BURMA DIGEST A Campaign Journal for Democracy in Burma

January 2007 Issues

* 07.01.2007 issue "Academic Activists, Pragmatists & Opportunists"

English Language Section

I. "Academic Activists"_ Guest Editorial

_ Lamentably some of the younger generations of the Burman group, that was able to inaugurate a well known Burma organization and groom to be potential leaders of future Burma have switched sides and is now working hands in glove with the Junta. .................

II. "Speaking with a Leader of Philippine Senate, part 2" _ interview with AQUILINO “Nene” Q. PIMENTEL, JR.

_ I was under house arrest at the time in Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao after serving several months of incarceration in military jails in Cebu, an island in the Visayas. Somehow the media reached me for my comment on the Aquino assassination.............

III. "Don’t be a Zat Pyet to Zat Thein" _ Feature Article: Prof. Kanbawza Win

_ We are quite positive that we will carry the torch of freedom to the end for truth and justice being on our side the heavenly and celestial beings (no matter what religion you profess) will be on our side. Let us show our solidarity with the international community and the UN..............

IV. "People’s views on Ko Mya Aye"_ Special Report: Dr. Tayza

_ When you look through the events this year- petition and white expression campaigns that he and his group organized inside Burma showed full commitment and bravery of them, more importantly their moves inspired all pro-democracy activists and people of Burma..............

V. "Third Group: A Puppet Group of the Military Regime" _ Feature Article: Khin Ma Ma Myo

_ In recent years, the so-called Third Group of Burma appeared by denouncing sanctions and put forward the idea that the people of Burma are the victims of sanctions and the power struggle between the military regime and opposition groups. They then call themselves as the Third Group of Burma...........

VI. "BURMA BRAINS GET 6 D's"_ Satire: Dr. David Law

_ BURMA DIGEST initially wanted us to only write about a single D-for-Drainage of Brains from Burma. But, I think the problem is more than that. We have at least a 6-D problem. However, none of the D's have anything to do with Distinctions............

VII. "Irregularities in Burma's Education System" _ True Story: Dr. Hla Khine

_ Those lecturers and professors who pretended 'not to know' of such irregularities for fear of losing their ranks and jobs, are guilty of collusion in this despicable collaboration...........

VIII. "Saw Bo Mya’s Revolutionary Life" _ Commentary: Maung Chan

_ Without any formal education, he, however, learns everything by his experiences of life and hard self-study. He is honest and open-minded, loves justice and equality. He spent his whole life in defense of his Karen people............

IX. "A Marriage Made in Hell" _ Cartoon: Feraya

X. "Peacock Flags On The Streets" _ Poem: Mike

_ A GLORIOUS HISTORY OF 1988's UPRISING – STUDENTS' DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT CAMPAIGNS............

XI. "Burma, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" _ Special Report: AEIOU Program

_ AEIOU Programme has started its Cold Season Semester, at Chiang Mai University and some of the Volunteer Faculty Members will be giving public lectures from Jan to May 2007........

XII. "Telephone Campaign"_ Campaign News: Democratic Federation of Burma

Photo Diary Section

I. "59th Independent Day Demonstration in Delhi"_ Thangjalun

II. "59th Independent Day Demonstration in Tokyo"_ Ko Khin Soe & Kyaw Kyaw Naing

III. "Demonstration in Seoul for Human Rights in Burma" _ Zaw Moe Aung

IV. "59th Independent Day Ceremony in Tokyo" _ Ko Sunny

IV. "Rohingya Boat People Captured in Thailand" _ Kyaw Zwa

Burmese Language Section

(Click here for Burmese Fonts)

