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Home, Pagoda In Arakan Monday, May 14, 2012
Mrauk-U, The Last City of Arakan Kingdom, and General Information
Posted by Arakan Research Centre Arakan History, Home Monday, May 14, 2012
Mrauk-U, a fine last royal capital of Rakhine has scenic beauty and historical remains which are inextricable and remarkable. Innumerable pagodas belonging to all ages can be found throughout the city. Everywhere one looks within Mrauk-Ucity wall on every mound, every field and every hill are Buddha images, temples, sima(Thein) and pagodas.
It is no wonder that Mrauk-U is popularly known as the 'Land of Pagodas' and Europeans remarked Mrauk-U as 'The Golden City'. The Rakhine of those days were proud of Mrauk-U. They were entirely satisfied to be the inhabitants of Mrauk- U. The history shows what happened in the city in early times.
Mrauk-U was founded in 1430 A.D. and became the seat of the Rakhine dynasty of that name. It had attained its highest prosperity for 355 years til! 1785 A.D. Before Mrauk-U, several other former royal cities, Dhanyawaddy, Vesali, Sambawet, Pyinsa,Parein, Launggret , Hkirt and Nayyinzaya-taungngoo had flourished from generation to generation for many years.
Geographically, Mrauk-U lies at the head of a tributary, Kaladan River, about 45 miles from the sea coast, but the largest sea-going ships of that period could reach it through a network of deep creeks by which it was surrounded. Mrauk-U's unique position in the Bay of Bengal, with both land and sea routes to the east and west, resulted in the development of its commercial and cultural centre which later emerged as a highly flourishing country because of its strategic location between India and South East Asia. It also received Buddhist religion and Indianized civilization from the west.
A visitor, Schouten, a Dutchman who visited the area in 16th century A.D , remarked that the city was comparable in size and wealth to such western cities as Amsterdam and London. He also mentioned that it was the richest city among the ports of Asia. The city was called by the Europeans as 'Golden City'. That term applies very fittingly to Mrauk-U whose wealth depended mainly on its extensive regions of riceland which surrounded the city. The crops never failed because of an annual 200 inches of rainfall. The export of rice increased from year to year. Moreover, the goods were allowed to enter the city duty-free in order to encourage trade. Thusthe city was crowded with a large number of foreign merchants from the neighbouring countries and western countries as well, such as the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. Various kinds of goods were on sale in the markets of Mrauk-U.
The export of elephants was most popular in the Mrauk- U period. An elephant cost 1300 silver coins in those days. The Portuguese and the Dutch were permitted to build a factory at Aungdat port in Mrauk-U. Since a ship after leaving Bengal on
a voyage to Java or any city on the eastern coast, and did not sail straight across the bay had to keep to the coast. Hence, trading ships naturally put. in at Mrauk-U to replenish food, water and other necessities.
In this way Mrauk-U became usual focus for trade on the eastern shore of the Bay of Bengal. Mrauk-U, therefore, was very prosperous during those days. At the beginning of the 16 century the sea-faring- nature of Rakhine was even more accentuated. TheKing Minbin (1531-1553 A.D.) was able to build a large naval tleet with modern cannon to guard the long coastal territory of about one thousand miles. According to the Magh Raider in Bengal it had ten thousand warboats and their cannon were so numerous that flotilla exceeded the waves of the sea. Now, several typesof old cannon can be seen in Mrauk-U 'Museum.
Mrauk-U was built as a defence city by the kings of those days. Taking advantage of the ridges surrounding the city, the citywalls have been built by joining the higher points of the ridge. The walls were built with local sandstone and earth. Inside the wail some portions of the mountain had to be levelled at the appropriate points to make ramparts. Some secret paths were constructed from top to bottom and stone gates had been erected for going in and out. Above them some bulwarks or forts were provided with modern artillery. A maze-like chain of lakes and moats were also constructed both inside and outside the city walls. These moats and water tanks not only supplied fresh water for the inhabitants but also provided a measure of defence.
Besides the venerable pagodas, visitors of today can see citywalls, moats,ramparts, watch towers and forts as the most interesting archaeological remains. They were all constructed with well-fitting cemented stones and they remain in good conditionup to the present time.
Some Japanese samurai came to Mrauk-U in 1623 A.D and served as domestic guards of Mrauk-U kings. Because of their valiant and incomparable swordsmanship they were selected as royal bodyguards by the kings.
