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Myanmar state media mum on Cyclone Giri destruction

Yangon - Myanmar's state-run media was mum Sunday on the destruction wrought by Cyclone Giri on the western Rakhine State, where relief agencies have reported widespread destruction. Sunday newspapers reported that the cyclone had been downgraded to a low pressure area over the Sagaing Region by Saturday, but failed to reveal the extent of destruction the storm had done Friday to the coast of Rakhine State.

Cyclone Surge Kills 9 People and Washes Away Villages in Pauk Taw

Pauk Taw: Tidal surges as high as 12 feet brought by Cyclone Giri have killed nine people and washed away seven villages in Pauk Taw Township in Arakan State, said a community leader in Pauk Taw who is distributing relief to victims in the area. He said that nine people, six from Re Pike Chai village and three from Nga Ree Chai village, were killed in tidal surges brought by the cyclone. A surge as high as 12 feet washed away seven villages located in the coastal area of Pauk Taw Township.

Diarrhea Outbreak in Cyclone Affected Area in Arakan

By Maung Aye -------------------- Mray Bo: An outbreak of diarrhea has spread across the cyclone affected area in Mray Bon and Myinbya Townships in Arakan after Cyclone Giri slammed into several coastal areas of the state last Friday, report locals and relief workers.

US offers Myanmar cyclone aid

WASHINGTON - SECRETARY of State Hillary Clinton said on Tuesday that the US government is offering aid to Myanmar after a deadly cyclone struck the western part of the southeast Asian country. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Ms Clinton, who is due to travel to nearby Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia in the coming days, offered condolences on the loss of life and damage caused by Cyclone Giri, which killed at least 27 people and destroyed thousands of homes.

Election Postponement Demanded in Cyclone-hit Region

    A major opposition party in Burma called on Tuesday for the postponement of the Nov. 7 election in three townships of Arakan State which were   devastated by Cyclone Giri. A fair election could not take place in the affected Myebon, Kyaukphyu and Munanung Townships because of the humanitarian crisis there, said Dr. Aye Maung, chairman of the Rakhine National Development Party. Residents of cyclone-struck Kyakphyu, Arakan State, collect relief supplies from a local monastery on Oct. 23. (AP)   His party is the only opposition ethnic party in the region competing with junta's proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party and another pro-regime party, the National Unity Party. It is contesting for 44 seats nationwide, including 11 in the three Arakan State townships where he is appealing for a postponement of voting.

At least 27 dead, 15 missing in Myanmar in wake of cyclone

(CNN) -- At least 27 people were killed, 15 are missing and 2,500 homes were damaged in Myanmar as a result of Tropical Cyclone Giri, which slammed into the country Friday with wind speeds of up to 155 mph, state television reported Monday. The Irrawaddy, an opposition newsmagazine, reported on its website Monday that Myebon Township in Arakan state "was almost entirely flattened." The website said that state-run media "remains virtually silent" and that government officials have ignored offers of assistance from the United Nations.

View After Cyclone Giri in Kyaukphru, Arakan

View of Cyclone Giri in Kyaukphru, Arakan

View After Cyclone Giri in Kyaukphru, Arakan

View After Cyclone Giri in Kyaukphru, Arakan

View of Hitting the Cyclone Giri in Kyaukphru, Arakan Kingdom

Death Toll Rises and Thousands Left Homeless in Giri Aftermath

Kyauk Pru: The death toll has risen to at least 50 and thousands of people have been left homeless after Cyclone Giri hit the Arakan coast on 22 October, many sources report. U Ba Shin, a social activist in Kyauk Pru, said, "Eight bodies were recovered on Sunday in Pyin Wan Village alone, and 30 people the village are still missing. Everyone estimates the death toll has risen to 50."

Cyclone Death Toll and Destruction Rises in Arakan State

The death toll and destruction in Arakan State following Cyclone Giri increases while the Burmese state-controlled media remains virtually silent on the disaster, while the UN offers relief help and the regime fails to reply. So far, 26 bodies have been found in seven villages in Myebon Township, which was almost entirely flattened by the cyclone which slashed through Burma's western state near Kyaukpyu Township with winds of up to 120 miles per hour on Friday night, according to local residents.

