and Dhaka governor where he appointed Thadoe Mung Saw Hla - king’s second son, Uttama Kyaw Khoung and Koung Nyet Thu respectively13. Some historians mentioned Anouk-barang as Anaporan or Anik Farank while referring to the Chittagong Governor. Anouk means west, barang means king so Anouk-barang means ‘western king’ or ‘king of the western theatre’. Ashun Sandamala Lankara clearly says that this post was created to enforce administration of tasay-hna-banga (twelve Bengals) including Chittagong. Later, on the other hand, he used it as a title saying Anouk-barang Thadoe Mung Saw Hla was made Saitagong-mro-za means Chittagong Town Governor14.<br />
Mung Phaloung after taking full control of Chittagong minted two ‘Chittagong type’ silver trade coins with both sides in Arabic language with his Arabic regnal name “Sikandar Shah” with Hijri date (AH) 983 (i.e.1574 AD) and 992 AH (i.e.1583 AD). These coins appear to have been struck exclusively for trade in Chittagong as he had his ‘Arakanese type’ trilingual coin, Arabic and Bengali on the obverse while Arakanese on the reverse side with Arabic name “Sikandar Shah” having Arakanese date 933 (i.e. 1571 AD)15. A silver coin has been surfaced with the title Anouk-barang of 953 AE (i.e. 1591 AD) the date taken as the first single Arakanese administrator of Bengal with the appointment of Thadoe Mung Saw Hla as Anouk-barang. This trilingual coin is with Kalima on the top and Sri Sri Ana/kaphara in Bengali on the obverse and Mung-tara-gree-thadoe Anouk-barang with 953 AE on the reverse16.<br />
Mung Raza Gree or Salim Shah (r.1593-1612 AD) succeeded his father’s throne in 1593 AD. In the early years of his reign, the governorship of Chittagong was vested on Maha Pinya Kyaw a great scholar with a religious tune of mind17. It is said that Maha Pinya Kyaw is not a real name but a title meaning ‘great scholar’. No coin of his is known so far. In 1599 AD the Arakanese king joined the prince and viceroy of Toungoo in the latter’s attack against his first cousin Nandabayin, king of Pegu. In this expedition the king of Arakan employed a flotilla from Chittagong and Ganges delta. The Arakanese deported 3000 households – Burmans, Talaing and Siamese of the wretched Pegu flok and returned with a white elephant and a daughter of the fallen king. The event has been written by Michael W. Charney in his ‘The 1598-99 Siege and the Expansion of Arakanese Imperial Power into Lower Burma’18. The king of Arakan married the princess while the prisoners brought from the expedition were settled at Urai-toung, Thandway and along the river of Ngasaraing-choung.<br />
On the return voyage the wise governor of Chittagong died and was buried, after cremation, near the Hmawdun pagoda at Negrais. Minister Pinyawantha son of the deceased was soon appointed the governor of Chittagong. Mung Raza Gree after his return from Pegu had issued a trilingual (Arakanese, Arabic and Devanagari) coin with dotted border and dated 963 AE (i.e.1601 AD). Before this he had issued a coin in 955 AE and in 959 AE, 960 AE and 973 AE his successive governors had issued coins19.<br />
For a short duration the reign of Mung Raza Gree extended from Dacca (Dhaka) and the Sundarbans to Moulmein, a coast strip of a thousand miles in length and varying 150 to 20 miles in depth20. Fr.Fernandes in his letter written from Dianga on 22nd December 1599 calls Dianga a town (ville) in the Port of Chittagong. It was at about this time that it began to acquire some importance. Besides Dianga could not be a City of Bengala as it really formed a part of the Kingdom of Arakan. As the Portuguese who had establishes themselves in Chittagong extended their activities to Dianga towards the end of the sixteenth century. The King of Arakan owed these ports at this time and in the letters-patent granted to the Portuguese Fathers he styled himself “the highest and the most powerful King of Arakan, of Tippera, of Chacomas and of Bengala; Lord of the Kingdoms of Pegu etc.” Father Du Jarric without referring any name mentioned that the Governor of Chittagong was uncle of the King of Arakan21.<br />
The friendly relation between the Arakanese and the Portuguese later turned to a hostile one and Kedar Rai, ruler of Sripur, was helpful while the king of Bakla assisted Portuguese. In 1607 AD the king offered to let the Dutch trade and build fortifications in return for help driving out the Portuguese. In 1610 AD (Mung) Razagree had appointed his younger son, Mung Man Gree or Min Mangri, as Viceroy of Chittagong. A son or a brother of the Arakanese kings was usually posted to that charge and there was nothing usual in (Mung) Razagree’s choice except that Min Mangri was not on good terms with the heir to the throne Min Khamoung his elder brother22.Mung Man Gree was referred by Portuguese source as ‘Alamanja’ or ‘Alemao’.<br />
The governor of Chittagong soon broke out into rebellion against his father and entered into an alliance with Gonsalves Tibau, Portuguese pirate-king of Sandwip, who, thought, would save him from his brother and to put him in his brother’s place. The governor who had a sister was baptised by Father Rafael and led her to Sandwip where amid great rejoicings married to Tibau’s son. Mung Raza Gree got furious and immediately sent an army against his rebellious son under the Crown Prince Mung Khamoung who kept besieged Chittagong for four months. As negotiations failed the Crown Prince made violent assault, the rebels surrendered at the death of their leader. As long as Mung Man Gree was Viceroy, the pirate-king (Gonsalves Tibau) was assured of a dominating position at the head of the Bay. With his death and the appointment of a new Viceroy strictly under the control of the King of Arakan, his (Gonsalves) position was threatened23.<br />
According to Ashun Sandamala Lankara, soon after his accession, Mung Raza Gree appointed his younger brother Thadoe Mung Saw Hla as the governor of Chittagong in 955 AE (i.e.1593 AD) in addition to the job of Anauk-barang and posted at Chittagong. In 975 AE Thadoe Mung Saw Hla as revolted against his brother, the King marched towards Chittagiong and subdued it. The King then deputed the wise minister Maha Pinya Kyaw to the post of the Lord of Chittagong, Thadaw Mung Digha to the post of Anauk-barang and stationed him at Mauthuza (i.e.Murshidabad) to administer the twelve Bengals. Later Anauk-barang Mung Digha was replaced by Mung Nyo while Kyee Nyo (son of Maha Pinya Kyaw) posted as governor of Rangpru24. At the tragic death of Maha Pinya Kyaw the king appointed Mung Man Gree who was later replaced by Chakkawaday as governor of Chittagong.<br />
Soon after Mung Khamoung or Hussain Shah (r.1612-1622 AD) ascended his father’s throne he started resolving the Portuguese affairs. Through the help given by the Dutch ships harbour at Mrauk-U the Arakanese king gave a deathly blow to the already declining Portuguese power in this region. After which the Portuguese ceased to be king’s rivals and became his servents25.<br />
In the western side the Mughals were getting stronger under the rule of Jahangir (r.1605-1627) and thereby claimed the right of rule over Chittagong, which, in fact, was being ruled by the Arakanese26. During Islam Khan’s governorship (1608-1612) the capital of Bengal was transferred from Rajmahal to Dhaka. In the beginning of Qasim Khan’s governorship (1613-1617) the Arakanese raid on the Mughal territory was intensified. Qasim’s campaign to take possession of Chittagong ended in a complete failure.<br />
There was another attempt of the Mughals under Ibrahim Khan (1617-1624), brother of Empress Nur Jahan, to conquer Chittagong. But their strategies and low morale compelled them to give up their hope for victory. The Mughuls got an exaggerated idea that Arakanese was an impregnable country, its fleet was invincible, and its forces could not be overwhelmed27. Mung Khamoung, emboldened by success, extended his territory in Bengal by occupying a part of what is now the district of Bakergong (present Barisal division), and for a time the city of Dacca (Dkaha)28. The king led an army to his vassaldom, Udoypur, the capital of Tippera in 1615 AD and subdued the rebel leader Chakyamuni thereby propitiatory tribute assured29. Mung Khamoung proved to be the greatest and most successful king and his name is still remembered with pride and affection by the Arakanese people.<br />
According to Harvey30, Meng Soe Pyu (1614-1629), would be brother or half-brother of Princess Khin Ma Hnoung of Pegu was made governor of Chittagong. But most of the historians are silent about the governor by this name. Nor one could trace in any of the Arakanese and Burmese chronicles. However the Portuguese source depict different story, with different name, about the so-called brother of the Pegu princes. No coins been surfaced during this period. The controversy thus created needs further in-depth research and studies.<br />
Thiri Thudhamma or Salim Shah (r.1622 – 1638 AD) was only twenty years old when he ascended his father’s thorn in 1622. His younger brother holds the governorship of Chittagong and he took strict means in dealing with the Portuguese freebooters31. They became so alarmed that they sent Sebastio Manrique, an Augustinian friar of Oporto, to Mraunk-U, capital of Arakan and intercede with the king that ‘the Portuguese are loyal to you’ 32. During his stay of six months in Arakanese capital, Manrique was shown the belongings received from the Pegu expedition in 1599 and was greatly impressed by the white elephant. Nanda Bayin’s daughter (Khin Ma Hnoung alias Thazoung Me-phara), who had been carried off (from Pegu, capital of Henthawadi) to Mrohaung (Mrauk-U) and married to King Razagri, received him and related the story of her sufferings with deep emotions33.<br />
Manrique visited Mraunk-U for the second time in 1633. He stayed there for two years and his books34 tell of further adventures while at the capital of Arakan. He gave a strange account of the king’s coronation in 1635, who deferred twelve years, because of a prophecy that he would die within a year of it. Twelve vassal chiefs were crowned at the same time35. Thiri Thudhamma enforced payment of tribute from Dhaka and in the eastern frontier raided Moulmein and Pegu.<br />