The dynasty of Mrauk-U had successfully defended itself against all foreign invaders for many years. A few wars were fought, which ended in victory for the Rakhine kings. No civil strife had ruined the peasantry of Mrauk-U. Because of Buddhist teaching and an efficient administrative code, law and order had
been maintained in the whole of the kingdom.
The kingdom of Rakhine was divided into twelve provinces, each administered by a governor who pledged allegiance to the king.
It was the traditional obligation of the time for the governor of the provinces to build pagodas in the royal city of Mrauk-U.The people of Mrauk-U also offered very lavishly to religious causes. A pagoda, 400 feet to the east of Shitthaung Pagoda, was said to have been donated by a woman who sold fish-jelly, (Rakhine term Ngapithama). This pagoda has been known as Ngapithama Pagoda.
Monuments seem to overwhelm the landscape of the city of Mrauk-U. The whole city has numerous lakes, pagodas, traces of buildings and other vestiges indicating that it was the site of a once-important city. These monuments are of different sizes and of various types. They are in varying stages of preservation and disrepair.
Some of these have been repaired and restored by public donors. Most of them were demolished not by unruly people but by the tropical monsoon climate.
Nevertheless, these mounds of bricks here and there remind us of the site of the ancient Mrauk-U, once a splendid capital of Rakhine.
General Information
(a) Geography
Mrauk-U (lat 20'25'N, long 93 ll 1 E) is situated 45 miles to the north of Sittway, which can be reached by river route. It lies on a tributary river named Henkayaw, on the right side of the Kaladan River. The city holds a much better positionstrategically. It controls both the Kaladan and the Lemro valleys and extends to the two main rivers both by water and land. The city was built on a valley within the series of parallel ranges extending a little to north-west. The whole city was covered with a network of numerous creeks and canals forming a maze of interconnecting channels.
(b) Climate
The Mrauk-U region has three seasons. Summer, which is dry and hot, begins in March and ends in May; the rainy season, wet and damp, from June to October; and winter is a cool dry season from November to February. The average annual temperature is about 78 ံF. So there are no extremes of heat and cold. Even the hottest months. March to May becomes quite bearable because of the cool sea breeze and the evergreen forests around Mrauk-U. The tem- perature can rise to 100° F in Summer.
Annual rainfall ranges from 160" to 200". The rainy season is not quite suitable for visitors. Natural vegetations and weeds grow occasionally everywhere around the city, including pagodas. Other problems such as malaria and wild cyclones can be encountered in Rakhine during this season.
The best time to visit Mrauk-U is winter from October to February. During this cool season the weather in Mrauk-U is fine and pleasant. All the pagodas are cleaned and painted white and they look very beautiful.
(c) Flora
Mrauk-U is densely covered with variety of plants; this is because of tropical climatic condition . Bamboos are dominant, covering the largest part of the hilly regions. Trees, herbs and shrubs are commonly found during the rainy season. They are alive up to the end of December. Villagers of Mrauk-U cultivate coconut palm, banana, mango, jackfruit, betel-palm, lemon, orange, lychees and many other useful trees. Besides, Mrauk-U is the rice bowl of Rakhine State. After the harvest time, most of the paddy-fields are replanted with vegetables such as tomato, radish,cauliflower, cucumber, cabbage, gourd, pine-apple, papaya, bean, chilly, egg fruits and others.
(d) Fauna
Now they migrate to Maru Ridge, northwest of Mrauk-U. Other common varieties of wild animals such as, pigs, stags, hogs, barking-deers, leopards, wild cats, jackals, monkeys, bears are found all over the countryside.
About 300 species of birds wander in the hills. Among them, jungle fowl, house crow, house sparrow, jungle sparrow, robin, hawks, owls, hornbiils, woodpeckers, imperial pigeon, green pigeon, wild ducks are very well-known species. In winter one can see many geese in the rivers and lakes of Mrauk-U. They are Siberian faunas. Sometimes several kinds of snakes are commonly found somewhere in theforests and the great crocodile is also found in the tidal creeks of southern part of Mrauk-U.
(e) Clothing
As Mrauk-U lies mainly within the tropical zone and unless you are an official in Rakhine, it is not advisable for you to wear a tie or western suit, because of the weather condition. Long pants for men, long skirts for women or Myanmar dress style are quite good for visitors. You will need a suitcase containing light clothes, a hat or an umbrella, sun- glasses, and some medicine you may
need on your trip. Quick drying cloths are very suitable for rainy season. In winter you should wear a sweater or a jacket. Since Mrauk-U is full of pagodas, according to tradition one always removes one's shoes before entering the precincts of religious monuments or private homes or guesthouses. So it is better for you to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes which you can slip in and out easily. Or you could buy a new pair of local-make slippers. In addition, antimalarial drugs, antibiotics, and other first-aid items should also be packed in your suitcase.