Cyclone Giri pummels west Burma

The military rulers have given no official estimate of casualties or damage Thousands of people have been displaced in Burma following a powerful cyclone, residents and aid agencies say. Cyclone Giri hit western Rakhine state on Friday packing winds of up to 110mph (177km/h), with the major town of Kayaukpyu hard hit. There are unconfirmed reports of dozens of villagers and fisherman missing but the military rulers have given no estimate of casualties or damage.

Cyclone Giri Hits Arakan State

A tropical cyclone has hit Burma's Arakan State and has been upgraded to a “Category II” cyclone, Myanmar Climate Change Watch has said. Cyclone Giri, which formed over the Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean, has reached a “very destructive stage” with winds of up to 120 km per hour, and is due to hit Kyaukphyu, a major town in Arakan State, by 3 p.m. local time. The water level in the region is expected to increase some five to six feet, according to the latest forecast from the local weather board. According to the US Joint Typhoon Warning Center, the cyclone was located about 220 km southwest of Sittwe in Arakan State at 12:30 a.m. local time and was moving north-northeast at 7.4 kph.

Thousands homeless, entire villages submerged after Cyclone Giri lashes Arakan Coast

Views of some area of Kyauk Pru after cyclone Giri lashed the Arakan coast on 22 October. At least 3 people are confirmed dead and thousands were made homeless after Cyclone Giri lashed the Arakan coast on Friday afternoon.

Cyclone weakens as it blows across Burma

                     AFP A cyclone that pounded western Burma, destroying buildings and cutting off contact with some areas, weakened on Saturday as it travelled through the country, with no casualties yet reported. Cyclone Giri raged onto the coast of Rakhine state with winds of up to 193km/h on Friday, but was said to have since slowed to around 80km/h, state media said. An official, who did not want to be named, said communication with the town of Kyaukphyu, in one of the worst-hit parts of Rakhine, was "very difficult". Advertisement: Story continues below <iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="250" id="dcAd-1-4" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad-apac.doubleclick.net/adi/onl.wa.news/news/breakingnewsworld;ctype=article;cat1=world;cat=breakingnewsworld;pos=3;sz=300x250;tile

Cyclone hits western Myanmar

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — A cyclone spinning in the Bay of Bengal early Saturday was headed northeast after making landfall in western Myanmar, and people were advised to move to strong buildings and high ground.The Friday evening news broadcast on state television said Cyclone Giri was gaining strength and had reached land at Kyaukphyu in western Rakhine State.Wind speeds from the storm had reached 100 mph (160 kph), it said, advising people to stay indoors or move to high ground. It also warned of the possibility of landslides.

Cyclone damage spurs calls for aid as 3,000 homes suffer

Rangoon (Mizzima) – Cyclone Giri has carved a swathe of damage across dozens of townships in its path after it crossed the west coast of Burma yesterday, residents said, adding their calls for urgent relief aid and expertise.  The most recent graphic image of Cyclone Giri by British weather analysts Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) at University College London at 9:30 p.m. Burma time (3 p.m. GMT) places the storm about 50 kilometres east of Sittwe, with maximum winds of 92 miles per hour. Photo: TSR The Category Four storm made landfall between the port of Sittwe and Kyaukphyu, Arakan State, at around 5 p.m. yesterday, with winds of up to 120 miles per hour (193 km/h) per hour, the state weather bureau reported last night.

Giri winds build in Arakan, ‘contact lost with residents’

New Delhi (Mizzima) – Cyclone Giri hit the western coast of Burma near Kyaukphyu, Arakan State at 5 p.m. yesterday, with winds of up to 120 miles per hour (193 km/h) per hour, the state weather bureau reported last night. The most recent graphic image of Cyclone Giri’s position at 12:30 a.m. Burma time (6pm GMT), from British analysts Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) at University College London, shows the storm over the west coast of Burma between Kyaukphyu and Sittwe. The image puts already flood-ravaged Mandalay in its path. Photo: TSR At 12:30 a.m. Burma time (6pm GMT), British analysts Tropical Storm Risk, at University College London, placed Giri over the western coast of Burma between Kyaukphyu and Sittwe, and said its winds had increased to a sustained 144 mph. Their storm tracker data puts already flood-ravaged Mandalay Division in its path.