Arakan remain on the Dutch programme from 1623 as their ships were going there to buy the Bengali slaves captured by the marauding feringhi (Portuguese), and the surplus rice that the country produced as a result of the abundant slave labour available for cultivating the fields36. But in 1631 the Dutch chief factor, reported that trade had been brought to a standstill by a terrible famine and pestilence. The famine lasted till 1634 and during that period Chittagong was also affected.<br />
The 1000 AE (i.e. 1638 AD) is a crucial year in the history of Arakan as also for Chittagong. Three years after king’s coronation the prophecy came true lately. The chief queen, Nat Shun May, had a paramour, Kuthala, lord of Laung-gret who was expert in the deadliest forms of black magic, joined in the murder of the king in 1638. A bilingual coin of Chittagong governor has been surfaced with Hizri date 1038 (i.e. 1629 AD), ‘Sultan Chitagon’ in Arabic on the obverse and ‘Saitagong-mung’ in Arakanese on the reverse. The date coincide with the installation of Mung Re i.e. 1629 AD37<br />
Thri Thudhamma’s legitimate heir Mung Sani or Thadoe Mung Hla (1638 AD) ascended his father’s throne at his tender age of eighteen. But on the 20th day of his accession he died. Most historians are of the opinion that the dowager queen, Nat Shun May, mother of Mung Sani desiring to have her paramour, her future king had the magic spell, caused with small-pox, upon the new king ultimately died on the 20th day of his installation38.<br />
Kuthala was 56 years old when he occupied the throne and took the title of Narapatigree (r.1638 – 1645 AD). He was one of the great grandson of king Thazata, 11th king of Mrauk-U dynasty. He soon enforce massacre of the kinsmen, nobles and artisans to control the affairs unchallenged. He did not take the widow queen to the palace-citadel rather rehabilitated her at a safe distance.<br />
O’ Malley39 referring to the Arakanese Chronicle, “During the troubled times, the son of Sri Sudhama, Nga Tun Khin, made his escape from the town and lived in the wilderness; and certain members of the royal family and nobles left for Kantha40, a place in Chittagong and settled down there. Of the 1,00,000 guards who were stationed in Myohaung, 50,000 deserted the king and left the capital, taking with them Nga Lut Roon, who was the priest, and settled down in Kantha under Nga Tun Khin”41.<br />
The governor of Chittagong during that period was one Mangat Rai or Mung Re, the identity of whom has been in dispute among the scholars, was displeased over the change of his master. Chittagong District Gazetteers42 says, “Mangat Rai or Mukut Rai .........his father Gaureswa Rai .........the ancestor lived at Tippera district. His family and supporters with 14 elephants and nearly 9000 men (both Arakanese and Talaing) fled to Jahangirnagar. Descendents of Mukut Rai live in village Kadurkhil.” According to Arthur P.Phayre, “Makat Rai is apparently a corruption of Meng Re, signifying – Bold Chief - a title held by the Arakanese governor of Chittagong”43. But according to Dr. S.B.Qanungo, “Manek Rai or Mangat Rai, the murdered Raja’s paternal uncle .......... did not recognise the usurper a king and declared independence in his territory, ............. however, defeated (by the king) and was forced to flee to Dhaka”44.<br />
According to Harvey45, Mung Re was the son of Meng Soa Pyu, who became governor around 1629 AD, which was during the reign of Thiri Thudhamma. While settling down in Dhaka he as a rebel king of Chittagong issued a trilingual coins on the obverse in Arabic ‘Muzaffar wasf (?) Amir’ and ‘Sri Sri Muz(affar)’ in Bengali and on the reverse ‘Saitagong Mung Re Kyaw Htan’ in Arakanese without any date46. The force of the new king, Narapatigree, crushed the uprising of Mung Re in 1638 AD. In the same year, the king appointed new governor of Chittagong who issued a trilingual silver coin. On the obverse it bears the title ‘Firoz Shah’ in Arabic and ‘Sri Chatigram Raj Piroj Shah’ in Bengali and on the reverse it bears the date 1000 AE (i.e.1638 AD) with the title ‘Saitagong Mung Siri Jaya Nawratha’ in Arakanese47. The appointment of the governors of Chittagong to which Harvey48 had hypothesised as being a hereditary in nature, may flatly be refuted by adding the statement of Vasant Chowdhury,“It is stated that Meng Re Prue was succeeded by his son Meng Hari Prue but it is unlikely that Meng Re or Mangat Rai during his flight to the Mughal territory had left his son behind49. It is to be regretted that such a historian like Harvey marred the value of his later works by hasty and prejudiced judgement.<br />
At the initial period of Narapatigree’s rule Dutch business got on extremely well. But in 1643 the king’s health broke and he lost control over affairs. Then an incident occurred which caused the Dutch to close the factory once more. A frigate belonging to a Dutch free burgher, bound for Chittagong with a valuable cargo of piece-goods, was decoyed into Mrohaung harbour, its cargo confiscated and its captain and crew imprisoned. For eight years the factory was empty, and the Dutch subjected Arakanese shipping to severe reprisals50.<br />
Narapatigree’s son, Thadoe Mung Tara (r.1645–1652 AD) who succeeded him tried his best to consolidate the kingdom. He even marched to the twelve Bengal to affirm its sovereignty and territorial integrity51. His dependence on the Portuguese for the defense of Chittagong turned the port town virtually to a haunt of the Portuguese freebooters52. During the reign of Thadoe Mung Tara, the governor of Chittagong minted silver coins with the Arabic title ‘Nizam Shah’ in Bengali on the obverse and ‘Mung Ray Thiha Thu’ in Arakanese on the reverse53.<br />
Thadoe Mung Tara succeeded by his son, Sanda Thudhamma Raza (r.1652–1674 AD) and during his reign the governor who was appointed to Chittagong was his cousin who issued coins with Hijri era 1062 (i.e. 1653 AD) with inscription ‘Sultan/Chatagong/Mubaraz Shah’ in Arabic and ‘Mung Ray Than Khaya’ in Arakanese. He is believed to be the last governor of Chittagong under Arakanese rule in Chittagong54. The Dutch factory reopened in 1653 carried on successfully until 1665 due to their internal political crisisis.<br />
During this period, Chittagong became a place of refuge for two royal exiles. One Govinda Manikya, the Tippera king and the other was Prince Shah Shuja who was defeated in his struggle for the Mughal throne, had to flee in 1660.<br />
Maung San Shwe Bu55 in his Report of the Honorary Archaeological Officer – for the year ended 31st March 1921, narrated that the Bernier’s approaches nearest the truth citing Bernier’s Travels in the Moghul Empire, “The author was actually present in India at the time at which these stirring events happened. In spite of the peculiar facilities he had of obtaining first-hand information on the subject he tells us that he is not at all sure of his facts since he heard three of four totally different accounts of the fate of the Prince, from those even who were on the spot. However, after carefully sifting all the available information he arrived at the correct conclusion that the Prince, with his family and retainers went to Arakan where they were very handsomely, received by King Sanda Thudhamma-raza. His eldest daughter Chand Bibi, as the Arakanese called her, was given in marriage to the king. There after a time, being involved in an unsuccessful rebellion Shujah fled to the hills. But he was quickly captured and put to death. His two sons were decapitated and the female members of his family were shut in a room and left to die of hunger. Such is substantially Bernier’s account; but at the same time he is cautious enough to add that in respect of certain particulars he had heard a thousand different tales.”<br />
The Dagh-Register of 1661 contains three lengthy letters from Gerrit van Voorburg, the chief Dutch factor at Mrohaung, detailing all the news of Shah Shuja, which he could glean. His story was that Shah Shuja brought from Bengali to Diang, a port on the river opposite to Chittagong on (board) the King of Arakan’s armada (fleet). He arrived there on 3rd June 1660. From thence he arrived to the capital on the 26th August (1660)56. D.G.E.Hall summarised the sad event to thus, “on 7 February 1661 Shah Shuja’s residence was attacked and there was another massacre. Shah Shuja was never seen again57. Who, according to Gerrit van Voorburg, “intended to escape from the King’s palace and conquer the kingdom of Arakan for himself”58.<br />
The following description carries a concise and vivid accounts of the war of succession fought among the sons of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan after he fell ill in September 1657. Aurangzeb in his quest for the throne, first defeated the Emperor’s troop in the battle of Dharmat (near Ujjain) on April 15, 1658 and Dara Shukor’s (eldest brother) at Samugarh (near Agra) on May 27, 1658, captured Agra on June 8, 1658 and arrested his father, crushed opposition by Murad (youngest brother) subsequently had him executed, captured Delhi and Crowned himself Emperor on July 21, 1658. Later, on January 5, 1659, he defeated Shuja (second elder brother) at Khajwah (near Allahabad) after which Shuja ran away to Arakan (where he is presumed to be died). Later, Aurangzeb had his eldest brother, and other relatives opposed him, executed and made secure the throne for himself. Shah Jahan died on January 22, 166659.<br />
Aurangzeb himself would have executed Shuja but did not like outsiders doing it, ordered Shaista Khan, viceroy of Bengal, to invade Arakan, who mounted his fleet took Sandwip by November 1665 from Dilawar Khan an eighty-year-old ruler of the island. Dilwar and his son Sharif were wounded and captured where Dilawar breath his last in Jahangirnagar. The captured of the island paved the way for the Mughal invasion of Chittagong-Arakan.<br />
