Articles

A Shan environmental organization warned that the recent increase military tension between the Burma Army and the ethnic armed group, the Shan State Army-North (SSA-N), could destroy cease-fire agreements and result in conflict that could cause massive displacement in Northern Shan State. The Shan Sapawa Environmental Organization said that on March 26, the Burma Army issued an ultimatum to the…

The Burma Army orders Shan Army to clear way for Chinese Mega Projects while surrounding Shan State with tanks and artillery. Burma’s military has given an ultimatum to the Shan State Army-North (SSA-N) to remove its troops from the West Bank of the Salween River, near the construction of a Chinese backed mega dam. On March 26, Burma’s Northeast Regional…

The Back Pack Health Worker Team (BPHWT) and Phalon Education Development Unit (PEDU) began a seven-month auxiliary obstetrician-training course on March 31, in Pa-an Township, Karen State. The training opening ceremony was held in Taunggalay village and nearly 40-people attended the opening ceremony, including the BPHWT’s director, Saw Kyaw Win, Karen State Health directorate Dr. Win Naing, village administrators, health…

For the first time, Karen people from different regions inside Burma and from the Thai-Burma border got together to discuss current Karen affairs in Hpa-an Town, Karen State. After two days of talks, a Karen Unity and Peace Committee (KUPC) was formed to work towards securing a better future for all Karen people. The meeting held from March 29 to…

Government authorities have applied pressure to 30 villagers in Cha Khan village who have refused to relocate, to make way for the construction of the Dawei deep-sea port. The villagers are refusing to move until they are given what they think is fair compensation. According to local people,the 30 villagers from Cha Khan Village in Htein Gyi tract, Tenasserim Division…

The Myanmar Mahar Dana Company called a meeting to discuss with Htilon villagers their plans to build an antimony processing plant near Htilon village, Hlaingbwe Township, in Karen State. Mahar Dana chairman U Tin Soe told villagers at the meeting in Htilon village on March 24, that he wanted to build a processing plant with the agreement of the villagers…

Karen News photojournalist Saw Mort spent time with landmine casualty Saw LahKyi, a Karen National Liberation Army soldier, who lost both legs when he stepped on a mine in 2009. The Royal Thai Army estimates that the Thai Burma border is the region’s most heavily landmined and according to the 2012 Landmine Monitor Report, Karen State has the most casualties…

Between Thailand and Myanmar, the town of Mae Sot is experiencing rapid economic growth. But the story of success is a double-edged sword, with migrant workers struggling to live, even as the town gets richer. The border town of Mae Sot is undergoing an unprecedented boom, riding on Myanmar’s rapid opening up and its strategic position as a regional transport…

Farmers in Karen State have been told to apply for land concession of their farmland that were either confiscated or were sold off by officials in the previous military government before the 2010 national election. From February this year farmers can now apply to village administration offices to get back the use of their ‘stolen’ land. Farmers in Hpa-an area…

Following the murderous violence between Buddhist and Muslim communities in Meikhtila Town last week, a prominent Buddhist monk organization has forbid its congregation to be involved in sectarian violence. The Saffron Monk Network issued a statement last week warning the public not to take part in any violent events following the riots between the Buddhist and Muslim communities in Meikhtila…