..............
ွSources: A GUIDE TO MRAUK - U,An Ancient City of Rakhine, Myanmar By Tun Shwe Khine (M.A)
First Edition, 1992
http://mrauku.blogspot.com/
 |
It is no wonder that Mrauk-U is popularly known as the 'Land of Pagodas' and Europeans remarked Mrauk-U as 'The Golden City'. The Rakhine of those days were proud of Mrauk-U. They were entirely satisfied to be the inhabitants of Mrauk- U. The history shows what happened in the city in early times.
Mrauk-U was founded in 1430 A.D. and became the seat of the Rakhine dynasty of that name. It had attained its highest prosperity for 355 years til! 1785 A.D. Before Mrauk-U, several other former royal cities, Dhanyawaddy, Vesali, Sambawet, Pyinsa,Parein, Launggret , Hkirt and Nayyinzaya-taungngoo had flourished from generation to generation for many years.
Geographically, Mrauk-U lies at the head of a tributary, Kaladan River, about 45 miles from the sea coast, but the largest sea-going ships of that period could reach it through a network of deep creeks by which it was surrounded. Mrauk-U's unique position in the Bay of Bengal, with both land and sea routes to the east and west, resulted in the development of its commercial and cultural centre which later emerged as a highly flourishing country because of its strategic location between India and South East Asia. It also received Buddhist religion and Indianized civilization from the west.
Mrauk-U Map
A visitor, Schouten, a Dutchman who visited the area in 16th century A.D , remarked that the city was comparable in size and wealth to such western cities as Amsterdam and London. He also mentioned that it was the richest city among the ports of Asia. The city was called by the Europeans as 'Golden City'. That term applies very fittingly to Mrauk-U whose wealth depended mainly on its extensive regions of riceland which surrounded the city. The crops never failed because of an annual 200 inches of rainfall. The export of rice increased from year to year. Moreover, the goods were allowed to enter the city duty-free in order to encourage trade. Thusthe city was crowded with a large number of foreign merchants from the neighbouring countries and western countries as well, such as the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. Various kinds of goods were on sale in the markets of Mrauk-U.
The export of elephants was most popular in the Mrauk- U period. An elephant cost 1300 silver coins in those days. The Portuguese and the Dutch were permitted to build a factory at Aungdat port in Mrauk-U. Since a ship after leaving Bengal on
a voyage to Java or any city on the eastern coast, and did not sail straight across the bay had to keep to the coast. Hence, trading ships naturally put. in at Mrauk-U to replenish food, water and other necessities.
In this way Mrauk-U became usual focus for trade on the eastern shore of the Bay of Bengal. Mrauk-U, therefore, was very prosperous during those days. At the beginning of the 16 century the sea-faring- nature of Rakhine was even more accentuated. TheKing Minbin (1531-1553 A.D.) was able to build a large naval tleet with modern cannon to guard the long coastal territory of about one thousand miles. According to the Magh Raider in Bengal it had ten thousand warboats and their cannon were so numerous that flotilla exceeded the waves of the sea. Now, several typesof old cannon can be seen in Mrauk-U 'Museum.
Mrauk-U was built as a defence city by the kings of those days. Taking advantage of the ridges surrounding the city, the citywalls have been built by joining the higher points of the ridge. The walls were built with local sandstone and earth. Inside the wail some portions of the mountain had to be levelled at the appropriate points to make ramparts. Some secret paths were constructed from top to bottom and stone gates had been erected for going in and out. Above them some bulwarks or forts were provided with modern artillery. A maze-like chain of lakes and moats were also constructed both inside and outside the city walls. These moats and water tanks not only supplied fresh water for the inhabitants but also provided a measure of defence.
Besides the venerable pagodas, visitors of today can see citywalls, moats,ramparts, watch towers and forts as the most interesting archaeological remains. They were all constructed with well-fitting cemented stones and they remain in good conditionup to the present time.
The dynasty of Mrauk-U had successfully defended itself against all foreign invaders for many years. A few wars were fought, which ended in victory for the Rakhine kings. No civil strife had ruined the peasantry of Mrauk-U. Because of Buddhist teaching and an efficient administrative code, law and order had
been maintained in the whole of the kingdom.