Crossing the Feni river at Jagdia on 14th January 1666 AD, the Mughals entered the Arakanese territory60. At the crucial moment the Portuguese stationed of Diang broke off from the Arakanese, and changed sides with the Mughals, which gave the invaders an upper hand to attack fleet at Kathalia channel and Karnafully river. On the 24th January the fort of Chittagong was besieged and capitulated on 26th January 1666 as Arakanese abandoned the city and endeavoured to escape. Munawwar Khan (grandson of Isa Khan) in search of plunder burnt down most of the homes in the town by reckless fire61. About two thousand were made prisoners and sold as slaves62. According to Alamgirnamah, “The governor of Chittagong, who was the son of the Arracan king’s uncle, was taken prisoner with one son and some other relatives and nearly 350 men of the tribe”63. It as a decisive blow to the prosperity of the Arakanese, and with it their century of greatness came to an end. Since that time the Arakanese have never held any of the country north of Rumu64.<br />
Chittagong was renamed Islamabad and Buzurg Ummed Khan was appointed the first Mughal faujdar. They were required to defend the frontier and if possible to extend it southward at the cost of the Arakanese held territory. As the effectively administered Mughal territory extended southward up to modern Satkania U.Z(upa-zila i.e sub-district) so almost all the tarafs are situated within this limit. Tarafs are most numerous in Patiya, Raozan, Rangunia, Hathazari, Satkania, Nizampur, Bhatiyari, Kumira, Kotwali and Phatikchari U.Zs65. No tarafs are located in Teknak, Ukhia, Ramu, Moheshkhali, Kutubdia and Chakaria U.Zs as they remained almost wholly beyond the pale of Mughal dominion66.<br />
The tradition of literary activities in Chittagong was strengthened during the Arakanese rulers as Bangali literature attained further development67. The noteworthy Bangali poets work under the aegis of the Arakanese rulers were Qazi Daulat, court-poet Alaol, Kabi Madan, Quorish Magan, Abdul Karim, Shamsher Ali, Abul Hossain and others whose work kept the Bengali literature alive through encouraging support by the enlightened rulers of Arakan and their influential courtiers. It is interesting to note that the history of Bengali literature which was cultivated by the Hindu poets under the patronisation of the Muslim rulers in its sixteenth century was in the succeeding century the Muslim poets came to the forefront in the development of Bengali literature under the patronisation of the non-Bengali and non-Muslim rulers in an alien country.<br />
<br />
<strong>Notes and references:</strong><br />
1 Banerjee, A.C. 1964. The Eastern Frontiers of British India. A.Mukherjee & Co.Pvt. Ltd. Calcutta. . 38 p.<br />
2 Hamilton, W. 1971. A Geographical, Statistical and Historical Description of Hindustan. Oriental. 800 p.<br />
3 Qanungo, S.B. 1988. A History of Chittagong. Vol: 1, Signet Library, Chittagong, Bangladesh. 232 p.<br />
4 Hall, D.G.E. 1985. A History of South East Asia. Macmillan Education Ltd. 4th Ed. Hong Kong. 413 p.<br />
5 Banerjee, A.C. op. cit. 38 p.<br />
6 Hall, D.G.E. op.cit. 413 p.<br />
7 Harvey, G.E. 1964. History of Burma-from the earliest times to 10 March 1824. Frank Cass & Co. 141 p.<br />
8 Qanungo, S.B. op.cit. 636 p. Also see: Shihabuddin Ahmed Talish-Fathya-i-ibbriya. A portion translated by J.N.Sarker in the Studies in Aurangzib’s Reign.<br />
9 Qanungo, S.B. op.cit. 636 p.<br />
10 Qanungo, S.B. op.cit. 233 p. Also See Bangladesh District Gazetteers-Chittagong. 1975. 69 p.<br />
11 Bangladesh District Gazetteers-Chittagong. (BDG - Ctg) Ed. S.N.H.Rizvi. 1975. 70 p.<br />
12 Sandamala-lankara, Ashun. 1997.Rakhaing Razawon tai kyan. Vol:ii, 2nd Reprint. Rakhaing-tha-gree Sa-pay. Yangon. 86 p. (Arakanese)<br />
13 Sandamala-lankara, Ashun. op.cit. 90 p, 117 p, 118 p & 132p.<br />
14 Sandamala-lankara, Ashun. op.cit. 143 p & 144 p.<br />
15 Deyell, John. The Trade Coinage of Chittagong Region in the Mid-sixteenth Century. Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh (JASB) Vol:40. No:2. Dec 1995. 220-222 p.<br />
16 Chowdhury, Vasant. The Arakani Governors of Chittagong and their Coins. JASB Vol:42. No:2.Dec 1997. 146 p<br />
17 Qanungo, S.B. op.cit. 239 p.<br />
18 Charney, Michael W. The 1598-99 Siege and the Expansion of Arakanese Imperial Power into Lower Burma. Journal of Asian History. Vol:14/1. 1994.41-57p.<br />
19 Chowdhury, Vasant. op.cit. 151 p.<br />
20 Collis, M.S. in collaboration with San Shwe Bu. Arakan’s place in the civilization of the Bay. Journal of the Burma Research Society (JBRS) Vol:15. Part:1. 1915. 43 p.<br />
21 Campos, J.J.A. 1919 History of the Portuguese in Bengal. Butterworth & Co(India) Lid. Calcutta. 77 & 78 p.<br />
22 Collis, M.S. in colabration with San Shwe Bu. Don Martin 1606-1643. The first Burman to visit Europe. JBRS. Vol: 16. Part:1. 1926. 12 p.<br />
23 Collis, M.S. op cit. 17 p.<br />
24 Sandamala-lankara, Ashun. op.cit. 143 & 144 p.<br />
25 Harvey, G.E. op.cit. 142 p.<br />
26 Qanungo, S.B. op.cit. 255 p.<br />
27 Qanungo, S.B. op.cit. 264 p.<br />
28 Phayre, A.P. op.cit. 177 p.<br />
29 Sandamala-lankara, Ashun. op.cit. 167 p.<br />
30 Harvey, G.E. Bayinnaung’s Living Descendant:The Magh Bohmong. JBRS Vol:XLIV. June 1961.36 p.<br />
31 Qanungo, S.B. op.cit. 265 p.<br />
32 BDG - Ctg. op.cit. 80 p.<br />
33 Hall, D.G.E. op.ci. 418 p.<br />
34 Manrique, Fray Sebastin. 1926-27 The Travels of Fray Sebastin Manrique. Trs:C.F.Luard & H.Hosten,<br />
Hakluyt Society. London. And also see: Collis, M.S. 1924. The Land of the Great Image. London.<br />
35 Harvey, G.E. op.cit. 145 p.<br />
36 Hall, D.G.E. op.cit. 417 p.<br />
37 Chowdhury, Vasant. op.cit. 147 & 151 p.<br />
38 Aung, San Tha. 1979. Rakhaing Dangah Myah. Rangoon (Arakanese). 49p & 50 p.<br />
39 O’Malley, L.S.S. 1908. Eastern Bengal and Assam District Gazetteers – Chittagong. 67 p.<br />
40 Kantha: Arakanese call Karnafuly river as Kantha river. Some old Arakanese people of Chandraghuna while narrating their bye gone days state that the present Karnafuly Paper Mill was the old site of Kantha town.<br />
41 Qanungo, S.B. op.cit. 295 p & 196 p.<br />
42 BDG – Ctg. op.cit. 81 p.<br />
43 Phayre, A.P. op.cit. 178 p.<br />
44 Qanungo, S.B. op.cit. 272 p.<br />
45 Harvey, G.E. JBRS op.cit. 38 p.<br />
46 Chowdhury, Vasant. op.cit. 147 p.<br />
47 Chowdhury, Vasant. op.cit. 147 p.<br />
48 Harvey, G.E. JBRS op.cit. 38 p.<br />
49 Chowdhury, Vasant. op.cit. 153 p.<br />
50 Hall, D.G.E. op.cit. 420 p & 421 p.<br />
51 Aung, San Tha. op.cit. 49 p.<br />
52 Qanungo, S.B. op.cit. 272 p.<br />
53 Zan, Aung. Some Interesting Coins of Anauk Barung and Sitetagaung Mong. Rakhine Magazine..<br />
54 Chowdhury, Vasant. op.cit. 148 p.<br />
55 Bu, San Shwe. Report of the Honorary Archaeological Officer for the year ended 31st March 1921. JBRS. Also see Bernier,Francois.1914 Travels in the Mogul Empire 1656-66. Oxford University Press.<br />
56 Hall, D.G.E. Studies in Dutch Relations with Arakan. Part iii, Shah Shuja and the Dutch Withdrawal in 1665. JBRS, 5th Anniversary Publication. No2. Vol:xxvi. 1960. Rangoon. 23 & 24 p. Also see: Qanungo, S.B. op.cit 302 p.<br />
57 Hall, D.G.E. 1985. A History of South East Asia. 422 p.<br />
58 Hall, D.G.E. JBRS. Vol:xxvi. op.cit 90 p.<br />
59 Rao, General K.V.Krishna. 1991. Prepare or Perish – a study of national security. Lancer Publication.<br />
New Delhi. 11 p.<br />
60 BDG – Ctg. op.cit. 84 p.<br />
61 BDG – Ctg. op.cit. 85 p.<br />
62 Phayre, A.P. op.cit. 180 p.<br />
63 Qanungo, S.B. op.cit. 286 p. Also see: Kazim, Muhammad. Alamgirnamah. Trns: J.N.Sarkar.<br />
in the Studies in Aurangzib’s Reign.<br />
64 Phayre, A.P. op.cit. 180 p.<br />
65 Qanungo, S.B. op.cit. 421 p. Also see: Hunter, W.W. 1973. A Statistical Account of Bengal.<br />
D.K.Publication. (reprint). 176 p & 177 p.<br />
66 Qanungo, S.B. op.cit. 421 p.<br />
67 Karim, Abdul (Sahitya Visharad) and Haq, Dr. Enamul. 1935. Arakan Rajsabhay Bangla Sahitya.<br />
Gurudas Chatterji & Sons. Calcutta. (Bengali).<br />
<br />
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http://www.rakhapura.com</div>Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-84907570226214652972011-11-16T01:53:00.000-08:002011-11-16T01:53:43.045-08:00Rohingyas, Harn Yawnghwe, and Fraudulent Claims?<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rakhapura.com/images/stories/ebo-oic.jpg" /></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">(Direct translation of Aung Than Oo’s article “Human Rights and Self Interest”.)<br />
EBO-OIC Signing in Saudi Arabia for Rohingya Claims? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #303030; font: 12px/18px Zawgyi-One; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://rakhapura.com/mediafiles/download/word/Rohingyas,%20Harn%20Yawnghwe,%20and%20Fraudulent%20Claims.doc"><span class="Apple-converted-space"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #303030; font: 12px/18px Zawgyi-One; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #303030; font: 12px/18px Zawgyi-One; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The topics I’m going to write about in this article basing on my past experiences and what I could intellectually think of are the dishonest land claims of foreign-born Bengalis illegally entering Burma from the neighboring Bangladesh.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">In this article I tried my best to avoid the two common prejudices of race and religion even though my aim is to prolong our race Burmese and our religion Buddhism, and at the same time I am extremely careful not to attack or insult other races and other religions.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Principally I am going to write about the so-called Rohingyas who under the cover of human-rights issues in Burma are recently and presently claiming that they are an authentic ethnic race of Burma while hiding their original Bengali roots, especially now that they are making so much noise and attracting undeserving international attentions and Arab money generously as Muslims.