I. "Phantom Golden Naypyidaw"_ Editorial: Khin Ma Ma Myo

II. "Reporting from inside Burma" _ Interview with Evan William

III. "Review on 2006" _ Feature Article: Amyotheryei U Win Naing

IV. "The Reality inside SPDC Army, part 20"_ Serialized True story: Captain Nay Thu (retired)

V. "On Strategic Non-violent Conflict, part 13"_ Serialized Strategy Discussion: Lwin Aung Soe

VI. "Friedmen's Free Market Economics"_ Translated article: Ko Sala & Bo Aung Din

VII. "Diamond & Human"_ Short Story: Khin Ma Ma Myo

VIII. "For General Saw Bo Mya"_ Poem: Thiha Min

IX. "Daw Khin Kyi Remembered"_ News Report: May Sunda Soe Nyunt

X. "Independent Day Activities in Japan"_ News Report: Kyaw Kyaw Naing & Ko Sunny

XI. "Free Burma Campaign in Korea"_ News Report: Zaw Moe Aung

XII. "Zarganar's New Show"_ News Report: May Sunda Soe Nyunt

XIII. "Construction or Destruction"_ Cartoon: Mr. Burma

XIV. "Independence Day"_ Statement: Ethnic Youth Network Group

* 14.01.2007 issue "Open Your Heart"

English Language Section

I. "Open Heart Campaign"_ Editorial: Tai Samyone

_ It is an opportunity for people to express their innermost ‘heart-felt’ feelings about life in Burma. In psychology it is well known that just describing the events of trauma in life and what is felt about this has a great therapeutic value................

II. "Speaking with a Leader of Philippine Senate, part 3" _ interview with AQUILINO “Nene” Q. PIMENTEL, JR. (by Dr. Tayza)

_ The Myanmar military junta is the very antithesis of a democratic, open, and responsible government that one wishes for the good people of Burma.....the Military Junta is mainly interested in lining up the pockets of the leaders in power. They do not care about the poverty of the masses of the people of Burma.............

III. "Open Heart" _ Special Request by 8888 Generation Students Group

_ Complaining by the people about their sufferings and the bitter consequences of the deteriorating condition of the country could not be regarded or seen as committing a crime under the present laws, rules and regulations. As we are not committing any crime, no one has the right to stop, oppress, or take legal action against us...............

IV. "Opening Heart on Equal Rights for All Ethnic Groups"_ Feature Article: Dr. San Oo aung

_ 60 years ago, in February 1947, all of the Ethnic groups in Burma had a dream to form the Union of Burma with the signing of the Panglon Agreement. Sixty years later, the Ethnic Minorities are still languishing in the corners of Myanmar society and finds themselves an exile in their own land. ..............

V. "Although Burma issue is on UNSC…" _ Open-heart Commentary: Yupar Khin

_ Burmese people are afraid of being accused of anything if they are involved in politics. People do not dare and have a mere chance to express their political choice. Burmese citizens do not have free access to information and ideas. Thus, they are not able to express their views and opinions freely............

VI. "India Burma Cooperation for Democracy"_ Special Report: Dr. Tint Swe

_ The Indian MPs agreed to seek signatures for a memorandum to be sent to UN Security Council. The memo asks for an obligatory resolution on Burma by UNSC.......Subash Chandra Bose Award presentation would be unique and political to express strong support to Burmese pro-democracy movement by the people of India.......

VII. "Irregularities in Burma's Education System, part2" _ True Story: Dr. Hla Khine

_ The investigation committee must have found out by now what shameful and unethical mistake the Rector had done which was unbecoming of a person of his rank and the trust the government had placed in him. But ‘no’ action was taken for whatever gross impropriety he had committed............

VIII. "Our Congratulations to Dr. Lian Hmung Sakhong" _ Commentary: Maung Chan

_ Dr. Lian Hmung Sakhong is to be honoured on 15-1-2007 with the Martin Luther King Prize for 2007 by the parliament of Sweden.......Because of his active involvements in the pro-democracy movement and the ethnic nationalities' struggle, Dr. Lian Hmung Sakhong was arrested, interrogated and tortured by the Burmese junta.............

IX. "This is time for Burma to change Captain to save the economy" _ Opinion: Bo Aung Din

_ It is no doubt the current condition of Myanmar is a result of failed SPDC Military government’s policies. With the economy shrivelling, shrinking, with rising unemployment and high inflation, Myanmar is no longer competitive in the region and the flow of investment is slowing down and migration is reversed..............

X. "A Tumour Discovered inside Burma's Dictator" _ Cartoon: Feraya

XI. "Burma: Reality Check" _ Special Report: AEIOU Program

_ is an appropriate topic for those who are surviving on the whims, obsession, fancies and dream of going back to the mother land.........

