Burma floods drive tens of thousands from their homes

[postlink] https://burmacampaignjapanteam.blogspot.com/2012/08/burma-floods-drive-tens-of-thousands.html [/postlink]

Burmese men walk in the rain in Rangoon. Annual monsoon rains often cause flooding in the country's southern delta region. Photograph: Ed Giles/Getty Images

Worst monsoon flooding in years submerges hundreds of thousands of hectares of rice fields, causing 85,000 to flee

    At least 85,000 people in Burma have fled their homes as the worst monsoon flooding in years submerged hundreds of thousands of hectares of rice fields, a government relief official has said.

Heavy rains over the last few weeks caused the inundation, which primarily affected the country's southern delta region, said Soe Tun, a member of the government's emergency response team, on Saturday.
Around 70,000 people have been displaced in the delta and are being housed at 219 emergency relief centres set up at schools and monasteries, he said. Another 15,000 people have been displaced elsewhere in the country, and more than 240,000 hectares (600,000 acres) of rice fields have been swamped, he said.
Annual monsoon rains often cause flooding in the region, and this year's are the heaviest since 2004, Soe Tun said. The delta region was devastated in 2008 by Cyclone Nargis, which killed about 130,000 people and destroyed more than 800,000 homes and buildings.
No casualties have been confirmed during the recent floods, which have affected 200,000 people nationwide, Soe Tun said. Some families who have not fled have moved to the upper floors of their dwellings.
Local newspapers have reported that heavy rains and flooding also damaged bridges, homes and rail lines.

Watch now »

Body of Japanese journalist slain while covering Syria civil war returns home from Turkey

[postlink] https://burmacampaignjapanteam.blogspot.com/2012/08/body-of-japanese-journalist-slain-while.html [/postlink]

Her coffin was unloaded from a Turkish Airlines aircraft as the pilot and crew saluted her, and airport officials observed a moment of silence.

Yamamoto’s two sisters, as well as colleague Kazutaka Sato, were aboard the same flight from Istanbul.
Yamamoto and Sato, both with independent TV news provider The Japan Press, were traveling with the Free Syrian Army in the northwestern city of Aleppo on Monday when Yamamoto was fatally wounded in crossfire between rebels and government forces.
The Committee to Protect Journalists said that at least 16 journalists have been killed since November while covering Syria, making it the most dangerous place in the world for journalists. Activists say Syria’s conflict has killed more than 20,000 people since March 2011.
Yamamoto’s two sisters remained silent as they walked past a crowd of reporters at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport.
At a news conference at the airport, Sato said it was a long journey back home.
“She was shot in Syria, crossed the borders and now brought back to Japan - I think she gave it her all to get here,” he said.
Sato said the 45-year-old’s body will be handed over to Japanese police for an autopsy for further investigation, before a wake and a funeral are held.


 The Associated Press

Watch now »

Mingalabar Myanmar!

[postlink] https://burmacampaignjapanteam.blogspot.com/2012/08/mingalabar-myanmar.html [/postlink]