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">We could even accept them in Burma as the settlers if they honestly admit that their ancestors were and they themselves are the cheeky illegal migrants from Bangladesh into our naturally-endowed Burma. But their lies as a true ethnic group trying to demand aboriginal rights and to impose their dominating religion Islam onto us Burmese Buddhists brazenly and dishonestly are totally unacceptable.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img border="0" src="http://www.rakhapura.com/images/stories/harn-bengali1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Harn Yawnghwe with Burmese-Muslims in Saudi Arabia.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Back in Burma I never used to have hatred or anger based on race and religion and I had had many Bengali Muslim friends. As a tease I would say to them my childhood friends in Bengali, “Ganmari-kar (Son-of-a-bitch) Lout-lar (Dick Head),” and they would reply, “Ma-lout-phu (Not enough in Burmese),” as a joke too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">And they would often greet me in Bengali, “Sar-lar (Pussy),” and I would reply, “Ma-sar-bu (Not hungry in Burmese),” as a joke back.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">In reality those words are extremely-rude Bengali swear words but for us those were just friendly greetings between us Burmese and them Bengalis. We could say those words to each other, for we didn’t really hate each other as different races and religions and we knew very well that we respect each other and treat accordingly.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">But nowadays there have constantly been many religious-terrorism cases breaking out all over the world because of the Islamic-fundamentalist-driven religious extremism. For example Islamic Afghanistan was once a very Buddhist country since ancient times more than two thousand years ago.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rakhapura.com/images/stories/taliban-destruction-of-bamiyan.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Blowing Up of Two Bamiyan Buddhas.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Two massive Buddhas standing more than fifty meters tall and well known as the Buddhas of Bamiyan are the irrefutable evidence of Buddhism once thriving in Afghanistan.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">(Translator’s Notes: The Buddhas of Bamiyan were two sixth century monumental statues of standing Buddhas carved into the side of a cliff in the Bamiyan Valley in the Hazarajat region of Central Afghanistan, situated about 150 miles northwest of Kabul. They were dynamited and destroyed in March 2001 by the Taliban on orders from Mullah Mohammed Omar declaring that they were Buddhist Idols.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">But since Mullah Omar-led Taliban became the rulers after the Soviets’ departure the extreme Islamic fundamentalism has arrived in Afghanistan. And the Islamic fundamentalists hate other religions especially the Buddhism.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">And despite their respectable religious iconic status and their high historical values the more-than-100ft-tall Buddhas of Bamiyan were soon smashed into thousand pieces by the Islamic Taliban with tanks and cannons and dynamites so that the truly-visible historical evidence of their Afghanistan once being a proud Buddhist country is permanently deleted.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The fact that, despite all the desperate pleads from the Buddhists all over the world and Christian organizations and world heritage organizations and even UNESCO, the extremist Taliban ignored the world and brutally destroyed the famous Buddhas of Bamiyan.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rakhapura.com/images/stories/borobudur.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Famous Borobudur in Indonesia.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That act alone has proved the undeniable fact that a Buddhist country like Afghanistan could easily be turned into a Muslim country by brute force. Indonesia is another country that met the same fate as Afghanistan. World famous Borobudur is the proof of once thriving Buddhist society in now Islamic Indonesia.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another country turning Muslim in modern time is Lebanon. Originally Christian but in Lebanon the Muslims gradually outnumbered the Christians as the Palestinians slowly moved in after all the Arab-Israel wars. Finally a long civil war broke out between Christians and Muslims and Christian lands were forcefully taken over by the Muslims.<br />
I strongly believe that it is the patriotic duty of every citizen of a country or society to defend their race and religion, and to fight back if the foreigners illegally entering their country have either conspired or even intended to swallow up the original inhabitants by imposing their race and religion through the cross-marriages with local women and then forced-conversions.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img border="0" height="223" src="http://www.rakhapura.com/images/stories/daw-suu-u-tinoo.jpg" width="320" /><br />
NLD Tin Oo with ASSK (1988).</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Retired General Tin Oo (Now NLD Vice-President) who once took stern actions against illegal Bengali Mujahedins from neighboring Bangladesh in 1950s as the Commander of Burmese Army Western Command was recently condemned by so-called Rohingya Dr. Waka Hudin, a naturalized Bengali-American, on RFA (Radio Free Asia).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have decided to write this article when I heard the rude demands of Waka Hudin on the RFA for our U Tin Oo to apologize him as U Tin Oo’s mentioning of so-called Rohingyas as the Bengali descendants was an insult.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dr. Waka Hudin also persistently maintains his fraudulent and make-believe theory that the socalled Rohingyas are the descendants of seagoing Arab traders shipwrecked and stranded on the Arakan Coast and ended up settling there with the local women whoever they were.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">But Arabs are basically a Caucasian race and they are generally tall and white. But the so-called Rohingyas are short and dark like the Bengalis from neighboring Bangladesh. Not only that they do speak fluent Bengali and do not speak Arabic at all and do not speak Burmese well like any other ethnic nationalities of our Burma. Everything about their behavior and culture and appearance is exactly same as the Bengalis from Bangladesh.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://www.rakhapura.com/images/stories/bangladeshburmaborder.jpg" width="320" /><br />
Fenced Burma-Bangladesh Border Line.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh one more thing! I had to laugh out loud when Waka Hudin added in his interview on RFA that his Rohingyas also wear lon-gyi (sarongs) like the Burmese. Our honorable Dr. Waka Hudin had forgotten the fact that the Bengalis also wear lon-gyi.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My proposal to end this controversy of whether the so-called Rohingyas are the Arabs as they themselves have fancied in recent years or the Bengalis as Burmese have been labeling them for hundreds of years is the scientifically-proven and time-honored DNA test.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just do DNA tests on the blood samples of those fanciful Rohingyas and my challenge to them is if the DNA test said they are non-Bengalis then we will let them stay in our Burma and if they are Bengalis will they go back where they came from, the miserably crowded Bangladesh?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(Translator’s Notes: Please do look carefully at the following comparative population densities i.e.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Population per square mile in 2010.</div><div style="padding-left: 120px; text-align: justify;">Whole Bangladesh (Muslims) 1,217<br />
Maungdaw Township (Muslims) 870<br />
Taungbyo Township (Muslim/Buddhists) 700<br />
Whole Arakan State (Buddhists) 233<br />
Whole Burma (Buddhists) 191</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Like water people must naturally flow down from the higher level of population density to the lower level of population density. Not just natural migrant flow, the Muslim reproduction also is much much higher than the Buddhists for the obvious religious reason. Our Burma is the last bastion of Buddhism against unrelenting tide of Islam.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rakhapura.com/images/stories/illegal-immigrants-us-borde.jpg" /><br />
Illegal Immigrants on the US Border.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just look at the United States of America. Thousands of Mexicans from Mexico are illegally entering the neighboring states of Texas and California and Americans are using their Border Guard Forces to capture them and send them back.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even with such tough measures the Spanish-speaking Mexicans and other Latinos are now rapidly filling the states of Texas and California. Nowadays California is 50% Mexicans and 50% Americans. But these Mexicans still call themselves American-Mexicans. They have never claimed they were the Natives of North America. Even the American-Whites do not call themselves Natives.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Because everyone knows that the true Native Americans are only the Red-Indians.<br />