Photo Diary Section

I. "N.C.U.B's Burma Office in London"_ Min Hein

II. "Kachin State Day Celebration in Japan"_ Kyaw Kyaw Naing

Burmese Language Section

(Click here for Burmese Fonts)

I. "True Desire of the People"_ Editorial: Khin Ma Ma Myo

II. "Open Heart"_ Special Request by 8888 generation students

III. "Letter to General Than Shwe" _ Open-heart Letter: Lwin Aung Soe

IV. "SPDC should Respect 8888 Students' Cetana"_ Feature Article: Ohn Kyaw Myint

V. "The Reality inside SPDC Army, part 21"_ Serialized True story: Captain Nay Thu (retired)

VI. "On Strategic Non-violent Conflict, part 13b"_ Serialized Strategy Discussion: Lwin Aung Soe

VII. "Premonitions"_ Short Story: May Hnin 88

VIII. "U Thant Library"_ Opinion: Satt Su Lay

IX. "Forecast for 2007"_ Poem: Thiha Min

X. "Merit of Sweeping"_ Poem: Luu Kalaung

XI. "Burma Points Second Birthday"_ News Report: May Sunda Soe Nyunt

XII. "Student Leaders Vow to Fight on"_ News Report: Thaung Nyunt

XIII. "Kachin State Day Celebrated in Japan"_ News Report: Kyaw Kyaw Naing

XIV. "Digital Cheroot"_ Midweek Supplementary Play: Thagyar Min

* 21.01.2007 issue "Friends & Foes of Democracy"

English Language Section

I. "Won all"_ Editorial: Tai Samyone

_ China and Russia are not concerned for the suffering and repression of the people of Burma, nor for freedom and democracy. What they are concerned about is manipulating the junta to their own commercial and political advantage. When it comes to the issues at hand, both China and Russia could find themselves on the Security Council agenda for their own appalling abuses of human rights, freedom and democracy................

II. "A Battle is Lost but not the War" _ Feature Article: Prof. Kanbawza Win

_ In a war against evil regime, unlike the Junta we dare to admit that we have lost one battle but we will never give up for even though our heads are bloody yet we are unbowed. It is just a step backward to go forwards with accelerated speed..............

III. "India should be an Inspiration" _ Feature Article: Dr. Tayza

_ India should try to be a genuine friend for democracy-loving people around the world, rather than a crony of despotic tyrannical regimes in the region. India should be the beacon which shines the light of democracy and gives democratic inspiration to all democracy loving people in South & East Asia regions................

IV. "Current Political Climate"_ Dialogue: Sekkyar Hein & Dr. Sein Myint

_ And we are clearly witnessing the replay of old Cold War scenario, where the US and West on one side, China and Russia on the other, while Japan, Australia and ASEAN sitting on the fence cheering aloud of constructive engagement and democracy, and Burma is the playing field...............

V. "Birds of the same feather: China Russia and SPDC" _ Feature Article: Dr. San Oo Aung

_ Russia, China and Burma were all in the same boat, not long ago all of them were Socialists or Communists under dictators......nowadays they all tried to change their image into the open market economy. However, they could not let go their previous privileges so they all are practicing or maintaining their monopoly or controlling the economy with strict rules and regulations............

VI. "Deceived expectations"_ Feature Article: Raluca Enescu

_ yet how come that the present South African government, having been helped to arise through such similar means, does not seem to empathize in any way?.........

VII. "Its time to shift urgent focus on Myanmar" _ Feature Article: Nava Thakuria

_ India had specially increased pressure on the present Burmese junta (popularly known as State Peace and Development Council) to launch a massive military crack down on all Northeastern armed groups, who are taking shelter inside northern Myanmar.............

VIII. "C4: Communist Chinese Colonialist’s Cruelties" _ Special Analysis: Maha Bandula

_ Chinese authorities are concerned that increasing international attention to the treatment of its minority and dissident peoples have put pressure on the region, with the US and many Western governments continuing to criticize China for not adhering to its commitments to signed international agreements and human rights..............