The kingdom of Rakhine was divided into twelve provinces, each administered by a governor who pledged allegiance to the king.
It was the traditional obligation of the time for the governor of the provinces to build pagodas in the royal city of Mrauk-U.The people of Mrauk-U also offered very lavishly to religious causes. A pagoda, 400 feet to the east of Shitthaung Pagoda, was said to have been donated by a woman who sold fish-jelly, (Rakhine term Ngapithama). This pagoda has been known as Ngapithama Pagoda.
Monuments seem to overwhelm the landscape of the city of Mrauk-U. The whole city has numerous lakes, pagodas, traces of buildings and other vestiges indicating that it was the site of a once-important city. These monuments are of different sizes and of various types. They are in varying stages of preservation and disrepair.
Some of these have been repaired and restored by public donors. Most of them were demolished not by unruly people but by the tropical monsoon climate.
Nevertheless, these mounds of bricks here and there remind us of the site of the ancient Mrauk-U, once a splendid capital of Rakhine.
General Information
(a) Geography
Mrauk-U (lat 20'25'N, long 93 ll 1 E) is situated 45 miles to the north of Sittway, which can be reached by river route. It lies on a tributary river named Henkayaw, on the right side of the Kaladan River. The city holds a much better positionstrategically. It controls both the Kaladan and the Lemro valleys and extends to the two main rivers both by water and land. The city was built on a valley within the series of parallel ranges extending a little to north-west. The whole city was covered with a network of numerous creeks and canals forming a maze of interconnecting channels.
(b) Climate
The Mrauk-U region has three seasons. Summer, which is dry and hot, begins in March and ends in May; the rainy season, wet and damp, from June to October; and winter is a cool dry season from November to February. The average annual temperature is about 78 ံF. So there are no extremes of heat and cold. Even the hottest months. March to May becomes quite bearable because of the cool sea breeze and the evergreen forests around Mrauk-U. The tem- perature can rise to 100° F in Summer.
Annual rainfall ranges from 160" to 200". The rainy season is not quite suitable for visitors. Natural vegetations and weeds grow occasionally everywhere around the city, including pagodas. Other problems such as malaria and wild cyclones can be encountered in Rakhine during this season.
The best time to visit Mrauk-U is winter from October to February. During this cool season the weather in Mrauk-U is fine and pleasant. All the pagodas are cleaned and painted white and they look very beautiful.
(c) Flora
(d) Fauna
Now they migrate to Maru Ridge, northwest of Mrauk-U. Other common varieties of wild animals such as, pigs, stags, hogs, barking-deers, leopards, wild cats, jackals, monkeys, bears are found all over the countryside.
About 300 species of birds wander in the hills. Among them, jungle fowl, house crow, house sparrow, jungle sparrow, robin, hawks, owls, hornbiils, woodpeckers, imperial pigeon, green pigeon, wild ducks are very well-known species. In winter one can see many geese in the rivers and lakes of Mrauk-U. They are Siberian faunas. Sometimes several kinds of snakes are commonly found somewhere in theforests and the great crocodile is also found in the tidal creeks of southern part of Mrauk-U.
(e) Clothing
need on your trip. Quick drying cloths are very suitable for rainy season. In winter you should wear a sweater or a jacket. Since Mrauk-U is full of pagodas, according to tradition one always removes one's shoes before entering the precincts of religious monuments or private homes or guesthouses. So it is better for you to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes which you can slip in and out easily. Or you could buy a new pair of local-make slippers. In addition, antimalarial drugs, antibiotics, and other first-aid items should also be packed in your suitcase.
..............
ွSources: A GUIDE TO MRAUK - U,An Ancient City of Rakhine, Myanmar By Tun Shwe Khine (M.A)
First Edition, 1992
http://mrauku.blogspot.com/
Sellers March to Prime Minister’s House for Reduced Market Taxes
Posted by Arakan Research Centre Arakan News, Home Monday, May 14, 2012Sittwe: Around 60 sellers from Nazi Market in Sittwe marched to Prime Minister U Hla Maung Tin’s house on Sunday morning and demanded he address the problems they are facing.
“We are facing several problems, the main problem is the high market levy. A room of eight square feet is levied at 1,000 kyats a day. A trishaw carrying a bag is taxed 1,000 kyats if it enters the market. A mont-dee shop (a traditional Arakanese noodle shop) has to pay 700 kyats, a sticky rice shop 500 kyats, and at worst, cross-passing in front of the market tax collector’s house costs some money. Failing to comply with the tax collection results in being threatened by thugs. We can not bear it anymore and so, we are marching to the Prime Minister’s house to ask him to solve our problems. We have about 60 people,” a group leader said.Even though they marched to the Prime Minister’s house, they did not get a chance to meet with him, so they again marched to the Municipal Office.