After decades of international boycotts and sanctions, the April elections in Myanmar brought not just hopes of democracy and investment but also a surge in travelers once reluctant to journey to this amazing land.
GO NOW!
If you want to see Myanmar at its best, don't put off your trip, Yes, it is the rainy season but you really don't want to wait until the international tourists start turning out in their droves, checking in at the same hotels and guesthouses as you and causing accommodation prices to skyrocket. And if you've already planned a year-end trip, book your hotel now! The country needs more time to build up its tourism infrastructure to cope with the fast-growing demand.
VISA FIRST!
Another reason why tourist arrivals are up has to do with the hassle-free visa processes. The Myanmar Embassy on Bangkok's North Sathorn Road offers a smooth, same-day visa service. Simply deliver your visa application with two photos and 1,260 baht (US$40) to the counter between 9am to noon and you can collect your passport between 3.30 and 4.30pm. If you are not on a rush, a next-day visa is 1,000 baht, two days 810 baht. A tourist visa is good for a 28-day stay. (US$1 = 31.4 baht)
Since June, a visa-on-arrival for business purposes is available for 27 nationalities including the 10 ASEAN members plus India, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, France, Germany, UK and US. The fee is $50 for a 70-day stay. A tourist visa for ASEAN members only is possible for a $40 fee. Business visitors should check outwww.MyanmarVisa.com.
FLYING HIGH
When Yangon Mingaladon Airport was first built in 1947, it was regarded the best in Southeast Asia. In the 1960s, it was the aviation hub of the region and frequented by major airlines like Pan-Am, KLM, Air France and BOAC (now British airways).
After years of decay, Yangon International Airport has a sparkling new terminal and welcomes flights from all over Asia. Airlines include Myanmar Airways, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, AirAsia, SilkAir and Jetstar Asia, Malaysia Airlines, Vietnam Airlines and various Chinese companies. Korean Air, ANA and Qatar Airways are starting services soon and AirAsia is launching a Bangkok to Mandalay flight in October.
CASH-ONLY ECONOMY
The economic sanctions are gradually being lifted but there are still no ATMs and traveler cheques and credit cards are not generally accepted even in Yangon. The US dollars is widely used and often preferred to the kyat and while black-market exchange rates were the norm two years ago, today everyone can access the standard exchange rate at official exchange counters at airports and banks. Exchange counters at Yangon Airport close at 3.30pm so travelers arriving on afternoon flights should head to the exchange booths at Bogyoke Market or downtown Yangon. Most hotels or guesthouses in the city also offer exchange services though the rate is slightly lower.
Myanmarese don't like creased or dirty dollars bills and even the slightest tear, mark, fold or dirt can lead to a bill being refused or a poor exchange rate. When buying the US bills before you trip, tell the bank you need flawless dollar bills only. The staff at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport's exchange booths know the situation and will prepare pristine bills in a long envelope for you to avoid creases.
TRAVEL WELL
November to February promises to be another busy tourist so visitors need to book in accommodation well in advance through leading websites. Be prepared to pay at least double what it says in the latest guidebook, even for a backpacker place at the bottom end of the market.
The easiest way to get around a big city like Yangon is by taxi. Most taxis are old cars and have neither meters nor air conditioning. Prices are negotiable, usually between 1,000-2,000 kyat a trip for travelling within the city centre, and about $7-10 from the airport to the city centre.
There are no McDonalds or Starbucks but you can feast on mohinga (rice noodle) in fish soup everywhere on the street or at Indian thali and biryani restaurants. Venture into Yangon's Chinatown at night and you'll find the grilled fish hard to resist.
First timers usually visit Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake while repeat travelers prefer to go off the beaten track and explore Mrauk-U or the islands in the south.
Whatever destination you choose, Myanmar guarantees an awesome experience!
Away from the politics of Nay Pyi Taw, the Myanmarese are joyous, light-hearted and fun-loving folks. Like the rest of us, they love a good time and celebrates their festivals with families and friends. Here's what you can enjoy and when.
NAT FESTIVAL
August, Mandalay
The Nat is a spirit, a demanding spirit. In Taung Pyone, a small village 20km north of Mandalay, the locals celebrate August with the Nat Festival. Spiritual as it is entertaining, the festival brings mediums and visitors to the Nat pavilions. Flowers, cash and alcohol are offered in order to appease the spirits while the mediums take turns to amuse them with folk music and dances.
PHAUNG DAW OO PAGODA FESTIVAL
October, Inle Lake
Inle Lake, in Shan State is famous for leg-rowed boats, and the Shan row them in the highest of spirits during Phaung Daw Festival. The annual rite sees a colorful procession of leg-rowed boats tugging the golden barges of Buddha images. Leg-rowed boat races are held throughout the festival.
THE THADINGYUT (FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS)
October, throughout Myanmar
Marking the end of the Buddhist Lent, the Festival of Lights is celebrated across Myanmar. Pagodas, houses, public buildings, parks, and monuments are all illuminated with jars of candles
KYAIKHTIYO PAGODA FESTIVAL
November, Mon State
Perched over the cliff rock of Mt Kyaikhiyo is the boulder of Golden Pagoda - a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site. The rock seems to defy gravity, as it perpetually appears to be on the verge of rolling down the hill. Legend has it that it held by strand of hair of the Buddha. In late November, devotees offer 9,999 candles and flowers to celebrate the pagoda. Folk dances, music and puppets add color and rhythm.
MT POPA NAT SPIRIT FESTIVAL
December, Bagan
Like mother hen guarding her children, Popa Taungkalat monastery sits atop of 1518-metre volcano peak overlooking the farmland around Irrawaddy River, southeast of Bagan. This is the home of Nats, and thousands of folks appease the demanding ghosts with entertainment.
NAGA NEW YEAR'S FESTIVAL
January, Sagaing Division
Tribal dances and exotic dresses draw intrepid travelers to the high ranges in Myanmar's Northwest for Naga New Year's Festival. For three days, the Naga gather around Kham-Ti districts. Fierce warriors in their bright and exotic dress, they perform tribal sports and dances, as rice wine and roasted meat accompany the beating of drums.
ANANDA PAGODA FESTIVAL
January, Bagan
Pagoda and bullock-carts are a signature of Bagan and the Ananda Pagoda Festival offers spectacular scenes of bullock-carts loaded with offerings rolling through the fields. Traditional performances and jokers take turns to entertain.