IX. "The Value of the People of Burma" _ Opinion: Myat Oo

_ The argument that Burma is not an international threat sounds like the junta not pointing a gun at anyone outside Burma means that Burmese people deserve daily human rights violations in their own country and inhumanely treatment in neighbouring countries..............

X. "Big Bully Communist Autocratic Russia" _ Special Analysis: Shwe Ba

_ Russia's is actually scared because they know that what the Myanmar Tatmadaw is doing on the ethnic minorities are same as what they are doing on their own ethnic minorities like Chechens.......So Russians are scared that the Myanmar case became a test case or precedent to punish the Russians for the similar atrocities they are committing..........

XI. "For China-Burma-India Friendship and Peace" _ History Review: Sat Su Lay

_ U Sat Su , who sometimes acted as “Mr.Fixer” for Bogyoke Aung San, whenever a ticklish problem had to be settled with the Japanese, says that he once secured the release of several rich Indians who had been arrested by the Japanese on suspicion of being British agents, and that Subhas Chandra Bose was grateful to him for the favour done to the Indian community..........

XII. "Dirty Money for Useless Toys" _ Cartoon: Feraya

XIII. "The Junta’s Threats" _ Special Report: AEIOU Program

_ Now that the two undemocratic countries of the world has vetoed the Resolution in the UNSC, the apologists, advocates, psychopaths, cronies, supporters and fence sitters of the Junta are crowing, as the last nail in the coffin of the ethno democratic movement..........

XIV. "Explore far away places with An Adventurer's Tale" _ News Report: courtesy of Dr. David Law

_ Mirante will share images of her travels through some of Asia's most dangerous and remote regions, in the IslandWood Great Hall..........

Photo Diary Section

I. "Saw Bo Mya Memorial Ceremony In Japan"_ Kyaw Kyaw Nain

II. "Stage Show of Famous Pro-democracy Burmese Singer"_ Kyaw Kyaw Naing

Burmese Language Section

(Click here for Burmese Fonts)

I. "Uphill Battle"_ Editorial: Khin Ma Ma Myo

II. "Nothing Will Change After Than Shwe's Death"_ Feature Article: Pegu Pagan

III. "The Reality inside SPDC Army, part 22" _ Serialized True story: Captain Nay Thu (retired)

IV. "On Strategic Non-violent Conflict, part 14"_ Serialized Strategy Discussion: Lwin Aung Soe

V. "Step-father's Axe Handle"_ Satire: Mr. Black Smith

VI. "People's Desire"_ Poem: Thiha Min

VII. "Our Comrades"_ Poem: Thurein Htet

VIII. "A Marriage Made in Hell"_ Cartoon: Feraya

IX. "Saved by Bribery"_ Cartoon: Khin Maung Htike

X. "Saw Bo Mya Memorial Ceremony In Japan"_ News Report: Kyaw Kyaw Naing

XI. "Nippon & Burma"_ Commentary: Thurein Htet

XII. "Stage Show of Famous Pro-democracy Burmese Singer"_ News Report: Kyaw Kyaw Naing

XIII. "Denunciation on China & Russia"_ Statement: Ethnic Youth Network Group

XIV. "Denunciation on China, Russia & South Africa "_ Declaration: Burma Muslim Association

* 28.01.2007 issue "Burma in the Region"

English Language Section

I. "ASEAN: What are they up to?"_ Editorial: Tai Samyone

_ ASEAN are presently attempting to revitalise the structure and effectiveness of their organisation. One of the key issues that is holding them back is the intransigence of Burma’s junta refusing to budge anywhere on the road to democracy, freedom and human rights...............

II. "Real People’s Desire: Freedom from Persecution" _ Special Report: Dr. Tayza

_ delegates from Chin and Kachin States of Burma explained to British Parliamentarians and invited guests about sexual violence, human trafficking, forced labour and religious persecution occurring in their areas.......the real people’s real desire in Burma is to let the world knows that they want freedom from persecution.............

III. "A Review Of The 12th ASEAN Summit Meeting" _ Commentary: Khun Hom

_ Ever since its inception 40 years ago, it seems to have made some progress for the past 20 years as a positive contribution to the economic development. But it is still nowhere near to the EU model which it tries to emulate. This is because one of its member nations continues to breach Universal Human Rights Accord of the United Nations.................