Western Burma battens down as Cyclone Giri lashes coast

Rangoon (Mizzima) – Winds and driving rain from a strengthening Cyclone Giri are lashing Burma’s western coast as it was expected to make landfall between Sittwe and Kyaukphyu townships this afternoon, Arakan State, according to residents and a US weather warning centre today. The most recent satellite/graphic image this afternoon of Cyclone Giri’s position from British analysts Tropical Storm Risk at University College London shows Giri approaching the western coast of Burma to the north of Kyaukphyu. The image puts already flood-hit Mandalay Division in its path. Photo: Tropical Storm Risk Tropical Cyclone Giri had strengthened into a Category 1 storm over the northeast Indian Ocean as it approached, the US Joint Typhoon Warning Centre told Bloomberg news agency. It was bearing winds of sustained maximum strength to 143 miles per hour (235 km/h) from about 40 miles per hour yesterday, according to an earlier centre warning. The storm had been expected to cross the c

Relief Urgently Needed as Cyclone Giri Leaves Dozens Missing

Around 100 villages on Ramree Island, as well as the island's major town of Kyakpyu, have suffered severe damage after Cyclone Giri hit the Arakan coast on Friday with winds of up to 160 km (100 miles) per hour and waves as high as 3.6 meters (12 feet), according to local sources. There are still no confirmed reports of casualties, although sources in the area said that dozens of  villagers and fisherman are believed to have gone missing since the storm reached its peak at around 3 pm yesterday. Infared satellite close-up of the eye of Cyclone Giri as it hit Burma on Friday. (Source: Colorado State University) Local residents also said that there was an urgent need for food, water and shelter after the storm left hundreds of homes destroyed by flood waters or falling trees.  Power lines and telephone poles have also been badly damaged by the storm, making it difficult for many residents to get outside assistance.

Thousands homeless, entire villages submerged after Cyclone Giri lashes Arakan Coast

Views of some area of Kyauk Pru after cyclone Giri lashed the Arakan coast on 22 October. At least 3 people are confirmed dead and thousands were made homeless after Cyclone Giri lashed the Arakan coast on Friday afternoon. Winds estimated at 120 miles an hour and tidal waves estimated at 5 feet high struck the northern part of Ramree island, including the main town Kyauk Pru. Smaller islands to the north of Ramree are reporting even greater damage.

Bad Weather, Strict Rules Delay RNDP Campaign

-------------- By Takaloo -------------- A rally of RNDP in Sittwe Sittwe: Bad weather and strict rules laid down by the Election Commission have delayed election campaigns of the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party, or RNDP, across western Burma's Arakan State, said a candidate from the party.

Cuba dissident Farinas awarded Sakharov Prize by EU

The European Parliament has awarded its Sakharov human rights prize to Cuban dissident Guillermo Farinas. In July Mr Farinas, 48, ended a hunger strike after Cuba's communist government announced it was freeing 52 political prisoners. During his campaign for human rights he has staged more than 20 hunger strikes and spent more than 11 years in prison. An Israeli human rights watchdog and an Ethiopian opposition activist had also been nominated for the prize. Mr Farinas, a psychologist, journalist and former soldier, had been near death while on hunger strike this year, doctors said. The MEPs who nominated him for the prestigious award called him "a beacon of hope for dozens of journalists and activists who are currently in prison".

US confirms $60bn plan to sell Saudi Arabia arms

US officials have confirmed they intend to sell $60bn (£38bn) of arms to Saudi Arabia, including helicopters and jets. The state department said details of the deal had been sent to Congress, which now has 30 days to object. If completed, it could be the most lucrative single arms deal in US history and could support 75,000 jobs. The state department said Israel, traditionally wary of arms deals involving Arab states, was not expected to raise objections.

Settlers start 600 new homes after ban ends: watchdog

ewish settlers have started building more than 600 homes in the West Bank since a building freeze expired last month, an Israeli pressure group says. The pace of building is four times faster than before the ban was put in place, Peace Now says. Recently re-launched Middle East peace talks could collapse over Jewish settlement building on occupied land.