Dr. Waka Hudin has claimed the so-called Rohingyas have been living there in the Arakan State of Burma for thousands of years. But in reality the term Rohingya was not even mentioned once in the well-established and extensively-studied history of Arankan State and her Yakhine people.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now this Waka Hudin guy, who can speak only broken-Burmese and who is constantly telling the porkies about his great fanciful Rohingya race, is demanding that our NLD leader U Tin Oo apologize him for saying the truth about the so-called Rohingyas being the illegal Bengalis. For me it is the rudest insult possible to throw at us Burmese by a so-called Rohingya.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(Translators’ Notes: Maybe after a few more years there in America Dr. Waka Hudin will eventually be claiming his great-great-great-------grand parents were a shipwrecked Arab trader and Pocahontas, just kidding. One thing about these Musulamen is they will take any racial cover to suit their environment but never abandon their religion and thus they always need an Arab male, preferably a Saudi for financial convenience, at the root of their blood line.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Harn Yawnghwe with Burmese-Muslims in Saudi Arabia." border="0" src="http://www.rakhapura.com/images/stories/harn-bengali.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the same time I would like to report to the readers the related case of unscrupulous dealings between so-called Rohingyas and Harn Yawnghwe’s EBO (Euro Burma Office). The whole thing had been bottling inside of me for so long and now this wild insult spitted at our great NLD leader by broken-Burmese-speaking Waka Hudin had prompted me to blow the whistle on both Harn Yawnghwe and Waka Hudin’s so-called Rohingyas.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.rakhapura.com/images/stories/euroburmaoffice.jpg" width="246" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The existence of EBO in Brussels was mainly due to the financial and humanitarian aids given generously by the NGOs and the governments of European democracies since our LDC (Least Developed Country) listed Burma the rare military-ruled Socialist country has fallen so far from being a star of SE Asia to one of the poorest countries of the world.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Harn Yawnghwe became active very early in Burmese-Exile politics by forming ADDB (Associates to Develop Democratic Burma) in Quebec City and publishing Burma Alert journal.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(Translator’s Notes: 100 US$ a pop for annual Burma-Alert subscription direct to his bank account had once made him a rich exile in Canada and given him a taste of blood money or political funds from the sympathetic donors. Being the youngest son of Burma’s former President late Sao Shwe Thaik the last saw-bwa of Nyang Shwe also helps his cause.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Because of his western education and his English proficiency and his famous Shan background he was picked by so-called Burmese Exile Government (NCGUB – National Coalition Government of Union of Burma) as their sole Representative in Europe.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">His successful approaches to the EU and the European governments to economic-blockade Burma by submitting the Burmese military government’s serious violation of human rights in Burma had made him an exile politician trusted and relied on by us the Burmese democracy activists here in Europe.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We’ve also known the fact that he has received substantial amount of funds donated by the European Union (EU) and also other European governments for restoration of democracy in Burma.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even though Harn Yawnghwe have received millions of Euro for NCGUB and also to implement many of his proposals with various titles, we’ve never seen or heard how much he got, or from which organization, or how and where he’d spent that millions of Euro. Not a word about their accounts from Harn Yawnghwe or NCGUB.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Later when the EU countries especially my Germany have changed their Burma policy from isolation to engagement and started diverting their funds to the NGOs and other democratic organizations inside Burma our Harn Yawnghwe has again followed the money trails and started cooperating with so-called the Third Force inside Burma.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://www.rakhapura.com/images/stories/drzawoovahu.jpg" width="320" /><br />
VAHU's Dr. Zaw Oo.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">By cooperating with pro-SPDC (State Peace and Development Council, now defunct) Ne Win Maung (the founder and owner of Myanmar Egress, Myanmar Partners, the Voice Journal, and Living Color Magazine) and so-called exile-economist Dr. Zaw Oo of VAHU Institute at Chaing Mai University, our chameleon Harn Yawnghwe has changed his political-color overnight from Sanctions Policy to no-Sanctions Policy, totally against the strong wishes of us democracy activists and the people of Burma.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then I had another shocking experience of Harn Yawnghwe’s alarming behavior at the Burma Day Discussion chaired by East-Timorese President Ramos Hose at Belgian Brussels on 5 May 2010.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">During that discussion our group had tabled two proposals against Military Government in Burma. One was for the international community to neither recognize nor accept the 2010 Burma’s election based on 2008 sham Constitution. Other one was for the European countries to support forming the International Inquiry Commission to investigate war crimes and war criminals in Burma.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But we all were unbelievably shocked when Harn Yawnghwe stood up and demanded if Burmese war criminals were to be listed for prosecution in the International Court our NLD Vice-Chair General Tin Oo must also be listed as a war criminal and charged.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now what Waka Hudin said on the RFA (Radio Free Asia) demanding U Tin Oo to apologize for saying a lie that his so-called Rohingyas are just common vanilla Bengalis from Bangladesh was exactly same as Harn Yawnghwe’s calling our U Tin Oo a war criminal.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Obviously what Harn Yawnghwe has been doing recently is actively recruiting non-Burman groups, both ethnic and non-ethnics, by throwing donated Euros from Europe at them so that they would all be bitterly against the majority Burmans. We are now even so concerned about Harn Yawnghwe’s involvement in our UNFC (United Nationalities Federal Council).</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(Translator’s Notes: UNFC was formed in mid-February 2011 by KIO (Kachin Independence Organization), NMSP (New Mon State Party), SSA-North (Shan State Army-North), KNU (Karen national Union), KNPP (Kareni National Progressive Party), CNF (Chin National Front), and few other ethnic organizations.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img border="0" height="316" src="http://www.rakhapura.com/images/stories/oic-1.png" width="320" /><br />
OIC Emblem.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just recently he has been cooperating with Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah based OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) the second largest International organization in the world after the United Nations and receiving funds and other assistance from the OIC to further the Rohigya cause by exploiting current human rights violation in Burma against illegal Bengali Muslims.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As I have said before I do not have any hatred towards Muslims. But I bitterly hate the extremist fundamentalist Muslims like Afghan Taliban. Accordingly the Burmese Muslims should not be lying to the world by re-labeling themselves as Rohingyas. For us Burmese they could only be acceptable if they honestly admit they are just Bengali-Burmese-Muslims born in our Burma.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(Finishing Very Soon.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img border="0" height="302" src="http://www.rakhapura.com/images/stories/aungthanoogermany.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">(The author Aung Than Oo now residing in Germany is one of the founders of FBE (Forum for Burmese in Europe) and also a prominent student leader of the Shwedagon Strike in June 1975.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then a GTI (Government Technical Institute) Civil Engineering student he was captured and jailed for a long time by the Ne Win’s Military Government till 1980. He left Burma in 1987 for political asylum in Germany.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>About Me</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/06967339572753775591" target="_blank">Hla Oo</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sydney, NSW, Australia Born in a Burmese jungle near Pyin-ma-nar while my parents were Communist guerrillas. I basically grew up in the Aung-San-Thuria-Hla-Thaung Cadet School of Burmese Army and I was once a boy soldier in the army for almost two years till I deserted in early 1974. I graduated from Rangoon Institute of Technology in 1980 and I was a tutor for one year in RIT Mechanical Engineering Department and an engineer for 3 years in Burma Irrigation. I then worked in Bangkok and ended up in Sydney in December 1988. I was a mechanic, production supervisor, and production manager till 1995 when I started my own business of importing prawn meat from Burma. That business failed and for last 15 years I had had my own little fund trading stocks, equity futures, and currencies. But now I am just a struggling semi-retired writer/blogger/day-trader/cabbie waiting to meet my maker. Writing is my hobby and Burma naturally is my main interest. (I do not belong to any organization including the Burmese Army and I do not take money from any organization. Book sales is the only money I am making off this blog.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">http://www.rakhapura.com </div>Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-25582807931315186082011-11-16T01:48:00.000-08:002011-11-16T01:48:51.230-08:00Rohingya poses threat to the state<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><img align="left" alt="" src="http://rakhapura.com/images/stories/rohingya_bengali_1291020a.jpg" />Bdnl.net : Rohingya refugees from Myanmar are increasingly committing subversive and terrorist activities, putting the stability of the country at high risk.<br />