IV. "Innocent but Guilty Villagers"_ Feature Article: Victor Khambil

_ they all are innocently guilty before Myanmar military regime and can be whisked away by Myanmar military monsters anytime. With just a speck of suspicion by Myanmar military is punishable with death......where innocence and justice are eclipsed into military regime's lawlessness, the saying of “ All Men Are Created Equal” is written in a flying paper blowing away in the wind............

V. "Green Apartheid" _ Poem & Commentary: Dr. David Law

_ It was very gratifying to see South Africa liberated and the hope was that one day Burma would also be similarly freed....It was heartening to see that there were people who sympathized our Cause, especially outspoken people like Bishop Desmond Tutu....But now, in January 2007, things have changed..........

VI. "The World’s Morality Is an Issue"_ Opinion: Khun Hom

_ there is absolutely no doubt, the two powers China & Russia have compromised their moral principles for their vested interests in total disregard to the ongoing sufferings of humanity..........

VII. "Burma’s Neo-Nazi Brown Shirts or USDA"_ Opinion: Dr. San Oo Aung

_ USDA members would not hesitate or think twice to exploit anything from the people. USDA or Union Solidarity and Development Association thought that through their enormous power, people could be suppressed. ..........

VIII. "A Kachin Activist & Writer, U Maran Bawk La" _ Obituary courtesy of Kachin National Organization

_ U Bawk La was a steadfast political activist throughout his life. In 1963 he joined the Kachin Independence Organization until he was arrested for his underground activities in 1965 and imprisoned for sixteen months. In 1971, he was again imprisoned for eleven months for his participation in the underground student union at Mandalay University.............

IX. "Irregularities in Burma's Education System part 3" _ True Story: Dr. Hla Khine

_ was simply ‘hamstrung’ with the Education Clearance form still hanging in the air......I scouted the exit route towards Morey across the Chin Hills towards India............

X. "Graduate School Tutorial for Burmese students" _ Discussion: Aung Kyaw Soe

_ Basic Education High School (BEHS) system in Burma has 11 grades (11 years secondary education and Burmese BEHS matriculation certificate can be considered between GCE (O) and (A) level and therefore although a B.Sc degree requires a student to spend 4 years in college, it is considered equal to 3 years of college education to compensate 1 year less secondary education he has compared to peers..............

XI. "A Brit Speaking to AEIOU Seminar" _ News Report courtesy of Shan Herald

_ Tonkin, 77, was speaking as a guest speaker at the Chiangmai University, an event organized by the All Ethnic International Open University (AEIOU). He was also frank with his dislike of the word "minorities" to denote the non-Burman ethnic groups in Burma. All the same, he was against the exercise of the Right of Secession, as stipulated in the 1947 Union Constitution. "The only possible solution is federation," he suggested...........

XII. "Trials For Tax Evasion" _ Cartoon: Feraya

XIII. "To Stop Double Taxation by Burmese Embassies" _ Campaign: DTASG

_ Burmese Government has also signed DTA with some ASEAN countries like Singapore, Vietnam etc. but they never practise it. Burmese Embassies usually refuse to give passport renewals if the applicant has not given the double-tax.....If you are paying a double tax to Burmese government, please join in this historic campaign by completing the Double-Taxation Fact Sheet........

Photo Diary Section

I. "Protest in India Against Russia and China's Veto on Burma"_ Thangjalun

II. "Condolence in London for Sayar U Tin Moe"_ Min Hein

III. "Condolence Ceremony in New Delhi for Sayagyi U Tin Moe"_ Thangjalun

IV. "Sayar U Tin Moe's Visits to London"_ Tayy Aye Yate

V. "A Seminar in India for Burma"_ Thangjalun

VI. "A Journalism Class For Burmese Expatriates In Malaysia"_ Tun Tun Naing

VII. "SYCB's Political Meeting"_ Thangjalun

Burmese Language Section "Dedicated to Sayar U Tin Moe"

(Click here for Burmese Fonts)

I. "The Beacon of Burmese Literature"_ Editorial: Khin Ma Ma Myo

II. "The Nation's Greatest Poet"_ Feature Article: Win Phe`