MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
A Monthly Publication of the Burmese Rohingya Association in Japan (BRAJ)
AUGUST 2008
Suu Kyi refuses to meet UN envoy
Volume 5, Issue 8
07:14 AEST Sun Aug 24 2008
In This Issue
1. Suu Kyi refuses to meet UN envoy
2. Myanmar opposition says Suu Kyi
refused food packages
3. Angry Reaction to Samak’s ‘Suu
Kyi is a Tool’ Remark
4. Bush: Burma’s Neighbors Not
Interested in Sanctions
5. Burmese activists and supporters
remember ‘8.8.88’ protests
6. 88 Student leader appear in court
7. Bush,First lady’s Busy days in
Thaiand
8. Rangoon authorities collect monk’s
personal data
9. Ten jailed for Setember 2007
protests
10. Rohingya refugee situation in
Bangladesh highlighted in seminar
11. Three Muslim Leaders Relaesed
in Arakan
12. Peaceful demonstrations in
Arakan
13. Nasaka extorts money on false
Allegations
14. Rohingya shot dead in
Maungdaw, Arakan
15. Cambodian MP urges UN,
ASEAN to fulfill Burma promise
VOLUM 5 ISSUE 8
PAGE-1
(BRAJ)
Burma's detained democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi,
refused to meet with visiting UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari,
state television says, leaving him little to show for his
six-day mission.
24 August, AFP: Gambari flew to Rangoon hoping to revive talks
between the Nobel Peace Prize winner and the military regime,
but he was shunned by her and by the junta's senior leadership.
Aung San Suu Kyi ignored pleas by two of Gambari's aides for her
to speak with him, state TV said, showing images of the pair
waiting in vain outside the gate to her house, where she has been
confined for most of the last 19 years.
"Although plans were made during Mr Gambari's visit for him to
meet with Aung San Suu Kyi on August 20, Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi refused to
meet him," it
said, using an
honorific before
her name.
The broadcast
also showed Burma officials shouting into a megaphone, saying,
"Mr Gambari wants to meet you".But the report said Aung San
Suu Kyi never acknowledged any of their efforts to speak with her.
Her apparent rejection of Gambari's mediation highlights the
political stalemate in Burma, which has been ruled by the military
since 1962.Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy
(NLD) won a landslide in 1990 elections, but was never allowed to
government..
Cont Next Pg..
AUGUST 2008
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER PAGE-2
The regime instead unveiled its outrage at the bloodshed, the "It's a failure. The prime minister
own "road map" to democracy, generals appointed a liaison to is not a powerful person who can
and after more than a decade of meet with Aung San Suu Kyi. make a decision to revive the
delays, has drafted a new talks. The worst thing is not
constitution that was approved in But the two have not met since being able to see Aung San Suu
a referendum in May. The junta January, when the opposition Kyi," said Thailand-based Burma
says the charter will set the stage leader complained about the analyst Win Min.
for new polls in 2010. slow pace of their talks.
"For Gambari, this time he will be
But the NLD has derided the On Gambari's last visit in March, very disappointed ... I think it will
process as meaningless, the junta openly rebuffed all of be very difficult for him to
accusing the regime of rigging its his calls for political reform, while continue the mission," Win Min
92 per cent victory in the junta leader Than Shwe refused said.
referendum and demanding the to see him.

generals open talks with Aung The UN envoy held two meetings
This trip was even worse, with NLD leaders during his stay
San Suu Kyi and the country's
analysts said.Gambari did meet in Burma.
many ethnic minorities.
early on Saturday with Prime

Gambari had initially made some Minister Thein Sein, only after he "Last time, she met him, but

progress in the wake of Burma's extended his trip by a day. But there has been no progress

deadly crackdown on pro- Thein Sein is not a senior since then... She won't want to

democracy protests led by member of the junta and has little be used for Gambari to say his

Buddhist monks in September. influence over decision-making. mission is working," Win Min told

Seeking to soothe international AFP.

Myanmar opposition says Suu Kyi refused food packages

The Associated Press, Aug 26 : Peace Prize winner last accept- worried about this situation as

Myanmar's detained democracy ed fresh food supplies on August we have no direct contact with

leader Aung San Suu Kyi has 15 but her National League for her at all," said NLD spokesman

started refusing food deliveries, Democracy (NLD) said the Nyan Win.

her party said Tuesday, but the circumstances remained unclear.