Failing to manage legal work, a large number of the refugees involve in armed robbery, theft, mugging, killing and a multitude of other crimes under different organized groups of wrongdoers.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Such activities have turned Bangladesh-Myanmar border areas alongside Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban and Naikhanchodi in a fertile ground for forging Bangladeshi passports and national identity cards and a breeding ground for terrorist and militant activities.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The number of Rohingya offenders operating at Ukhiya until September 7, 2010 was 205. Around 600 Rohingya, however, are serving sentences for different crimes. These terrorists use their refugee camps as torture cells, which has tarnished the image of Bangladesh abroad. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Rohingya infiltration into Bangladeshi territories has been going on ever since Burma gained Independence in 1948. Till 1992, a quarter of a million Rohingyas took refuge in the refugee camps at Kutupalong, Morissa, Ukhiya and Teknaf, 2,00,000 of whom returned home afterwards.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Those who did not go back were in fact wanted criminals being hunted in their home country. Later, they were joined by illegal infiltrators from Myanmar’s province of Araakan, situated along the border of Bandarban and Cox’s Bazar.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Araakan is home to Rohingya and Rakhain people. Rohingya are the followers of Islam who are the minority there. Military junta in Myanmar does not consider them Myanmar citizens. The government and the majority Rakhain often target them for repression; apparently forcing them taking shelter in Bangladesh.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are few checkpoints in the deep and inaccessible forests of Nikhonchori. Militants exploited the opportunity by setting up training camps in the deep and inaccessible forests.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some NGOs having links with regional and international militant organizations are actively patronizing these terrorist activities. These subversive activities were first introduced by Dr. Yunus and Professor Jakaria under the outfits of “Rohingya Solidarity Organization” (ISO) and “National Union Party of Arakan”. Now many other organizations have joined them in the name of helping the Rohingyas.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some of these organizations are Arakan Army, Arakan Islamic Front and Arakan Rohingya National Organization led by Dr. Nurul Islam, Arakan Liberal Party, Burmese Rohingya Organization UK by Mochogkhin, Rohingya League for Democracy Burma by Md. Harun and Md. Ibrahim, Arakan Rohingya Council, Rohingya Congress by Mr Harun, Iktadul Tulah Al Muslimin and Bundaban Arakan Alliance.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Most powerful of these organizations is RSO, headed by Dr Yunus. It has 74,000 trained members. The NGO “Rabeta Al Islam” is headquartered just beside the camp of Dr Yunus, which provides monetary help to RSO.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Its ammunition depots are situated at Moheskhali and Nikhonchori. Intelligence Reports dating back to September last year shows these camps have Chinese RPG-2, rocket launchers, light machine guns, AK-47 and M-16.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A supporter of Jammat-e-Islami, Dr Yunus is currently residing in England and Dr Nurul Islam in Saudi Arabia.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The arms smuggled from China through Cambodian borders to these camps are subsequently handed over to different militant groups including ULFA, which operates in India. The arms are not kept in the camps for a long time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Revolvers, AK-47s, G-3s, M-16s, SMGs, LMGs, rocket launchers and other weapons are kept underground in Nikhonchori. BDR in 2005 discovered huge reserves of arms underground in the deep forest of Nikhonchori.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Home minister of the then BNP-led coalition government transferred the army officer in charge of arms haul to Rajshahi to stop such operations. He was later tasked with eliminating “Sorbohara” in conjunction with GMB, led by Bangla Bhai.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Rohingya are now split in different factions and operate separately in Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Taknaf, Uthia, Chokoria, Kotupalong, Rajpalong, Pile, Bandarban, Ruma, Lama, Tamchi, Khagrachori and Rangamati. They keep contact with terrorists in Myanmar via mobile phone.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Rohingya sources say there are 1,00,000 refugees in Kutubpalong slum, 15,000 in Noyapara and Leda and 10,000 in Jaobagan. Among 1,00,000 fishermen in Cox’s Bazar, 70,000 are Rohingyas. Many of them are pirates who rob fishermen in the Bay of Bengal. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are 1,20,000 people now living on the 120 km stretch of coastline, 40-50 thousand of them are Rohingyas. Around 60 percent of Rohingya live on mountainous areas.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Human Trafficking by Trawler</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Rohingya can travel to Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand for only 20,000 Taka. Some human traffickers from Bangladesh and Myanmar do business with these people.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Interested Rohingya are first brought to Kotubdia or Moheskhali and then taken to Malaysia or Indonesia after 8-10 days of journey through the rough seas. Human traffickers from Bangladesh and Myanmar help them make fake Bangladesh passports.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Raw materials and required tools to make forged passports and other documents are available in these camps. The head of the group “National United Araakan” Mahbul Alam Chowdury facilitate making of forged passports and sending people overseas. His elder brother and former BNP MP Shajahan Chowdury patronize Rohingya activities.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A Dhaka based network for making forged passports, lead by Monir, Zisan, Razaul and Atiq help the traffickers. Kochi, a close relative of BNP leader Salauddin Kader Chowdury, provides Rohingya with forged passports from Dhaka. Central leader of “Jubodol” Titash sends Rohingya abroad, managing them Bangladeshi passports.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>NGO Connection</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some Jammat supported NGOs help Rohingya commit terrorist activities in the name of humanitarian projects. Rabeta Al Islami, Al Taohid Trust, Islamic Relief and Muslim Aid and ASF are operating there for a long time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Though these NGOs sometimes help Rohingya, their prime target is stashing the money they get from foreign aids. Many RSO and ARIF leaders have houses, cars and businesses in Bangladesh and some have married here.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the name of gaining Independence for Araakan and spreading Madrasah education at Nikhonchori and Taknaf, these Rohingya and NGOs bring money from Pakistan and Arab countries and help Jammat-e-Islami with arms and manpower. Muslim Aid Concern Worldwide, Tie Rohingya and MSF are active in such operation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Jammat leader Mir Kasem Ali brought and pocketed Taka 100 crore from Saudi Arabia and launched Digonta TV and the Daily Naya Diganta with a part of the money.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Leader of “Jihad Movement in Bangladesh” (Huji) Mulana Fojlul Rahman met Al-Quida leader Osama-bin-Laden on May 21, 2002 when Laden promised helping his organization.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Laden’s second-in-command Aiman Al Jaohahiri, Rafi Ahmed Taha alias Abu Yasir and Sheikh Mia Hamza also pledged to help him.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>ULFA Connection</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dr Yunus and Dr Nurul Islam have intimate relations with the current leader of United Liberation Front of Asam (ULFA) Orbind Raj Khuar. Roginya and ULFA leaders keep close contact with former Pakistani ambassador Alamgir Babor, BNP leader Salauddin Kader Chowdury and Jammat leader Shajahan Chowdury.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anisur Rahman Gurki, Mota Badol, Rana and OC Hamid from “Haoa Babhan” met with ULFA and Rohingya leaders at different times. Huji leader Abdul Kuddus Borni has close contact with them. Borni came closer to Osama-bin-Laden during the Afgan conflict.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is known that in 1996 Laden visited Karachi when he pledged to help Asamese and Rohingya gain Independence. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sources inside Rohingya camps reveal that ISI provide training to ULFA and Rohingya often and also facilitate arms smuggle through Sylhet and Cox’s Bazar Borders.</div><br />
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http://bdnl.net/en/2010/12/rohingyas-pose-threat-to-state/<br />