“Because we could not meet the PM, we continued to the Municipal Office, where we met the Minister of the Municipality, Deputy Director, and the State Municipal Officer. They confirmed that they will solve our problems. We were given a second appointment for 20 of us this morning. If found guilty, the market tax license will be withdrawn from the collectors,” he added.
The sellers from the markets had already submitted their complaint to the authority with evidence such as videotape and documents, but they received no response. That is why the decided to march to the PM’s house.
“Our profits are ripped off by the high tax every single day and we are left with nothing. Even buyers are levied with unofficial taxes every time they come to the markets and finally our market does not get any customers any more. Our business has been affected so much with this unfair tax. We have lodged the compliant with the authority but no one paid attention. That’s why we are asking the PM to intervene,” he said.
An MP from Sittwe, U Aung Mra Kyaw, gave comments regarding this issue.
“The tax collector U Khin Maung Hla, aka Saw Lain, has been bullying people since the time of the military intelligence and he has not stopped his practice. We received several complaints about him. We have informed the state government about the issue as there might arise unnecessary problems with respect to this case,” he said.
U Khine Maung Hla is reportedly imposing high taxes on the Nazi Market as well as another small market near primary school no. 3 in Factory Group Quarter, on Aye Thar Yar Road. This small market is about 1,500 feet away from Nazi Market and it is meant for the poorest people who can not afford much.
All across Arakan State, people from the time of the old military intelligence have been exploiting people by imposing heavy duties because they are close to the military and they hold market, fishing, and shrimp farm operation licenses. The march to the PM’s house was the first demonstration of this kind to demand a reduction from heavy taxes in Arakan State.
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http://www.narinjara.com
Mrauk-U One of the Most Endangered Heritage Sites in Asia: Global Heritage Fund Reports
Posted by Arakan Research Centre Arakan History, Home, World News Monday, May 14, 2012Mrauk-U, the ancient capital city in northeastern Arakan State in Burma, is one of the most endangered cultural heritage sites in Asia, according to a report of the Global Heritage Fund.
An ancient Amyaint Taung fortress in Mrauk U destroyed by Bulldozer for railway
In its report titled “Asia’s Heritage in Peril: Saving Our Vanishing Heritage” that was released on 3 May, Global Heritage Fund has listed Mrauk-U, “Capital City of the First Arakanese Kingdom”, in its highlights of the ten most significant archaeological and heritage sites facing irreparable loss and destruction in Asia.
The report said those sites are being threatened by five accelerating man-made threats, including development pressure, unsustainable tourism, insufficient management, looting, and war and conflict.
The other sites listed in the report are Ayutthaya, the former Siamese capital in Thailand; Fort Santiago and Intramuros, the historic fortress in the Philippines; Kashgar, one the last intact silk road cities in China; Mahasthangarh, one of South Asia’s earliest urban archaeological sites in Bangladesh; Mes Aynak, an ancient Buddhist monastery complex on the Silk Road in Afghanistan; Plain of Jars, megalithic archaeological landscape with mysterious origins in Laos; Preah Vihear, picturesque masterpiece of Khmer architecture in Cambodia; Rakhigari, one of the largest and oldest Indus sites in the world in India; and Taxila, former crossroads of industry in the ancient Middle East in Pakistan.
When asked about the report and identification of Mrauk-U as one of the most endangered sites, U Kyaw Tun Aung, a retired archaeologist as well as a resident of Mrauk-U, made the following comments:
“The construction of the railroad through the main archaeological zone in Mrauk-U has destroyed many cultural and historic heritage in the city. The earthen city walls have been bulldozed for the earth to be in-fill in highway construction near the city. There are also big hotels being built within the zone and any well-wishers are allowed to restore or renovate the ancient pagodas or religious structures with in the zone as they like without regard for the original design of the structures. What is the ugliest is the bus stations are allowed to build within the palace site in the city. The destruction of archaeological heritage is increasing without an prevention or preservation because anyone can do whatever they wish in the city. That is why the city has become the most endangered site,” said U Kyaw Tun Aung.
He said many valuable heritage sites, including city walls and pagodas in the ancient cities of Danyawady and Vesali were also damaged as the railroad to connect Sittwe and Ann was constructed to cross through the middle of those cities last year.