Watch now »

China Watches Burma's Censorship Reforms

[postlink] https://burmacampaignjapanteam.blogspot.com/2012/08/china-watches-burma-censorship-reforms.html [/postlink]

Rapidly reforming Burma's decision to ease media censorship is being met with caution in neighboring China, where government officials have been adamant in maintaining their tight control over the flow of information.

Burma announced Monday that local media will no longer be required to submit stories for review to state censors before publication, ending a key component of its long-reviled censorship policy.

The news received a mixed reaction from China's state-controlled newspapers. The People's Daily, the flagship paper of China's Communist Party, ran a fairly neutral account of the story, even quoting a Burmese journalist praising the move as historic.

But the party's Global Times paper was more negative, publishing an editorial saying China should not follow what it called the "uncertain" reform model of Burma, which is also known as Myanmar.

"China should follow the trend of the times and look at the practical situation of the nation, rather than being perplexed and even letting backwater [backwards] countries such as Myanmar and Vietnam become our idols," the editorial said.

Some have wondered whether China, which has undergone its own gradual reform process in the past three decades, would be inspired to speed up its reforms as its long-time ally Burma has done.

But independent Beijing-based China analyst Bill Bishop says Beijing likely does not feel pressured to keep up with its fast-moving neighbor, knowing its own media landscape is much more sophisticated.

"Burma is a much smaller country and a much simpler country in a lot of respects," says Bishop. "There is really not much Internet in Burma, so the information environment is extremely different and much more complex in China."

But Bishop says Beijing's current policy of blocking any online material it deems objectionable does seem unsustainable, partly because it is increasingly unpopular with the Chinese public.

"If you are a participant on Chinese social media, you know censorship is going on, and it is regularly mocked and criticized quite vociferously." says Bishop, who points out that the Chinese Internet was buzzing with conversation on the Burma issue.

"People on Weibo [social media site] were making unfavorable comparisons between China, Burma, and North Korea, and joking that North Korea would open up their media before China. I think that's a bit extreme, but it just shows that people do know what's going on and I think that kind of knowledge becomes very corrosive," said Bishop.

But even though Chinese censorship may be unpopular, observers say it is unclear whether Beijing intends to follow Burma's example and take steps to open up its own media.

Watch now »

The beginning of cyber warfare?

[postlink] https://burmacampaignjapanteam.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-beginning-of-cyber-warfare.html [/postlink]

 Hackers and other individuals trained in software programming and exploiting the intricacies of computer networks are the primary executors of these attacks. These individuals often operate under the auspices and possibly the support of nation-state
actors.
“Cyberspace is the new warfront. As August 15 was approaching, Pakistani hacker attacked Indian sites,”


A day after Union home secretary RK Singh said that the bulk of rumours of imminent attacks on northeastern people for the killings of Muslims in Assam originated from Pakistan, experts said that this could be Pune’s first brush with cyber warfare. They also fear that all this is an indication of a major form of subversive warfare in the future.

Cyber warfare refers to politically motivated hacking to conduct sabotage and espionage. It is a form of information warfare sometimes seen as analogous to conventional warfare although this analogy is controversial for both its accuracy and its political motivation.
Hackers and other individuals trained in software programming and exploiting the intricacies of computer networks are the primary executors of these attacks. These individuals often operate under the auspices and possibly the support of nation-state
actors.
Talking to DNA, security expert Niranjan Reddy, founder and chief technology officer of NetConclave Systems and a member of Indian Cyber Police, said, “Bullets are being replaced with bytes.”
“Cyberspace is the new warfront. As August 15 was approaching, Pakistani hacker attacked Indian sites,” he added.
Reddy said that underground hacking groups had carried out systematic attacks on 100 sites, especially government ones in the past.
Cyberspace, according to Reddy, is now the new battle ground for Kashmir as hackers are finding new means to demand emancipation of Kashmir by attacking various websites. These kinds of attacks can disable official websites and networks, disrupt or disable essential services, steal or alter classified data and cripple financial systems among many other possibilities.
Rohit Srivastwa, expert on cyber security, told DNA, “The use of technology is used in spreading wrong messages. Earlier, people communicated inflammatory sentiments though emails and telephones. Now, the modus operandi has changed.”
“They are circulating video clips which can move rapidly and create panic among the people at large. This cannot be ceased by the government by just banning bulk SMSes or MMSes. Efforts should be taken to thwart such processes from the beginning,” he added.
Deepak Shikarpur, chairman of the IT Committee of Mahratta Chamber of Commerce Industries and Agriculture, said, “Yes, it is the initial stage of cyber warfare and the issue is not just limited to Pune. It is a threat to the entire country.
“A decade ago, the national conference of Indian Science Congress took place in Pune. It was a big event as the prime minister and other dignitaries were part of it. Just before the event, its website was hacked and it took two days to restore the entire thing. Problem does not lie with technology alone. It’s the intention of those trying to misuse it,” he said.
“Our Information Technology Act is very strong, but we need to have a fast track court so that the conviction rate in such kind of cases increases,” he added.
“We cannot link the current issues with cyber warfare as they are more technical. However, whatever has taken place recently is a new way of utilising the social media. Earlier, brainwashing was done verbally. Now, people are playing with the technology,” an officer of the cyber cell said.