"We also heard she gave
ruling junta denied rumours she
"I cannot confirm whether she is demands to the authorities two
had launch- ed a hunger strike.
on hunger strike, but we heard weeks ago. We don't know what

Exiled dissidents in India and she didn't collect her food since her demands were but it is likely

Thailand reported that the Nobel two weeks ago. We are very they were regarding her

Cont Next Pg..

VOLUM 5 ISSUE 8 AUGUST 2008
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER PAGE-3
detention. "A Myanmar govern- supplies were last accepted on the country on Saturday with

ment official, however, August 15 but were turned few results.In an attempt to

dismissed the reports of a away on August 22. soothe international outrage

hunger strike."It is just rumours, after a violent crackdown on

Aung San Suu Kyi, 63, has
it is not true," he said, refusing anti-junta protests last
spent most of the past 19 years
to be named. "We have not got September, the generals
confined to her lakeside
any (political) demands from appointed a liaison, labour
Yangon home. Her latest
her." minister Aung Kyi, to negotiate
detention began more than five
with Aung San Suu Kyi.
Still, the rumours were years ago.She has been

persistent enough to spread to allowed little contact with the But they have not met since

Western diplomatic circles, with outside world -- she met her January, when the opposition

one diplomat who requested lawyer, Kyi Win, twice in leader complained about the

anony- mity telling AFP: "We August but that was their first slow pace of their talks.

are trying to know more. The meeting since 2004.

only person who has seen her
is the doctor." Aung San Suu
Kyi's doctor and lawyer were
permitted to visit her on August
17 when she was given a
medical checkup, her first since
February.
One exiled opposition party
based on the Thai-Myanmar
border said it had heard Aung
San Suu Kyi's weekly food
Last week the junta said Aung
San Suu Kyi had refused to
meet visiting UN special envoy
Ibrahim Gambari, and state
television aired images of his
two aides standing in vain
outside her compound waiting
for a response.
Gambari also failed to meet
junta head Than Shwe, and left
Aung San Suu Kyi remains a
powerfully potent symbol of the
struggle to end military rule in
Myanmar despite being largely
silenced by the generals.
Her party won national
elections in 1990 but the junta
-- which has ruled Myanmar
with an iron grip since 1962 --
never allowed it to assume
power.

From Page-4
During his Bangkok stopover, Gambari is scheduled to visit
Marie Okabe, said in New York Gambari urged Samak to Indonesia before returning to
on Monday: “One should not continue his support for the New York, where Okabe said
make a judgment on the UN mission to break the he would report to Ban
process based on each political deadlock in Burma. Ki-moon on his latest visit to
Burma.
individual visit.” Burma. Irrawaddy news:
news:

VOLUM 5 ISSUE 8 AUGUST 2008

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER PAGE-4

Angry Reaction to Samak’s 'Suu Kyi is a Tool' Remark

Tuesday,August 28: Burmese
opposition politicians
some political observers and
commentators have strongly
rejected Thai Prime Minister
rejected the Thai premier’s
and comments as inappropriate.
“As the leader of a country, he
should not give such comments
attitude in attacking whoever
disagrees with him. Look at the
manner he attacks the Thai
media everyday.”

Samak Sundaravej’s descrip- about the political affairs of A Burmese ethnic leader, Cin

tion of Aung San Suu Kyi as a other countries,” said NLD Sian Thang, chairman of the

“political tool” of the West. Spokesman Nyan Win. Zomi National Congress in
Rangoon, accused
Samak made the Samak of “insulting
controversial Burmese people.”
comment to UN
envoy Ibrahim Cin Sian Thang

Gambari when the charged that Samak

two met in “doesn’t support the

Bangkok as the formation of

Nigerian diplomat democracy in Burma.”

was returning
A well-known
from his latest
Nyan Win accused Samak of Burmese politician and former
failed mission to Burma.
favoring the Burmese regime ambassador to China in the

“Europe uses Aung San Suu and ignoring the Burmese 1970s, Thakin Chan Htun, said

Kyi as a political tool,” Samak people. in Rangoon that Samak’s

told Gambari. “If it's not remarks were based on

related to Aung San Suu Kyi, Kavi Chongkittavorn, senior Thailand’s business interests in

you can have deeper discus- editor of the Bangkok English- Burma, which were more

sions with Myanmar [Burma].” language daily newspaper The important to him than
Nation said, “I think Samak’s democratic reform.
Samak also told reporters after comment is ridiculous. And he
meeting Gambari: “Efforts to has tarnished Thailand’s Although Gambari failed to

engage the military regime reputation as the chairman of meet any top Burmese leader

would be more productive if the Asean (the Association of or Aung San Suu Kyi on his