U Tun Aung Kyaw also said that the cultural heritage in Mrauk-U is historically very important not only for the Arakanese but also for people around the world. “There are four prominent periods that began from 3325 BCE that are known as Danyawady, Vesali, Laymro, and Mrauk-U. All civilizations in the former periods converged in the Mrauk-U period and Mrauk-U emerged as the golden city with the vast stone-sculptured architecture that includes magnificent Buddha statues, stupas, and pagodas. Now Mrauk-U offers some of the richest archaeological sites in the world and it is very significant not only for the Arakanese but also people around the world,” said U Kyaw Tun Aung.
Mrauk-U, the last capital of the independent Arakanese kingdom, was founded by King Monn Saw Mon in 1430 CE. It was stable for over 300 years and it is now an ancient city rich in historical heritage.
U Kyaw Tun Aung, however, said that heritage has been destroyed by natural disasters as well as the lack of systematic preservation and maintenance.
An ancient corridor in Mrauk U is totally damaged for railway
“There are still great weaknesses in the preservation and maintenance of our ancient historical heritage. That is why the ancient historic and cultural monuments have been ruined by natural disasters such as earthquakes, storms, and heavy rain. For example, the Shwegutaung Pagoda, the Barbutaung Pagoda, and Haritaung Pagoda collapsed during heavy rains. And there are also so many monuments being destroyed by creepers like the banyan trees,” he said.
When asked how the archaeological department is working to prevent the damages of ancient cultural heritage sites, U Kyaw Tun Aung said, “When I was serving in the archeological department, there was yearly distribution of funds, but as the funds were so small and there were so many monuments, no preservation work could be properly done.”
To the question of how Mrauk-U could still be saved, he said, “There are archaeological zones recognized by the national government in Mrauk-U. Those zones should be protected exactly in line with the laws. There is also a need for systematic and scientific preservation of the heritage sites. It is also important to preserve the original design and structure while restoring or repairing damaged or deteriorating heritage sites. And then Mrauk-U will reach a curable situation from being endangered.”
There is widespread criticism among the local people that the successive Burmese regimes have not only abandoned the ancient cities of Arakan, including Mrauk-U, Danyawady, and Vesali without preservation, but extensively destroyed those city sites by constructing railroads and highway crossings through them under the guise of regional development.
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http://www.narinjara.com
Arakan’s Danyawady and Vesali recognized as official archaeological sites
Posted by Arakan Research Centre Arakan News, Buddhism In Arakan, Home Monday, May 14, 2012Mrauk U: The Burmese ministry of culture has reportedly included the ancient cities of Danyawady and Vesali in Arakan State in its official recognition of five more sites in the country as official archaeological sites.
The official Burmese language newspaper, Kyemone, reported in its publication on 10th May that the cultural ministry has zoned and recognized those five ancient sites in the country as “Ancient Site Zone” and “Protected and Preserved Zone”with effect on 9th May 2012.The five sites include Danyawady Ancient City in Kyauktaw Township and Vesali Ancient City in Mrauk-U Township in Arakan State, Myaungmya Ancient City in Myaungmya Township in Irrawaddy Division, Thargaya Ancient City in Launglone Township in Taninthari Division and Amyintywa and Thonepanhla (Anitywa) Region in Chaung-Oo Township in Sagaing Division.
The cultural ministry stated that it would preserve and protect the ancient cultural heritages in those zones with the enacted laws.
“It is good to have taken these steps for these ancient heritages. Mrauk-U was recognized in 2009 and now Danyawady and Vesali are also recognized as official archaeological sites. We welcome these steps taken by the government for our cultural heritage sites”, said U Kyaw Tun Aung, a retired Archaeologist and Curator of the Ancient Cultural Museum in Mrauk-U.
He said the ancient cultural heritages in those sites would be preserved and protected by the state following the recognitions.
“Danyawady and Vesali are the earliest cities in Arakanese history. The Danyawady is the oldest because it was founded in 3325 BCE. Now the state has recognized them as ancient site zones in order to ensure the protection and preservation of them”, he said.
The Vesali City Site is situated between the Waetharli and Thanlarwady Villages in Mrauk-U Township and the Danyawady City Site is situated near the Maharmuni Village in Kyauktaw Township.
It is said in the newspaper that the creation of a land plot, construction of road, digging of irrigations and ponds, setting up lampposts and antennas and mining are not allowed on the ancient zones recognized by the cultural ministry.