Bomb kills nine on Philippine bus

Police said about 50 people were on the bus when the bomb exploded A bomb attack on a bus in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao has killed nine people, officials say. Several more were hurt when the bomb, hidden in an overhead compartment, went off as the bus travelled through Matalam in Cotabato province. More than 50 passengers were on board at the time of the blast.

Bangkok’s blogging British monk

Phra Pandit Bhikkhu, center, sharing a meal with friends. The image of saffron-clad monks wandering Bangkok’s streets on their early-morning alms rounds is a familiar one. But one aspect of this long tradition that still causes a double-take is when one of those monks is obviously not Thai, or even Asian.

Thanks for the welcome, but do you really mean it? Read more: Thanks for the welcome, but do you really mean it? | CNNGo.com http://www.cnngo.com/tokyo/life/burmese-refugees-in-japan-752414?ref=nf#ixzz12m6J3jrA

The first refugees are greeted by the press at Narita. Over the past two weeks, 90 Burmese refugees have arrived in Tokyo as part of a United Nations-promoted third-country resettlement program. They are members of the Karen ethnic group and have been living in Thai refugee camps for years.

China Vice-President Xi Jinping given key military job

Xi Jinping has been tipped to take over as president in 2013 when Hu Jintao must stand down China's Vice-President Xi Jinping has been named vice-chair of the powerful Central Military Commission, in a move widely seen as a boost to his likely succession of President Hu Jintao. It comes on the last day of the ruling Communist Party's annual meeting. Hu Jintao must retire as head of the party in 2012 and as president in 2013. Mr Xi is following in the footsteps of Mr Hu, who was also promoted to the commission - which controls China's army - before becoming president.

Super Typhoon Megi hits northern Philippines

Typhoon Megi makes landfall with heavy rain and winds An intense "super typhoon" has made landfall in the northern Philippines, lashing the area with heavy rain and winds of up to 225km/h (140mph). Continue reading the main story Related stories Animated guide: Typhoons At least one person has been reported killed, and thousands have fled their homes. Emergency services are on alert, and many schools are closed. Typhoon Megi is the strongest storm the Philippines has faced for four years. In 2006, a storm with winds of 155km/h triggered mudslides, burying villages and killing about 1,000 people.

Bad Weather, Strict Rules Delay RNDP Campaign

By Takaloo -------------- A rally of RNDP in Sittwe Sittwe: Bad weather and strict rules laid down by the Election Commission have delayed election campaigns of the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party, or RNDP, across western Burma's Arakan State, said a candidate from the party. "As it was raining continuously over the whole of last week here and we have to carry out our campaigns mostly on the open grounds as per electoral rules, we had to cancel our planned campaign events in many urban wards and villages," said U Maung Nyo, who is a candidate from the RNDP running for the People's Assembly in Arakan's capital Sittwe.

USDP Candidates Struck by Lighting While Canvassing

Maung Aye --------------- Kyauk Pru: Candidates in Kyauk Pru Township from the military-regime's proxy party, the USDP, narrowly escaped death when they were struck by lightning, but have been hospitalized with serious injuries, report local residents who witnessed the incident. They were struck by lightning as they were traveling in a machine boat to a rural area of Kyauk Pru Township to canvass for votes on 8 October, 2010.

Trincomalee Temples under Arakan Bhikkus - part I

By Bandu de Silva Sunday Island -December 12, 2006 published in Colombo, Sri Lanka Controversy surrounds the origins of the temples at Trincomalee where today a modern Hindu Kovil, popularly called Koneswaram has been set up. Though a tradition is quoted in support of the antiquity of the modern Hindu temple dating to the time of a mythical ruler named Kulakoddayan, after the Portuguese Captain General Azavedo destroyed the old temple complex and his successor Constantine de Sa removed the material from the destroyed temples to build a fortalice overlooking the bay, nothing remained there except the Bodhi tree where occasionally offerings were made by different people to their respective deities. This Bodhi tree like the Bodhi tree at Killiveddi in Trincomalee district (Sansoni Commission Report) and in the Jaffna peninsula (Guruge), was destroyed between 1956 and 1964. The observations by Alexander Alexander, the first British writer (1805) who was a gunner in the T

