Articles

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…

This years Karen National Day was widely celebrated by villagers, soldiers, refugees and displaced people throughout Karen areas in Burma. A large crowd attended the 65th Anniversary of the Karen National Day held in Karen National Union (KNU) 7th Brigade, Karen State on February 11. Speaking to Karen News, Naw Eh Moe, who said she was pleased to be able…

More than 2,000 internally displaced Karen people felt secure enough to celebrate the Karen National Day in Mutraw District, Northern Karen State. For the first time, on February 11, 2013 over 2,300 displaced Karen villagers taking refuge in Ei Tu Hta internally displaced camp on the banks of the Salween River celebrated Karen National Day. Naw Lah Say Wah, a…

KNU General Secretary, Padoh Kwe Htoo, in an exclusive interview with Karen News stressed that the KNU remains committed to peace, but warns Burma’s government to enact further reforms. “The KNU’s policy is unchanged, despite ceasefire negotiations with the Burma Army. Unity is important for our future struggle. Right now is a critically important time for our people.” He said…

The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) met with representatives of the Burma government’s peace committee on the China Burma border early this week. The government’s Union Peace Making Committee held preliminary ‘peace talks’ with the KIO in Ruili, Yunnan Province, China on Monday. The Karen National Union’s chairman General Saw Mutu Say Poe and General-Secretary Pado Saw Kwe Htoo Win were…

Ashin Pinnya Thami, the renowned monk from Taunggalay Monastery, was injured and hospitalized following a car accident on his way from Pa-an to Rangoon on January 29. Following treatment for an eye injury the Abbott was released from Taunggalay Army Hospital. Ashin Pinnya Thami assistant, U Ahga O’tha, spoke to Karen News. “Ashin Pinnya Thami is back working at our…