Aung San Suu Kyi was left off Southeast Asian Nations). latest visit, the UN denied the

the agenda.” mission was a failure. UN

“He [Samak] doesn’t even Secretary General Ban Ki-
Aung San Suu Kyi’s National understand the situation in moon’s deputy spokeswoman,
League for Democracy (NLD) Burma. He has a very sadistic
Cont. Page-3

VOLUM 5 ISSUE 8 AUGUST 2008

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER PAGE-5

Bush: Burma’s Neighbors Not Interested in Sanctions

WASHINGTON, August 1: — arrest by a group of military let them know that the United
US President George W Bush guys that just simply won't States of America hears their
said on Thursday that allow the will of the people to voices. You know, it's a tough
neighboring countries do not flourish." issue for some countries.
favor economic sanctions
against Burma, and this is one The US president, who will "I do want to thank the Thai

of the reasons US sanctions meet with several Burmese government for its

have not been as successful as dissidents while in Bangkok, in understanding of the refugee

he would have liked. another roundtable interview issue, particularly as relates to

with foreign print media, the border policy,” he said. “I
"There are some countries in acknowledged there is a dif- think it's been very wise and
the neighborhood that are not ference of opinion within the very humane."
interested in joining," Bush Association of Southeast Asia
told Suthichai Yoon of the Nations about how hard to Meanwhile, three leading

National Media Group of push Burma to move toward Burmese dissident groups—the

Thailand in an interview, the democracy. "I'm at one end of All Burma Monk's Alliance, the

transcript of which was the ledger,” he said. “And we'll 88 Generation Students and

released by the White House. continue to press hard." the All Burma Federation of
Student Union—urged UN
Bush said sanctions are not On meeting with Burmese Secretary General Ban
working more effectively dissidents in Bangkok, Bush Ki-moon to review the mission
because many neighboring said: "My message is going to of the United Nations in
countries do not apply them. be one directed to the people in Burma.
Observing that unilateral Burma when I meet with some
sanctions are effective only to a of the activists, and Laura is The statement said: "The

certain extent, he urged other going to be meeting with some United Nations is stepping

countries to join the US which of the people that she got to back from its benchmarks,

has slapped the Burmese junta know." which is the realization of an

with a series of sanctions, the all party-inclusive, democratic,

last round early this week.
Praising the
democracy advocate, Aung San
Suu Kyi, for her courage, Bush
Bush thanked the people of participatory and transparent
Thailand and its government process of national reconci-
Burmese for their humanitarian help to liation."
the people of Burma in the
aftermath of Cyclone Nargis. Instead of working toward

said: "Here is a very heroic these benchmarks, the UN has

woman that was elected "I think it's very constructive allowed the Burmese military

overwhelmingly by her people and very helpful,” he said. “And regime to embark on a

and has now been under house I will be speaking to activists to unilateral
Cont. Page-7

VOLUM 5 ISSUE 8 AUGUST 2008

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER PAGE-6

Burmese activists and supporters remember '8.8.88' protests

August 08: - Burmese some held commemorative political prisoners including

activists and international functions, as well as photo pro-democracy leader Daw
supporters across the globe on exhibitions on last years Aung San Suu Kyi.
Friday held commemorations September protests and The twentieth anniversary
of the 20th anniversary of the impacts of Cyclone Nargis of the August 8, 1988
popular '8.8.88' uprising, that hit Burma in early May. democracy protests, were
which its military rulers Activists urged observed with demonstrations
brutally crushed, killing at international community to by activists in several
least 3000 protestors. escalate pressure on the countries including Malaysia,
While in many parts of the Burmese junta, which ruled India, Korea, Japan, Thailand
world Burmese activists and the country since 1962 and and United States.
their supporters held protests, demanded the release of
Tokyo, Japan
In Tokyo, more than 1,000 involved in organizing the convene the peoples parliament."
Burmese nationals from several program said, "We held a brief Demonstrators also shouted
exiled political parties marched demonstration in front of the slogans that call on Burma's
around the city for over an hour Burmese embassy and demanded military rulers 'to stop killing
walking and held a brief for the release of all political and abusing the Burmese people'
demonstration in front of the prisoners including Daw Aung and urged the international
Burmese embassy. San Suu Kyi, and to begin community to intervene and
Myat Thu, an activist who dialogue and to immediately pressure for changes in the
country. Mizzima news:

88 Student leaders appear in court

Aug 28, 2008 (DVB)– Min Ko
Naing, Ko Mya Aye and other
88 generation student leaders
appeared yesterday for the first
time at a court hearing at Insein
prison's special court where they
have been charged with several
offences.
Central court lawyer U Aung
Thein and two other lawyers, U
Kyi Win and U Nyaung, will act
as defence lawyers for the
student leaders, but have not yet
been able to meet their clients.
However, Aung Thein
observed the proceedings as he
happened to be in the court at the
same time for a court hearing for
his other clients, prominent
monk U Gambira and 10 others
charged alongside him.
"[The student leaders] have not
yet been allowed to meet their
lawyers as not all of those
involved in the case were present
at the time," Aung Thein said.
"The prosecutors have just
opened the cases against them so
no one yet knows the details,
such as in which courts their
trials will be held."

VOLUM 5 ISSUE 8 AUGUST 2008

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER PAGE-7

Bush, First Lady’s Busy Days in Thailand

August 6, (The Irrawaddy ): of foreign diplomats, Thai US stance regarding the
Security is tight in Bangkok government leaders and political situation in Burma.
and Tak Province as the US business officials.
President and first lady are The Thai foreign minister

scheduled to arrive in Thailand The president will visit Mercy reiterated that “the Thai

on Wednesday. Center, which serves children government still maintains its

US President George W Bush,
accompanied by his wife, Laura
Bush, is making his third visit
to Thailand since he assumed
office in 2000.
Bush and his Thai hosts mark
175 years of relations, which
began with an 1833 treaty and
gifts of a ceremonial sword,
gold watch and silver basket
from President Andrew
Jackson to King Rama III.
Bush attends an honorary
dinner at Government House
on Wednesday after private
discussions with Thai Prime
Minister Samak Sundaravej.
Bush is to deliver the address
in a convention center on
Thursday morning to a crowd
From Page-5
and brutal path, forcing
democracy groups to live in a
repressive, untenable position, it
said."If the secretary-general
openly and strongly asks the
Security Council take action on
VOLUM 5 ISSUE 8
who live in Bangkok slums,
while his wife Laura will travel
to a refugee center in Mae Sot
in Tak Province on the border
with Burma.
Ten exiled Burmese, including
The Irrawaddy editor, Aung
Zaw, will have a private lunch
with Bush and discuss a wide
range of issues regarding
Burma.
Laura Bush will meet with
refugees at the Mae La Refugee
Camp and also visit Dr Cynthia
Maung at the Mae Tao Clinic in
Mae Sot. The first lady has
waged a vigorous campaign for
human rights in Burma.
Thai Foreign Minister Tej
Bunnag said Bush is expected
to deliver a statement on the
Burma, we believe that China
and Russia might change their
position," the statement said.
The statement expressed
disappointment with the role
played by UN Special Envoy to
Burma Ibrahim Gambari, who
policy of non-intervention in
Burma's internal affairs,”
according to a report on the
Thai News Agency Web site on
Wednesday.
Nonetheless, he said Thailand
will cooperate in seeking a way
out of the political conflicts in
the neighboring country in a
constructive manner under the
framework set forth by the
Association of Southeast Asian
Nations, a regional grouping of
countries. Thailand has
assumed the chairmanship this
year.
Thai officials have increased
security in Bangkok and Mae
Sot. About 200 US security
officials have been in Mae Sot
since early this week.
will visit Burma in August:
"Instead of convincing the
regime with a forceful voice and
the strength of moral authority,
it seems that he was convinced
by the regime that there was no
other way [but] to accept their
unilateral actions."
Irrawaddy news:
news:
AUGUST 2008
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER PAGE-8

Rangoon authorities collect monks’ personal data

Aug 29, 2008 (DVB)–Authorities they have been collecting more
in the four Dagon townships in detailed information from each taking place in many townships
Rangoon have begun collecting monk. across Rangoon including South
the full personal details of "Normally, a [government- Okkalapa, Tharkayta, Daw Pon
monks staying in local nominated] Sangha leader and Shwe Pyi Thar.
monasteries, according to would just sign a notification of Meanwhile, security has
residents. the monks staying in the been tightened in Rangoon with
monastery for Buddhist lent military units circling the city in
There are hundreds of and that would be it – but this trucks late at night and troops
monasteries in the four year, they are collecting more patrolling the streets.
townships, including Myin Chan thorough personal infor- Rangoon residents have
and Ywar Ma lecturing mation," said the resident. speculated that the increase in
monasteries, each of which "They are making profiles of security is to prevent public
houses hundreds of monks. each monk with details such as demonstrations commemorat-
A local resident said it was where their families live and ing the one-year anniversary of
usual for the authorities to what they do and if they have last year's September protests
collect the monks' personal any political background." which ended in a violent
details every year, but this year He claimed the process is also crackdown.