Trincomalee Temples Under Arakan Bhikkus - part II

By Bandu de Silva Sunday Island -December 12, 2006 published in Colombo, Sri Lanka The ancient port of Trincomalee, referred to as Gokanna or Gona Thittha in the Mahavamsa occupied a very strategic and central position in maritime activity in the Bay of Bengal... It was the southernmost point from which ships sailing to South East Asia and further departed and returned after the voyages (Queyroz). The coastline north of Trincomalee harbour was dotted with small landing places. The 8th century Tiriyaya Sanskrit inscription which was evidently incised by a group of merchant-mariners from Northern Indian ports speaks of the amity that prevailed among mariners and between them and the populace. The same inscription refers to the earlier visit of two merchant-mariners by the names Tapasra and Vallaka (Pali: Tapassu and Bhalluka) which the tradition associates with the Buddha’s first two lay disciples who traded between the east Indian ports and lands beyond. Queyroz who gives

Burmese Refugee Woman Arrested with Three Guns in Bangladesh Refugee Camp

By Takaloo -------------- Teknaf: A refugee woman was arrested with three guns and several bullets on Thursday in Nayapara Refugee Camp in Teknaf in southeastern Bangladesh, said a police official from the camp. "The woman was arrested with three "Karta Rifles" and more than two dozen bullets yesterday afternoon, when paramilitary forces from Ansars were patrolling the camp for security and stopped her on suspicion when she was entering the camp with a heavy blue traveling bag," said the police officer on condition of anonymity.

Commander Kills Soldier for Criticism

LIB 550 Ponna Kyunt: A Burmese army commander killed a soldier after the soldier criticized the commander for his unseemly and abusive behavior while they were traveling to the frontlines, said a relative of the victim. The murdered soldier was identified as U Thein Shwe, a native of Yho Ta Yoke Village in Ponna Kyunt Township in Arakan State.

Youth Arrested After Motorbike Accident with Nasaka Officers

By Takaloo -------------- Maungdaw: A Muslim youth was arrested on Thursday after a motorbike accident with Nasaka officers in Maungdaw in western Burma's Arakan State. A witness who wished to remain anonymous told Narinjara that the youth was arrested after his bike collided with another speeding bike driven by Nasaka officers at a junction near the three-mile Nasaka checkpoint on the Buthidaung - Maungdaw road. "Actually the officers̢۪ speedy bike seemed to lose control and collided into the youth's bike around 4:00 pm at the junction of the Maungdaw - Buthidaung and Kyinkanyin - Maungdaw roads, not far from the three-mile Nasaka checkpoint. The youth was on the right side of the traffic way," said the witness.

Fishery Workers in Arakan Forced to Join USDP

--------------- By Tun Tun --------------- Kyuak Pru: Migrant workers in the fishery sector in Kyuak Pru, the second largest city in Arakan, have been pressured by the USDP to join the party if they want to stay in the town permanently with permission issued by the local ward council , said a youth. He said the USDP authority in Kyauk Pru has pressured the migrant workers through the ward administration council to join with the USDP, luring them with the promise of permanent permission to stay in the town.

Nasaka Rebukes Youth Traveling on USDP Card

--------------- By Takaloo --------------- Maungdaw: Nasaka forces punished a Muslim youth for showing his membership card of the Union Solidarity Development Party as ID when he traveled yesterday from Buthidaung to Maungdaw in western Burma's Arakan State. A witness told Narinjara that they youth was slapped and made to stand in the sun until sunset, and was fined 3,000 kyat by the border guard personnel at the 3-mile checkpoint on the Buthidaung-Maungdaw road.

Thousands of Paddy Farms in Arakan Damaged in Tidal Surge

Taungup: Thousands of paddy farms in Arakan State were damaged in a recent tidal surge after a storm brought heavy downpours across the state in the last few days, sources report. A farmer from Taungup Township said, "At least 20 embankments were broken down in our area after heavy tidal waves destroyed the embankments, which were constructed to prevent salt water from entering our farms."

