Articles

Using support from the Asia Development Bank, Thailand is planning to restart construction of the road between Myawaddy and Kawkareik Town in Karen State by the end of 2012. Saw Khin Maung Myint, the Karen State Transport Minister confirmed in an interview with Karen News that the planned road construction is part of the highway connection between Thingan Nyi Naung…

Hpa-an householders and students are finally out of the dark after four days without electricity. Hpa-an Town residents were without electricity for four days from the 21st to the 25th of October. Students had to use candlelight during their preparation for their first semester exams. A 60-years-old grandmother spoke to Karen News about the lack of electricity. “The power came…

Karen people are relieved that the Karen National Union have found after intense discussion peaceful solutions to resolve the organisations internal conflict. The KNU released a statement on Saturday 27 October that said it had to its member satisfaction resolved its recent internal rifts and that “the KNU leaders agree to march on in accordance to the basic principles and…

The Karen Nation Union’s Central Standing Committee released a statement following its emergency meeting held on October 25-26th that it had reappointed its recently dismissed leaders. The KNU meeting was attended by 40 Central Standing Committee and Central Standing Committee Candidates(CSCC) members and resolved the differences between the two factions that have recently emerged that threatened to divide the KNU…

Villagers living in the area of the Dawei deep-sea port, part of a mega development project worth USD$60 billion that is planned for southern Burma, claim it is making it hard for them to now make a living. Villagers in the Nabule area of Yebyu Township claim that they have lost farming lands and are now unable to grow seasonal…

Flooding caused by the Thauk Ye Khat hydropower project in Toungoo Township, Bago has stopped local villagers trading. The dam project finished on 13 October and has since block the waterways in the Toungoo Township area. Padoh Saw Eh Wah, the Karen National Union chairman in the Toungoo District told Karen News that the Platwa Bridge between Bawgali and Toungoo…

Karen community organizations, people and religious leaders in Burma have called for the Karen National Union (KNU) to resolve its internal conflict, unite and to continue its ongoing ‘peace-talks’ with the Burma’s government. Representatives from different Karen social organizations, individuals and religions leaders were meeting for the third time to discuss how they could help, contribute and support the building…

The Karen National Union is to hold a ‘special emergency’ meeting tomorrow, Thursday 25th October, to solve differences between two factions that have recently emerged that threatened to divide the KNU and de-rail ‘peace talks’ with the government. In an effort to reach an agreement between the two factions, KNU leaders, including both sides, met for two days earlier this…

As many as a thousand people turned out to pay their last respects at Padoh Saw David Taw’s funeral which was held at Thay Bay Hta in the Karen National Union 7th brigade. The crowd included David Taw’s family, officials from KNU and KNLA, Padoh Saw Ah Toe, Padoh Saw Roger Khin, Padoh Saw Thaw Thi Bwe, Padoh Kwe Htoo…

Pyaw Pyo villagers claim polluted water from the Heinda Mine, in the Dawei District in southern Burma, has made their lives unbearable. Daw Aye Ye, from Pyaw Pyo village told Karen News. “My house is flooded and all of my plantation is gone. My well that I used to use is now ruined and I have to dig for water…