Such activities on the zones are restricted by the Cultural Heritage Protection Law enacted in 1998, and any violations of the law will be prosecuted, said the newspapers citing the cultural ministry.
Narinjara has contacted to the Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library in Mrauk-U over telephone regarding to the official recognition of ancient zones in the area, but the phone calls were not answered by the department.
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http://www.narinjara.com
Bangladesh Government says Burma wants to share Bangladesh’s submarine cable
Posted by Arakan Research Centre Arakan News, Breaking News, Home Monday, May 14, 2012
Burma, presently known as Myanmar, wants to share Bangladesh’s submarine cable to upgrade its countries cable networks, said Bangladesh’s high authority.
“It is on a payment basis by Burma if Bangladesh agrees to share it’s submarine cable with Burma,” said Raziuddin Ahmed Raju, minister of Telecommunication, on Sunday in a seminar held in Dhaka titled ‘Submarine Cable Connecting Ocean Going Countries Economic Maritime Boundary.
According to a local Bangladesh news agency, Burma has invited the minister of Bangladesh telecommunication to Burma to discuss the issue.
“A minister of Burma has invited me to visit the neighboring country Burma to discuss the matter,” the minister told the seminar in Dhaka organized by the Engineers Institution, Bangladesh (IEB).
The minister said the existing submarine cable in Burma is not adequate to serve its demand. “That’s why they expressed their interest in using Bangladesh’s submarine cable.”
He, however, did not make it clear whether Bangladesh would allow Burma to use it.
The minister also said the government would launch the much-hyped 3G mobile phone in July or August, while the 4G mobile service would go ahead in December this year.
According to Bangladesh officials,9 million people in Bangladesh are using an internet service while the global users of internet are 2.5 billion. 58.5 percent (86.5 million) people of the country are now using mobile phone, while global users 5.6 billion people or 80 percent.
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“It is on a payment basis by Burma if Bangladesh agrees to share it’s submarine cable with Burma,” said Raziuddin Ahmed Raju, minister of Telecommunication, on Sunday in a seminar held in Dhaka titled ‘Submarine Cable Connecting Ocean Going Countries Economic Maritime Boundary.According to a local Bangladesh news agency, Burma has invited the minister of Bangladesh telecommunication to Burma to discuss the issue.
“A minister of Burma has invited me to visit the neighboring country Burma to discuss the matter,” the minister told the seminar in Dhaka organized by the Engineers Institution, Bangladesh (IEB).
The minister said the existing submarine cable in Burma is not adequate to serve its demand. “That’s why they expressed their interest in using Bangladesh’s submarine cable.”
He, however, did not make it clear whether Bangladesh would allow Burma to use it.
The minister also said the government would launch the much-hyped 3G mobile phone in July or August, while the 4G mobile service would go ahead in December this year.
According to Bangladesh officials,9 million people in Bangladesh are using an internet service while the global users of internet are 2.5 billion. 58.5 percent (86.5 million) people of the country are now using mobile phone, while global users 5.6 billion people or 80 percent.
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Farmers Still Oppressed, Despite New Government
Posted by Arakan Research Centre Arakan History, Breaking News, Home Monday, May 14, 2012
Rathidaung: A farmer from Nipukhan Vilage in Rathidaung Township, who is going to court for alleged trespassing, said that farmers are still being oppressed despite the new government.
“About 26 farmers are being sued for allegedly trespassing on his land by U Saw Aung Thein, a crony backed by the military. The farmers took to the land after the new government was sworn in because they believed that the land would be given back to them as it was confiscated from them during the military government. Now a court case has been brought against them and the farmers are so disappointed as even the military did not sue them for any other reasons,” one of those 26 farmers from Nipukhan Village told Narinjara on the condition of anonymity on 6 May, 2012.
“We 26 farmers are from villages called Nipukhan, Kaung Ree Chaung, Kyung Chaung, and Paung Sar on the bank of the Mayu in Rathidaung Township. What happened is this: The military confiscated our land of about 1800 acres in 1996 with the pretext that it falls within a wild area. We have been farming this land a long time, since the introduction of land possession after first cultivation. When the new government came in, we appealed that these lands belong to us and should be redistributed back to us. The government explained that only 780 acres were confiscated from us. The rest of the land was not included, but when we stepped foot on that land, we were sued for trespassing, stealing shrimp, and intending to destroy other people’s property. Thats why we are going to court as defendants,” the farmer said.
An educated youth from Rathidaung, who is helping with the case, reported that when the land was confiscated, farmers were tortured by being tied up with ropes when they refused to release their land.