Burmese Junta Takes Arakan's Rare White Elephant to Naypyidaw

By Takaloo -------------- Maungdaw: The Burmese military regime took the white elephant that is also esteemed by the local Arakanese people from northwestern Maungdaw in Arakan State to the military capital of Naypyidaw on Sunday, reported a local Buddhist monk.

Thich Nhat Hahn emphasizes life, peace

by Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Oct 8, 2010 Magelang, Indonesia -- Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh led 500 Buddhists and monks from 15 countries in a series of meditations at the renowned Borobudur Temple complex in Magelang, Central Java, on Thursday. << Buddhist meditation: Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh (forefront) and his followers walk to Lumbini Park at the foot of Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, on Thursday, after leading a meditation peace walk. Such meditation has reportedly been practiced in some parts of the West, North America and Asia. JP/Suherdjoko Using slow but deliberate movements, the monk led participants to climb from the bottom to the temple’s highest stupa.

Dalai Lama to focus on peace among religions in Silicon Valley visit

By Joe Rodriguez, San Jose Mercury, Oct 8, 2010 San Jose, CA (USA) -- In a region hamstrung by a stunted economy, besieged by dirty campaign ads and ever mindful of terrorist threats, here comes the Dalai Lama with a message of personal compassion and religious kinship. << The Dalai Lama surveys a sold-out crowd during his 2009 appearance at the Greek Theater at UC Berkeley. (Doug Oakley, Bay Area News Group) Events of the four-day visit to Silicon Valley by the Tibetan Buddhist leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate are mostly sold out, a sign he hasn't lost his appeal for American audiences even as his quest for Tibetan autonomy seems to wane.

The Tamil Buddhists of the Past and the Future

by J.L. Devananda, Sri Lanka Guardian, Oct 5, 2010 Buddhism in Sri Lanka is monopolized by the Sinhalese and they call it Sinhala-Buddhism which is Theravada Buddhism (Tripitaka) mixed up with the Mahavamsa. Will the Sinhala-Buddhist Maha Sangha accept any Tamil Buddhist monks? Will the Tamils accept Mahavamsa as a part of Buddhism or Buddhist history knowing very well that it is a Sinhala-Buddhist mythology? Colombo, Sri Lanka -- In his keynote address at the 2554th Vesak (Vaishakha Purnim) celebrations at the Mahabodhi Society in Chennai, Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne, University of Sri Jayawardenapura said, “As we are nearing 2600 Buddha Jayanthi, as a Sinhala Buddhist, this is my humble dream for the future: Tamil Buddhist temples should come up in Sri Lanka; Tamil children should embrace Buddhist monkhood; Buddhism must be taught in Tamil; preaching and worshipping Buddhism in Tamil; Tamil Bikkus should have Sinhala followers and Tamil Bhikkus must visit Sinhala homes. Tha

Prison Authority Sells Bed Space in Thandwe Prison

Thandwe: Poor inmates in Thandwe prison in southern Arakan State have lost their beds as the prison authority is selling the space to prisoners at high prices, said a 60-year-old woman whose husband is in the prison. She said, "I went to the prison last week to meet with my husband. He told me that his place in the prison was moved to near the toilet because he could not pay the prison authority for his bed."

Western Burmese Border Road Collapses in Heavy Rain

Maungdaw: The sole motor road connecting Bangladesh with the Burma's western state of Arakan was stopped today after many bridges broke down due to heavy rains and landslides in the area, said a government official. He said, "The road is now collapsed after heavy rain and landslides. Vehicles are unable to travel on the road. At least three bridges on the road collapsed last night."

Burma and Bangladesh to Sign MoU on Electricity Trade

Sai Din Dhaka: Burma and Bangladesh are likely to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the electricity trade between the two neighboring countries very soon, according to a report from the Bangladesh Power Ministry. A senior Power ministry official from Bangladesh said on Monday that a Burmese delegation would be visiting Dhaka soon to sign a MoU on the electricity trade. A high-powered Bangladesh delegation received consent from the Burmese junta authority on the cross-border electricity trade during a recent visit to Burma.