Posted on Tuesday, December 28th, 2010Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-48747266278367254722011-11-16T01:46:00.000-08:002011-11-16T01:46:07.809-08:00Stop Rohingya petition page disappeared<div style="text-align: justify;">Stop Rohingya petition page (http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-rohingya-invasion-into-burma/) has gone now. When people tried to sign the petition, they are redirected back to the main page of the petition website. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even though the petition is still accessible through the search tool of thepetitionsite.com, it is inactive now. This petition has been running on the same URL since last year but it has received about 200 signatures during a year’s long period. However, the petition suddenly became popular among Myanmar people when BBC published an inaccurate map of Burma in which one of Myanmar’s major ethnic, Rakhine was replaced with so-called Rohingya or Bangladeshi Muslim people.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The people belonging to the country’s 135 genuine ethnic groups who are living inside and outside of Myanmar signed the petition during last week and the total signatures collected as of last Saturday night was almost reaching twenty thousand before it is miraculously disappeared. Activists suspect that BBC has done something to stop the petition by cooperating with the petition hosting company, Care2.com. BBC is still keeping silence without responding to the peoples’ demand for apology for BBC’s wrong, misleading information about Myanmar ethnic peopl.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">................................</div><div style="text-align: justify;">http://www.rakhapura.com</div>Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-79512481635399789662011-11-16T01:43:00.000-08:002011-11-16T01:43:27.331-08:00How 2011 so-called Rohingya problem started<h2 class="postheader"> </h2><div class="postcontent"> <div class="article"><div style="text-align: justify;"><img align="left" border="0" src="http://www.rakhapura.com/images/stories/bangladeshi-settlers8.jpg" />The problem started when some so-called Rohingya groups started attacking and insulting Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s party vice chairman NLD U Tin Oo which provoked all the Burmese people to wake up from the day dreaming. Some issues are very complicated, subtle and delicate. In the past, Burmese people kept aside the differences with SO-Called Rohingya people bearing in mind to do dialogue with them later when we achieve national reconciliation in Burma.</div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
The problem becoming more serious when BBC posted the Burma’s map labelling the Arakan originated areas as the so-called Rohingya place of living which is funning the flame of the national spirit of the Burmese activists around the world inside and in exile alike to oppose those responsible for creating more problems on Burma crisis.<br />
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The very beginning of the problems are the questions of the lack of credible evidences and the lack of credible historic records of the so-called SO-CALLED people living in Bangladesh who are claiming to be from Burma and their very strong links with Al-queda islamic terrorists.<br />
<br />
I share the same pain and compassion on the suffering of the human beings. It is totally different from the fact that we got to accept all the people claiming to be Burmese with fairy tales proofs.<br />
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I do accept the fact in principal that any ethnic origin people who have been living in Burma for long time have the rights to apply to be the Burmese citizens enjoying the same rights as the original Burmese ethnics people.<br />
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But it is totally different fact that any people resettling in Burma can’t be one of the man-made fabricated ethnic group since they are not.<br />
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They will be known as based on their original ethnic background. For example, there are Burmese people living in UK for long time and they can be the British citizens if, even if, they can provide necessary evidence. They will be called as simply as the British or the Burmese British. They can’t be white British or they can’t be English British.<br />
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We must find the root-cause. If they are from Bangladesh then Bangladeshi government must take more responsibility solving this crisis. This is one of the main problems we got to dealt with seriously, frankly and candidly.<br />
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Noting to do with religion. But I would like to touch on my perceptions on all the religions as follow.<br />
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My point of view is that so long as “Any religion proclaiming that there is NO other God but me (my religious god)” then there will always be problems, extremism and terrorists.<br />
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Any religions justify killing anyone who don’t believe in their religion will create more conflicts and crises.<br />
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If there WERE be the third world war then it could be due to the religious extremisms.<br />
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Some religions bless extremists with rewards!<br />
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We must eliminate any religious perceptions which justify attacking, killing, persecuting, or/and labelling other religions as evils.<br />
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We must also put the BIG FULL STOP over the FORCED CONVERSIONs taking place silently all over the world in the name of marriages, religions and in the name of god.<br />
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This is time for us to stand up for the disadvantaged people around the world who are facing forced conversions.<br />
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Even in the democratic countries, there are things happening unnoticed including in USA, in UK and in Japan and all over the world.<br />
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I would say any religious doctrines which justify killing other people in the name of religions must be terminated preaching or teaching in the world.<br />
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From now on let’s voice out LOUD & CLEAR to the world that any (religious) doctrines that encourage violence must be rejected.<br />
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Let’s start the motion all over the world to put the full stop on teaching future generations that any religions proclaiming there is no other god but me (my god) doctrine.<br />
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May peace be upon everyone.<br />
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May love prevail.<br />
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Thanks.<br />
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With metta,<br />
<br />
Myo Thein<br />
<br />
(A Burmese activist)</div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">http://www.rakhapura.com/ </div></div></div>Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-52725085640260859002011-11-15T04:41:00.000-08:002011-11-15T04:41:40.850-08:00Campaign for 24-Hour Electricity in Arakan State<div style="text-align: justify;">Sittwe: A clandestine poster campaign demanding 24 hour electricity be supplied all over Arakan State in western Burma with power generated from local gas was recently launched.</div><br />
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<img alt="Campaign for 24-Hour Electricity in Arakan State" class="scaled" src="http://www.narinjara.com/images/sign-board-24-Hours-Action-Groups--Rakhine-State.jpg" /><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The 24-Hour Action Group Rakhine State has claimed that it has carried out the campaign on the 10th of November, coinciding the religious festive occasion in a number of townships including Sittwe, Ponnakyaun, Mrauk-U, Kyaukpru, Ramere and Taungok. <br />
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“Our members in different townships of the state have jointly worked on and launched this campaign at the same time on the same day in almost every township in our state. We have launched this campaign to demand that the Burmese regime supply 24-hour electricity in our state with power generated from the gas extracted from the local Shwe offshore gas fields in the state," said one of campaigners of the group. <br />
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The campaigner said they stuck posters that demanded 24-hour electricity at public places, on government buildings, and on the lamp posts of every street and also spread the posters in most busy streets in the towns. <br />
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The group had started to launch similar campaigns across Arakan state last October just after the Energy Minister U Than Htay stated in the parliament that his regime had already sold off the natural gas found in the Shwe offshore gas fields in Arakan State to China and had no plans to use any of the gas for the state. <br />
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“The regime will export 90% of the natural gas reserves to China within 30 years and will fetch US$ 970 million for exporting 400 cubic feet in a year and we can calculate how much profit the regime will earn by the gas from our state. However we local people will not get any benefit from this gas and that is why we have to launch this campaign to fight for our rights to those natural resources”, said the campaigner. <br />