Ten jailed for September 2007 protests

Aug 29, 2008 (DVB)–Ten U Thet Tun and U Thein Tun, Aung Thein said he would be
people, including Bogalay according to lawyer U Aung working on an appeal against
township National League for Thein. the judgment.
Democracy chairman U Aung The six were arrested after Four other activists, including
Khin Bo, have been sentenced Bogalay township NLD one from Hinthada township,
to 30 months’ imprisonment for members led by Aung Khin Bo were also jailed for 30 months
their involvement in public held mass demonstrations last yesterday for their involvement
protests last September. September against the rise in in last September’s demon-
fuel and commodity prices. strations.
Aung Khin Bo was sentenced by They were charged with The other three, Ko Aung Moe
Pyapon township court along unlawful assembly and Win, Ko Htay Win and Ko Kyi
with Bogalay NLD secretary U disturbing the public order Then, were arrested after
Maung Maung Chit, joint under sections 143 and 505(b) leading a demonstration in
secretary Daw Mi Mi Sein, of the penal code, and have Laputta township on 3
treasurer Daw Khin Lay, and been held in Pyapon prison September which was joined by
organising committee members since their detention. more than 1000 people.

VOLUM 5 ISSUE 8 AUGUST 2008

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER PAGE-9
Rohingya refugee situation in Bangladesh highlighted in seminar

August 26, Chittagong, Bazaar and Teknaf. But some cough, dysentery, asthma and
Bangladesh: A seminar, which reports said it would be around jaundice. About 72.72 percent
brought to light the situation of 500,000 refugees. Mostly, the of refugees are illiterate and
unregistered Rohingya NGO survey was on only 4.23 percent have studied
refugees in Bangladesh, was unregistered Rohingya up to Classes 6 to 10 and 23
held at Chittagong Press Club refugees on the border areas of percent have had primary
yesterday evening. It was Bangladesh and Burma. The education," the director said.
organized by a local NGO, Rohingya refugees are living in Rohingya refugees entered
Neeti Gobeshona Kendro. huts which are built with Bangladesh following extreme
There were around 60 polythene, tin, jute stalk, dry repression by the Burmese
participants including junta which
two monks from employed them in
Sasana Moli of laborious jobs
Bangladesh, journalists, without any wages,
professors from forced labour,
Chittagong University imposed high rate of
and students from taxation, restricted
different universities in their movement and
Chittagong. marriage, and
The Director of Neeti imposed all kinds of
Gobeshona Kendro,
Participants in the event.(KPN) persecution of
Mahbubul Haque
religious, educational,
delivered the key note address stalk of grain and hemp. The
economical, political, social
and released a survey report. refugees use dry leaves,
among others. Refugees wish
Later, U Thawara, General branches and firewood to cook
to go back to their homeland if
Secretary of All Burma Monks' their food. About 16 percent
Burma becomes stable and
Representative Committee Rohingyas have food only once
equal rights are given to ethnic
(ABMRC), journalists from a day. Among them 46 percent
people. All the speakers
Chittagong and some eat chilli paste and green
highlighted that the Rohingya
professors of Chittagong leaves. It is very significant that
refugee problem can't be
University also spoke. The they only eat meat only during
solved only at Bangladesh's
NGO survey report was read religious festivals like
initiative. Bangladesh, the
out on the estimated 250,000 (Eid-ul-Azha).
Burmese government and the
unregistered Rohingya "The health situation of
international community should
refugees living in the areas Rohingya is serious and they
take the initiative to resolve the
around Chittagong, the mostly suffer from fever,
problem.
Chittagong Hill Tracts, Cox's pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, Kalandan press

VOLUM 5 ISSUE 8 AUGUST 2008

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER PAGE-10
Three Muslim Leaders Released in Arakan

August 29: Narinjara news: identified as Dr. Hla Myint, Dr. ment permission. Maungdaw
Three Muslim leaders who were Anna Wa, and Nokur Bi, who police charged them under
arrested by Burmese military was a UNHCR driver. All are Section 17 (1) and 17 (2), for the
authorities in March last year residents of Maungdaw. illegal formation of an
were released Thursday on bail organization.
in the border town Maungdaw, They were arrested by Sarafa,
said a close friend of the three. the Burmese military intel- The other nine Muslim leaders,
He said, "They were released ligence unit, on 30 March 2007 including lawyer U Than Tun
yesterday from Maungdaw jail, along with nine other Muslim and Dr. Tun Aung, remain in
but the release is on bail." leaders in Maungdaw on prison and are expected to be
accusations they had formed an sentenced to imprisonment by
The released leaders were organization without govern- the authority.