Burmese in India denounce Military Election

Nava Thakuria ------------------- Burmese people living in India, irrespective of their ethnicities, have denounced the forthcoming general election on November 7, 2010 arguing that the exercise ‘will not bring any freedom to the people of Burma’. The exile Burmese came out with a strong statement that the proposed election would only legitimize the military rule, which has already earned a notorious name for human rights violation. â€Å“The election will enact the 2008 Constitution, which not only contains many undemocratic measures including giving the military effective veto power over decisions made by the new parliament and government, but also depriving people of their basic human rights by stipulating ‘exception clauses’, and preserving draconian laws that explicitly prohibit freedom of speech, association, and assembly,â€� said M. Kim, an India based Burmese pro-democracy activist.

19 People Killed in Boat Tragedy Concealed by Nasaka

Maungdaw: 19 people were killed in a ferry boat accident that took place in the western border township of Maungdaw on 24 September, but the incident was carefully concealed by local Nasaka officials out of fear that higher authorities would take action against them, said a close source to Nasaka officials. On 24 September, 2010, a ferry row boat owned by Nasaka Commander Major Thu Rin Zaw sunk at the mouth of the Ton Chaung Wa Creek on the Naff River with a number of travelers on board. 19 people, including seven women, were killed in the accident. The bodies of two women were discovered by Bangladesh police in the Naff River on 28 September. Major Thu Rin Zaw, who is commander of Nasaka Zone No. 7 in southern Maungdaw, had given permission to the passengers to travel to Bangladesh for medical treatment.

Htoo Company Confiscates Land in Mrauk U for Hotel

By Maung Aye ------------------ Mrauk U: The Htoo Company, owned by Burmese tycoon U Tay Za, has confiscated several acres of farmland in Arakan's ancient city of Mrauk U to construct a hotel, say local sources. About 15 acres of farmland located beside Abondaw Lake near Taung Pyu Dam were confiscated by the company with the help of local authorities. One landowner said, "The Company told us they would pay compensation in the amount of 20,000 Kyats per acre, but this amount is very small and far from the current market price for the land."

Lawyer Describes Abbot's Trial

Pyinnya Sara An Arakanese abbot and history researcher, Ashin Pyinnya Sara, 57, was sentenced to a prison term of eight years and three months by a court in Sittwe, Arakan State, on July 29. The abbot's monastery, Mahamuni Buddha, was closed and 150 orphans who were being sheltered there were taken to a government-run center. The abbot's collection of Arakanese historical and cultural items was confiscated. Apart from the prison term, Pyinnya Sara was sentenced to a fine of 10,000 kyat (US $10). Reporter Min Naing Thu of The Irrawaddy interviewed Pyinnya Sara's lawyer Aye Nu Sein about the case: Question: What is the next step after the sentencing?

Monastery Refuses Space for USDP Rally

Sittwe: An abbot from Ma Kyi Myint Monastery in Sittwe refused on Sunday to provide space for the government-backed Union Solidarity and Development to hold a political rally, said a monk in Sittwe. The monk said the decision was made by Abbot U Nyana Wantha, who is about 70 years old and has no political affiliations. On Sunday evening, four candidates from the USDP - Dr. San Shwe, Dr. Chan Tha, U Kyaw Zan Hla, and Kung San Shwe - came to the monastery to hold an election campaign rally. The abbot refused at the scene to allow his monastery to be used for the rally. Speaking to Narinjara over the phone, another senior monk said, "Many abbots in Sittwe are unable to stand the manner of the Election Commission, which gave permission for the USDP to hold rallies in religious buildings against the election law. The EC has not allowed other political parties to use religious buildings for rallies. This is the reason the abbot opposed the USDP using his monastery for

Pyinsawaddy FM Loses Favor for Supporting Junta

Sittwe: The majority of Arakanese living in Sittwe, the capital of Arakan State, have stopped listening to Pyinsawaddy FM radio after the station began propagating junta policy on a daily basis. A young musician in Sittwe said that the station has become unpopular among Arakanese people after it began airing junta policy through its daily programs. Pyinsawaddy FM launched in Sittwe on March 27, 2009, as an entertainment radio station, and it was the first daily FM radio program in Arakan. It airs from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.