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According to the 24 Hours Action Group, Arakan State is abundant in gas and other natural resources, but even its Capital Sittwe gets only five-hours of electricity supplied per day and the consumers have to pay 500 kyat per unit of electricity a price 20 times higher than that being charged in Rangoon, Mandalay and Naypyitaw in mainland Burma. The group said they have also sent a letter to Dr. Aye Maung, the president of the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party, on the same day of the campaign urging him and his party to work for getting 24-hour electricity supply in Arakan State. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">...............................</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Narinjara News</div>Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-21048937709616057842011-11-15T04:39:00.001-08:002011-11-15T04:39:46.632-08:00Villagers Appeal for Compensation for Farmland Confiscated by Danyawaddy Naval Headquarters<div class="figure" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 285px;"> <img alt="Burmese navy" class="scaled" src="http://www.narinjara.com/images/Navy-burmese-285.jpg" /> </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Kyauk Pru: Villagers from Sitetaw Village in Kyaukpru Township in western Burma’s Arakan State have recently submitted an appeal letter to the Chief Minister of the Regional Government requesting compensation for the farmland confiscated by the Danyawaddy Naval Headquarters. </div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"> One of the villagers said 43 villagers whose lands were confiscated by the naval force have signed and submitted the petition to the CM on 26 of October, 2011. <br />
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“107.50 acres of our farmlands were forcibly confiscated without any compensation by the naval force in 1997. So 43 villagers whose lands were confiscated have written an appeal to the CM requesting compensation to us for our lands, but we have not received any response yet”, said the villager. <br />
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The villager said that they have been suffering from great hardships since the land on which they had traditionally cultivated were confiscated. <br />
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“We understand it is quite impossible to get back our land from the naval force, but we still need to revive our lives that have been badly affected since our lands were confiscated. So we have requested that the CM provide us with fair compensation for our lands considering the hardships we face as a result”, he said. <br />
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U Tin Phay, a lawmaker of the state parliament from the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party, also said the villagers have submitted a copy of their petition to his party’s office as well. <br />
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“There are 43 villagers who signed the letter sent to the CM and they said in the letter that 107.50 acres of their farmlands had been confiscated by the Danyawaddy Naval Base in 1997”, said U Tin Phay. <br />
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He said the villagers are expecting that the PM and local government would look into their matter and render compensation to them for the confiscated lands soon, though no response has been given by the government yet. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">...................</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Narinjara News</div>Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3460665215943298728.post-10970126924371399232011-11-15T00:17:00.000-08:002011-11-15T00:17:14.859-08:00OPEN LETTER TO THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF UNOSecretary General<br />
United Nation Organization<br />
New York United States of America<br />
15 October 2011<br />
OBJECTION OF ARAKAN NATIONALS TO FABRICATING STORIES OF SO-CALLED“ROHINGYA” <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Dear Mr Secretary General, We, Arakan also known as Rakhine people of the Union of Myanmar with the present population of more than 6 million have been living peacefully in the Rakhine State. Included among 135 ethnics or nationals of Myanmar, and being one of the 7 major nationals of the country, the Rakhine State represents to native Rakhine nationals and belongs to the western Rakhine coastal strip abundant with natural wealth especially of offshore and onshore oil and gas resources. Our native is worldly known as ‘Rakhine State’ or ‘Arakan State’ and we are called either as ‘Rakhine’, ‘Arakan’ or ‘Arakanese’. Even our loss of own reign and kingdom in 1785 AD, we have uphold our own Arakan language, Arakan culture and Arakan literature with the earnest endeavor. We Rakhine are very proud of our status as devoted Buddhists whilst our land is full of Buddhist images and historic pagodas in all parts of the land, especially as of original owners of the most sacred Maha Muni Buddha Image which we believe with strong historical evidence that it was casted in the days of Buddha’s life and the Lord Buddha himself honored the Great Image as his Replica for the sake of devotement by Rakhine unto Buddhism and the Lord himself. All history books, maps and itineraries call us as Arakan Country and Arakanese. Renown historians of the times, namely, GE Harvey, GE H Johnston, GH Luce, Dr. E. Forchhammer, Sir Arthur Phayre, G Coedes, DG E Hall, Pamela Gutman, Moris Collis, etc., have researched our Arakan history and have written so many books, articles and papers about long and strong Buddhist kingdoms of Arakan inferring our ups and downs spanning from 3325 BC to 1785 AD as well situations of pre and post independence of Myanmar on 1948. Now, we are seeing some Bengalis who once intruded into our land by illegal means becomes to abuse our name “Arakan” and “Arakanese” as of theirs making up with fabricated histories. They are wickedly using our names, photos and landmarks in disguise of “human rights violation” in internet websites, online or offline media and any other means. Lastly they even encroached into forums of UNO and the Organization of Islamic Conference cheating the world with their utterly fabricated stories concealing about their true images, alleging Myanmar government on violation of human rights, misinforming about history, culture and religion of our Arakan Nationals. Those rascals are indeed non-Arakanese but merely a few numbers of Bengalis just seeking for financial aids from persuasive wealthy organizations and for their self interest to find better livings at any part of the world. In fact, their eventual purpose is reverse of the Arakan State to be an Islamic statehood within or out of the Myanmar territory in the pretence of so-called “human rights movements” which is easy, popular and the most persuasive topic for soft-minded and gullible listeners all around the world. Evidences are revealing that those rascal Bengalis are funded by unaccountable organizations and are highly suspected of links to terrorist groups. Let us reiterate that Myanmar society, history and laws never include a name of so-called “Rohingya” people or national or ethnic either in the Union or in Arakan State. Our Government has clarified it in the past and now in each and every opportunity to the world. Recently again, the Union Minister of Immigration and Population of the Myanmar Government has answered at the ongoing Parliament about it that those are recognized merely as Bengalis. It is true by all accounts that they are non-national nor citizen of the Union of Myanmar visibly as of their features, skin colour, religion, language, naming, culture, custom and manners far different from Arakanese and any other Myanmar Nationals. The true story is that their ancestors had migrated from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) as laborers into Arakan amid then booming rice trade due to open-up of Suez Channel, and in the post independence period, becomes rebels against the public namely as “Mujahit Armed Groups” killing, looting and plundering unnumbered Arakan people in the most atrocious ways evidently seen in historical pages of Myanmar. In 1951, one “Abdul Gafar” with Bengali blood firstly invented the name “Rohon-nya” in respect of their stateless cum alien Bengalis organizing them to claim for Myanmar national hood, but it had been encountered strong objections from Arakanese and Myanmar scholars, writers and prudent people. The Government also turned it down and the following enactment of Myanmar Citizen Law of 1982 excluded them from Myanmar Nationals. However, they never abandon their purpose. Due to uncontrolled birth rate of those Bengalis, their population has been extremely grown year after year and they become trouble makers in most cases by terrorist acts not only in Myanmar but also in our neighbors and even in remote countries at the present. We Rakhine people of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar do hereby request the Honorable Secretary General of United Nation Organization to be thoughtful of our sincere clarification about the true situations and to be intimated of our strongest objection to those rascals on their abuse of our profound names of “Arakan” and “Arakanese”, and on cheating the world with fabricating histories and stories in UN and other international forum. Most importantly, we urge the Secretary General and all UN organizations to take account and pay attention to the human rights of Arakan (Rakhine) people, so that UN refrains from letting those fraudulent Bengalis and their supporters for abuse of esteemed UN forums. In conclusion, please let us make our manifestation that our Arakan State, Arakan Land, Arakan Nationals and Arakan History are nothing concern of those dishonest Bengalis, and demand them for hands-off toward our beloved father land - Arakan (Rakhine) State of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Sincerely yours, Arakan Nationals Republic of the Union of Myanmar CC to Heads of UNSC, UNGA, UNHCR, UNICEF, ILO, UNESCO, WHO, UNDP, UNIC </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>Arakan Research Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01845315059620753273noreply@blogger.com1