Karen News

Cha Khan villagers in Nabule area of Yephyu Township, Tenasserim Division who had their homes bulldozed by the Italian-Thai Development Company (ITD) to make way for the Dawei deep-sea project are facing difficulties to make a living. Local sources said villagers from Cha Khan were force to leave their homes to make way for construction work related to the Dawei…

Yesterday, a photo exhibition, ‘Resources Curse’ opened in Bahan Township, Rangoon. The exhibition, organized by the Green Heart Environment Network, draws attention to the contentious Latpaudang Copper Mining Project. U Soe Win Nyein, a graphic artist and an organizer of the exhibition told Karen News that the purpose of the exhibition was to make people more aware of the social…

A report released by the Dutch think-tank, the Transnational Institute, expressed concern at the prospect of massive development projects in conflict-ridden parts of Burma. As Burma is emerges from decades of military rule, it is attracting foreign investors – especially in the resource sector. “Burma has entered a pivotal stage in its political and economic development,” the report said, “The…

The Karen National Union has requested that the Burmese government include members of its military elite in future ‘peace talks’ between the two sides. In a meeting held yesterday, in the Burma border town of Myawaddy, the KNU chairman General Saw Mutu Say Poe met with Burma’s Vice-President, Sai Mauk Kham. According to a KNU source, General Mutu, the heads…

Rumors continue to circulate among refugees about the closing of the U.S. resettlement program. In an effort to get its message to refugees about the issue, the International Rescue Committee’s Resettlement Support Center has issued document with 20 key questions and answers. Karen News has reprinted it in full. FAQ / Key Messages for Beneficiaries Regarding Deadline for Expression of…

Despite the lifting of sanctions, experts predict that Burma’s long-term economic outlook is full of risks for potential investors, as military-linked companies continue to hold sway over the economy. It is boom time for Burma. The impoverished but resource rich country, once isolated under a military dictatorship, has seen a series of political reforms under its President U Thien Sien…

The Italian-Thai Development Company (ITD) bulldozed the homes of Cha Khan residents’ in Yephyu Township, Tenasserim Division, to make way for the Dawei deep-sea project. Speaking to Karen News, a Cha Khan villager said. “At the end of January, the ITD Company bulldozers began clearing Cha Khan village. Now, only 15 houses are left. The land owner victims have no…

Speaking on the 5th anniversary of the assassination of Karen National Union leader, Padoh Mahn Sha Lah Phan, his four children thanked people world wide for their continued support of their father’s principles and their condolences. Padoh Mahn Sha was murdered at his exiled home, in the Thai border town of Mae Sot, on Valentine’s Day 2008 by militia gunman…

A Burma Army supply truck was hit by a mine on Tuesday evening in Tantabin Township, Toungoo District, eyewitnesses said the explosion left two injured and two dead. The blown-up truck was from the 4th Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) under the command of Deputy Colonel Ye Thwin Aung under the 66th Division. The accident happened as a convoy of 20…

The Karen Women Organization’s held its 6th congress in early February at Lay Wah, Hlaingbwe Township, Karen State. The KWO spokesperson, Executive Committee member, Naw Blooming Night Zan explained to Karen News that 138 representatives, observers and delegates attended the Congress. Naw Blooming Night Zan said that every position such as community organizing, data collections, organizing, education, social and health…