Peaceful demonstrations in Arakan

Kyaukpyu, Arakan. Aug 11: an undertaking. He also against the Burmese military
Silent protest marches marked confirmed that five men who junta on the 20th anniversary of
the 20th anniversary of the played a leading role are still in the 8-8-88 nationwide uprising
brutally crushed '8-8-88' custody and their fate is in Burma, he added.
democracy uprising in most unknown. Arm personnel dispersed
towns of Arakan State in Similarly, in Kyaukpyu, two activists who were gathering to
Taunggup, Kyaukpyu, army trucks with army demonstrate on the 20th
Rambree and Akyab on August personnel from the light anniversary at Paragyi, the
8, said a local elder from Infantry Battalion, (LIB) 34 largest temple in Akyab, said
Kyaukpyu. foiled and dispersed those who an eyewitness. Monks from
Burma's military regime are in a silent protest march several monasteries gathered
arrested 21 activists near near the fire bridge junction at in the morning inside Paragyi
Nackmoaw village some about 8 am. No body was temple to march along the
distance from Taungup, when arrested, said an activist, who streets against the junta, but
they were coming peacefully to was in the group. they were unable to carry out
the main town of Taungup for a In Rambree, Maung Aye their plan after army personnel
silent protest march, he added. Thein, a teacher of a State moved in to the temple. There
Thein Naing, a senior member Middle School No. 1 and U is no information on whether it
of the opposition National Thumana, an abbot from is taking action against the
League for Demo- cracy, (NLD) Rambree Taung Kyaunn monks who were preparing to
in northwest state of Arakan, monastery were detained, said stage the demonstration in
said they were released after a student from Rambree. About Sittwe on August 8, sources
question- ing and had to sign 40 activists demonst- rateed said. Narinjara news

VOLUM 5 ISSUE 8 AUGUST 2008

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
. Nasaka extorts money on false allegations
05 Aug, Buthidaung, Arkan
State: Burma's border security
force, or Nasaka extorted Kyat
160,000 from four Rohingya
villagers on fabricated
allegations on July 20, said a
relative of the victims.
On July 20, at about
midnight, Nasaka personnel
from Nasaka area No. 9 of
Buthidaung Township went to
Ngaran Chaung Village in
Taung Bazaar village tract of
Buthidaung Township, and
were checking the family lists of
the village.
But they did not find any
extra people in the houses.
Rohingya shot dead in Maungdaw, Arakan
18 Aug, Maungdaw, Arakan
State: A Rohingya was shot
dead by a gang of unidentified
miscreants when he was
sleeping athome on August 11,
at about 1:30 pm. The gang
fired on him from a window.
The victim was identified as
Hafez Ahmed (42), son of Ali
Ahmed from Mizzali Para of
Fokira Bazaar in Maungdaw
Township, Arakan State. He
was an informer of Nasaka,
Burma's border security force.
After the incident, the police
brought the body to Bawli
VOLUM 5 ISSUE 8
However, they (Nasaka) found
that four people were missing
from the houses because they
were sleeping in their farm huts.
The Nasaka not being to fault
the villagers, alleged that they
were absent from the houses
while they were checking the
family list. They (Nasaka)
demanded Kyat 40,000 from
each if they wanted to remain
in the family lists, said another
relative of the victims. The
victims were identified as
Shikander (40), son of Kala
Meah, Ahmed Hussain( 50),
son of Amir Hussain,
Bazaar clinic for autopsy. In the
evening, the body was buried in
the local grave yard. That day,
Md Ayas (35), son of Mohamu-
dur Rahaman includeing two
others from the same village
were arrested by Nasaka
personnel of Nasaka area No.2
in Maungdaw Town- ship.
Some villagers said that he was
killed by his rival because he
was jealous of his wealth while
some said he was killed for his
proximity to Nasaka.
The arrested were sent to the
Nasaka camp where they are
PAGE-11
Abusiddique (50), son of Abdu
Suban, Abdu Khalek (40), son
of Abul Khasim. The next day
the victims were called to the
Nasaka camp and arrested and
detained in the camp. But, they
were released in the evening
after they paid Kyat 40,000
each, otherwise, they would
have been tortured until
Nasaka got the money. A local
trader adked," Is it illegal that
the victims were sleeping in
their huts? Or it is a crime.
They are conspiring against the
Rohingya community, because
of their might. It means might is
right." Kaladan press:
being detained and interrog-
ated. Some people from the
village said that he was a good
man while some said that he
was notorious who harassed
villagers. On August 16, some
policemen went to the village
from the Bawli Bazaar police
station to search for the killers
and arrested some villagers on
suspicion but later released
them after taking money.
Similarly, an informer Murtaza
of Maung Nama village of
Nasaka Director of Kawarbill
was killed in June.
Kaladan press:
AUGUST 2008
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER PAGE-12