It is really shocking to learn that officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs have identified over 100 websites on which false and morphed images were posted from Pakistan to incite people in India and create communal tension. India should take up the matter with their counterparts in Pakistan at the highest level to see that online terror is stamped out.

Apropos of ‘Communal upheaval in India has Pakistani signature again’ (August 19), it is indeed shocking that morphed images and photographs of people (who had lost their lives in cyclones and earthquakes) which were circulated as victims of violence in Myanmar and Assam in several websites emanated from Pakistan to whip up communal passion. This is not at all surprising because 26/11 handler Abu Jundal has revealed that several jehadi groups are operating in Pakistan with the sole aim of dismembering our country on the lines of what had happened to Pakistan in 1971. Our northeast, being geographically distant from the centre of administration, provides them with an ideal piece of land for meddling with impunity. If this is taken up at the secretary level, our neighbour will be ready with their stock reply. We have been unnecessarily too soft with them and this has been taken as our weakness.

It is really shocking to learn that officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs have identified over 100 websites on which false and morphed images were posted from Pakistan to incite people in India and create communal tension. India should take up the matter with their counterparts in Pakistan at the highest level to see that online terror is stamped out. Pakistan too should stop indulging in such activities so that peace between the neighbours is not affected. The social networking sites too have a responsibility in blocking such objectionable matter.

Watch now »

Burma announces end to media censorship

[postlink] https://burmacampaignjapanteam.blogspot.com/2012/08/burma-announces-end-to-media-censorship.html [/postlink]

The government in Burma says it is abolishing media censorship.

The information ministry made the announcement on its website this morning that censorship of all local publications will cease.
Many publications had already been freed from the scrutiny of the censors, but from today political and religious journals will join them.
The move is part of the wider process of reform in Burma, which until recently was ruled by a hardline military junta.
Newspapers and even song lyrics were heavily scrutinised before being allowed to be published.
Burma is also drafting a new media law, but concerns have been raised that a council formed to regulate the press until the law is passed is expected to perform the role of the censorship board.

Watch now »

War by other means

[postlink] https://burmacampaignjapanteam.blogspot.com/2012/08/war-by-other-means.html [/postlink]

Union home secretary R.K. Singh was careful on Saturday not to blame official Pakistan when he said Indian investigations had revealed there were more than 100 portals in Pakistan that had uploaded morphed content with misleading texts designed to incite Muslim communities to retaliate and avenge themselves for atrocities on fellow Muslims in Burma and Assam in India.

Creating panic, fear, and frustration — essentially a feeling of helplessness and instability — among large sections of the population have been for centuries acknowledged tools of war, typically pursued through the propaganda arms of government agencies or their armed forces. Even so, Union home secretary R.K. Singh was careful on Saturday not to blame official Pakistan when he said Indian investigations had revealed there were more than 100 portals in Pakistan that had uploaded morphed content with misleading texts designed to incite Muslim communities to retaliate and avenge themselves for atrocities on fellow Muslims in Burma and Assam in India. It is this that led to the spate of the issuance of thousands of group SMSes and MMSes which caused the recent flight of people belonging to the Northeast from India’s southern metropolises, especially Bengaluru, besides provocative demonstrations and calls for hostile action in Uttar Pradesh.
It was entirely predictable, though, that when home minister Sushilkumar Shinde did raise the matter with Pakistan’s Rehman Malik on Sunday, that Islamabad would deny the whole thing. Such a shortsighted approach on its part can’t help quicken the pace towards normalisation of relations. A country seeking genuinely friendly ties with a neighbour should be able to lend a helping hand in nabbing offending parties, even if these are private individuals or hate institutions, of which there is no dearth in Pakistan. Any Indian accomplices of the Pakistani mischief-makers must of course be treated as agents provocateur and dealt with as such.

Watch now »