“Some corrupt officers from the military and U Saw Aung Thein were cooperating for their own benefit with the support of the military. The military in fact took away 750 acres by force, and the military lent the land to U Saw Aung Thein. And then he took over more land by saying the extra land belonged to the military. He was able to do this by giving bribes to the military. The total land grab extended to 1800 acres and Saw Aung Thein has been exploiting this land for his own benefit. Some farmers who did not want to give up their land were taken and tortured. Since then, he has been using this land,” the youth said.
A farmer also said that Saw Aung Thein has bribed the judge to prolong the case.
“The court case was instigated on 9 March. We have been to the court 6 times but no defendants have been asked any questions yet in the court. The court is only asking questions on the testimonies from the plaintiff. Out of 16 testimonies, only 6 have been investigated and the court case is moving so slow. We believe that U Saw Aung Thein is planning this way to make the farmers jobless during the court case. Sometimes, we go to the court but because the plaintiff doesn’t show up we have to return home,” they said.
The 26 farmers have to travel to the court by boat from their villages and every trip costs them dearly. One trip costs 1,000 kyat and after the court hearing, the farmers cannot go back to their villages and have to stay in Rathidaung for the night, and it costs them more for food and accommodation in the town.
“We have so many difficulties coming to the court. We just want to urge the judge to send us to jail. We do not want to spend the time and money coming to court several times. Otherwise, the judge should finish the case as quickly as possible,” the farmer added.
The latest news reports reveal that other businessmen who are associated with the military are also suing some 19 other farmers in the same region. This is the first time that such groups of farmers have been brought to court over land issues.
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http://www.narinjara.com
“About 26 farmers are being sued for allegedly trespassing on his land by U Saw Aung Thein, a crony backed by the military. The farmers took to the land after the new government was sworn in because they believed that the land would be given back to them as it was confiscated from them during the military government. Now a court case has been brought against them and the farmers are so disappointed as even the military did not sue them for any other reasons,” one of those 26 farmers from Nipukhan Village told Narinjara on the condition of anonymity on 6 May, 2012.“We 26 farmers are from villages called Nipukhan, Kaung Ree Chaung, Kyung Chaung, and Paung Sar on the bank of the Mayu in Rathidaung Township. What happened is this: The military confiscated our land of about 1800 acres in 1996 with the pretext that it falls within a wild area. We have been farming this land a long time, since the introduction of land possession after first cultivation. When the new government came in, we appealed that these lands belong to us and should be redistributed back to us. The government explained that only 780 acres were confiscated from us. The rest of the land was not included, but when we stepped foot on that land, we were sued for trespassing, stealing shrimp, and intending to destroy other people’s property. Thats why we are going to court as defendants,” the farmer said.
An educated youth from Rathidaung, who is helping with the case, reported that when the land was confiscated, farmers were tortured by being tied up with ropes when they refused to release their land.
“Some corrupt officers from the military and U Saw Aung Thein were cooperating for their own benefit with the support of the military. The military in fact took away 750 acres by force, and the military lent the land to U Saw Aung Thein. And then he took over more land by saying the extra land belonged to the military. He was able to do this by giving bribes to the military. The total land grab extended to 1800 acres and Saw Aung Thein has been exploiting this land for his own benefit. Some farmers who did not want to give up their land were taken and tortured. Since then, he has been using this land,” the youth said.
A farmer also said that Saw Aung Thein has bribed the judge to prolong the case.
“The court case was instigated on 9 March. We have been to the court 6 times but no defendants have been asked any questions yet in the court. The court is only asking questions on the testimonies from the plaintiff. Out of 16 testimonies, only 6 have been investigated and the court case is moving so slow. We believe that U Saw Aung Thein is planning this way to make the farmers jobless during the court case. Sometimes, we go to the court but because the plaintiff doesn’t show up we have to return home,” they said.
The 26 farmers have to travel to the court by boat from their villages and every trip costs them dearly. One trip costs 1,000 kyat and after the court hearing, the farmers cannot go back to their villages and have to stay in Rathidaung for the night, and it costs them more for food and accommodation in the town.
“We have so many difficulties coming to the court. We just want to urge the judge to send us to jail. We do not want to spend the time and money coming to court several times. Otherwise, the judge should finish the case as quickly as possible,” the farmer added.
The latest news reports reveal that other businessmen who are associated with the military are also suing some 19 other farmers in the same region. This is the first time that such groups of farmers have been brought to court over land issues.
..................................
http://www.narinjara.com
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