Cambodian MP urges UN, ASEAN to fulfill Burma promise

27 August - A Cambodian hear reports about detained military junta is not leading
Parliamentarian on Wednes- Burmese democracy icon Daw to a solution but is
day called on the Secretary Aung San Suu Kyi living strengthening their rule.
Generals of the United without food. Though Gambari had
Nations and Association of "I believe that she [Aung visited military-ruled country
Southeast Asian Nations to San Suu Kyi] is on hunger several times, there has been
fulfill their promise on Burma strike… I think it is the right no productive outcome, Son
by initiating a new approach time to remind them [UN and Chhay said, adding that he
to finding a political solution ASEAN General Secretaries], agrees with Aung San Suu
for the country. that they must abide to their Kyi's decision not to meet the
Son Chhay, Chairperson of promise," Son Chhay. UN envoy during his last visit.
Committee on Foreign Affairs, Reports said Aung San "We want a more serious
International Cooperation Suu Kyi, who has been under action. Perhaps, the UN
and Media of the National detention for the last 12 of 18 Secretary General should
Assembly of the Kingdom of years, has refused to accept appoint somebody else," he
Cambodia, in separate letters food supplies since mid- added.
on Wednesday reminded both August, though the reason for He said, Gambari had not
the Secretary Generals of UN her refusal is still not known. been very effective or capable
and ASEAN the need for A Burmese political party of producing any positive
them to abide by their in exile told Mizzima earlier solution to the problems of
promises on Burma. that Aung San Suu Kyi might Burma."I think it is about
"They have both promised be on hunger strike time that we find someone
to look into the sufferings of demanding direct talks with who is more capable," Son
the Burmese people and find the ruling generals with Chhay added.
a solution to the crisis. But till regard to the ensuing 2010 And similarly, Son Chhay
date there is no solid evidence general elections. But urged the ASEAN Secretary
that the promise has been spokesperson of her party – General, Surin Pitsuwan, to
kept or put into practice," Son the National League for pay a personal visit to Burma
Chhay told Mizzima over Democracy – Nyan Win said and find a realistic solution to
telephone. they could not confirm the the political crisis in the
Son Chhay, who is also information as they lack country.
the Chairperson of ASEAN communication with their Meanwhile, the Asean
Inter-Parliamentary detained leader. Inter-Parliamentary
Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC) Son Chhay said Ban Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC),
Cambodia Chapter, said it is a Ki-moon should realize that in a press statement released
matter of deep concern for the the current process of on Wednesday expressed its
international community to interaction with the Burmese
Cont Next Pg..

VOLUM 5 ISSUE 8 AUGUST 2008

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER PAGE-13
concern over reports of Aung General to personally visit statement said.
San Suu Kyi refusing food. Aung San Suu Kyi and The group also said Aung
The AIPMC called on the conduct a comprehensive San Suu Kyi's refusal to meet
UN and ASEAN to intervene assessment on her health. visiting UN Special Envoy
and to ensure that Aung San "The Secretary General Ibrahim Gambari last week is
Suu Kyi is given necessary should also look into the "an indication that his
attention. The group urged reasons as to why she is mandate is failing."
the ASEAN Secretary- refusing her food supply," the Mizzima news

Lack of medical facility claims two refugee lives

11 August, Teknaf, Bangladesh: A
Rohingya refugee woman and
her baby died yesterday during
delivery because of lack
properhealth care facilities in the
Leda undocumented Rohingya
refugee camp.
The woman, Sawlayma
Khatun ( 22) from F block was
sent to the camp clinic run by the
Islamic Relief Organization (IRO)
but the clinic did not provide
treatment and referred Khatun to child. She was unable to deliver
the Teknaf Health Centre without the other child as she was weak.
any recommendation, said a She died along with the second
of relative of Khatun. Khatun's child during delivery, said a
family did not have the means to health worker from the camp.
go to the Teknaf Health Centre "The clinic is fully responsible
because of the money required. for the health of the refugee as
They failed to collect money the organization has an
and admit her to he health centre agreement with other concerned
when she was about to deliver, parties, but the clinic gave her
he added. Khatun who was pain killer tablets," said a
carrying twins, gave birth to a refugee. Kaladan press:

Eighty houses built on Rohingya land

19 August, Buthidaung, Arakan:
Eighty houses of Mro, Kumi and
Chakma communities were set
up in Pan Zee village tract of
Buthidaung Township after
seizing over 80 acres of paddy
fields of Rohingyas as of July 20,
said a retired school teacher on
condition of anonymity.
The villagers of Pan Zee
complained to the Township
Peace and Development Council
(TPDC) Chairman in Buthidaung.
VOLUM 5 ISSUE 8
The authorities promised villag-
ers that they would look into the
matter, he added. Recently, the
TPDC Chairman accompanied
by the commander of Nasaka
area No 9, the Officer-in-Charge
(OC) of Buthidaung police station
and some other officials went to
the spot to see for themselves.
On the site the authorities met
Mro, Kumi and Chakma commu-
nities and delivered encourage
speeches promising help
future, but the Rohingyas were
not allowed to join the meeting,
said a village elder. But, the
TPDC Chairman told Rohingya
villagers on their way to
Buthidaung that the houses will
be pulled down soon. A village
elder said, "Their plan is to seize
land from Rohingyas and invite
local non-Rohingya communities
from Arakan State and Burmans
from Burma proper for settlement
in on the confiscated land.
Kaladan press:
AUGUST 2008
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
26 August, Maungdaw, Arakan
State: The police of Bawli Bazaar,
Maungdaw Township arrested a
Rohingya villager alleging that he
has connections with Bangla-
desh. He was in the market in
Bawli Bazar on August 21, said a
relative of the victim.
The victim was taken away by
police officer San Min and
policemen Kyaw Htwe of Bawli
Bazaar police station at about 8
pm and was detained. The victim
was identified as Noor Bosher
(34), son of Sirazul Komor from
Taung Ywar village of Bawli Baz-
15-Burmese nationals pushed back to Burma
27 Aug, Teknaf, Bangladesh:
Fifteen Burmese nationals were
pushed back to Burma by Bang-
ladesh Rifles (BDR) recently,
according to our correspondent.
15 Burmese nationals in
row-boat were trying to enter
Shapuri Dip through Gola, the
southern side of Shapuri Dip
(Island) while BDR of Shapuri
Police arrests Rohingya
aar village Tract. Police demand-
ed Kyat 200,000 for his release
but his relatives were able to pay
Kyat 100,000. The police agreed
but the victim was unable to pay
the amount at a time. His relat-
ives managed Kyat 50,000 and
are trying to procure another
Kyat 50,000. He will be released
after all money has been paid.
Meanwhile, the victim has been
working in the police station. The
victim is a simple man and has
no connection with Bangladesh.
Earlier, he had a small shop in
the market, but now he is into
Dip were patrolling the stretch.
The BDR seized the boat and
arrested the people.They were
pushed back soon after arresting
by BDR to Burma from where
a they entered. On the other hand,
the BDR also seized smuggled
goods worth Taka 100,000 from
various points of the
Bangladesh- Burma border on
PAGE-14
business between villages and
Maungdaw Town. The police
realized if he is arrested and
threatened, they will get money,
said a village elder on condition
of anonymity.
Police illegally arrests Rohingya
community people when they
think they will get money by
arresting and threatening. They
can level any allegation as there
is no justice and there is no
action against the culprits, the
elder added.
Kaladan
Kaladan press
that day. The seized goods are
fuel, edible oil, which were being
taken to Burma and seeds of
opium, wood and aluminum,
which came from Burma. The
BDR push back Burmese
nationals whenever they see
Burmese on the Burma-Bangla-
desh border without any delay,
said a local from Teknaf. (KPN)

TO.

Dear All
Burmese Rohingya Association in Japan(BRAJ) We warmly welcome any opinions
Suwacho 1049-3, Aoyagi Kenie Jutaku 1980-A-7 suggestions and even criticisms
Tatebayash-Shi 374-0036 Gunma-Ken Japan. if any to improve our Newsletters

!! Thank You !!

Email: brajtokyo@yahoo.com Please feel free to write to US

VOLUM 5 ISSUE 8 AUGUST 2008