Government Regulated Sham Elections?
Apr 4, 2010
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In a typical diabolical way the Myanmar government, wary of influence of Suu Kyi and the NLD ensured that the Party either forsakes Suu Kyi as the leader or is barred from the elections. The Political Parties Registration Law announced during the month disenfranchises prisoners and people with past criminal convictions who are not allowed to belong to a political party and so excludes Suu Kyi, who is head of the National League for Democracy. |
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Border Management: Consolidating Vigilance
Mar 5, 2010
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India has a 4097 km border with Bangladesh. The Indo-Bangladesh border passes through West Bengal (2216.7 km), Assam (263 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Tripura (856 km) and Mizoram (318 km). The entire stretch consists of plain, riverine belts, hills and jungles, with hardly any natural obstacles. The area is heavily populated and cultivated right up to the border. |
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Some Hopes, Many Disappointments
Mar 3, 2010
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The elections in Myanmar in 2010 are now confirmed as the junta leader informed the general public on the Union Day. Myanmar military chief Senior General Than Shwe said “A free and fair general election will be held this year in accordance with the seven step road map,” in a speech commemorating the 63rd anniversary of Union Day in the military capital of Naypyitaw. The junta’s road map lists general election as one of the steps towards a “discipline-flourishing democracy.” |
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Assam Rifles: Enhancing Capacity
Feb 3, 2010
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The Assam Rifles is India’s specialist force for conduct of counter insurgency operations in the north-east. It is also required to ensure security of the Indo-China and Indo-Myanmar borders as well as rear area security in times of war. It also has a role as penultimate interventionist force of the central government in internal security situation, under the control of army; when the situation goes beyond the control of central paramilitary operations. Keeping these roles in view the force has been deployed primarily in the North East for counter insurgency operations over the past many decades and has done yeoman’s service. |
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ELECTIONS N BEYOND
Feb 3, 2010
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Senior Gen. Than Shwe, in an open letter published in a state-run newspaper, The New Light of Myanmar on the 62nd anniversary of the nation’s independence said, “The state’s seven-step road map designed for emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation is the sole process for transition to democracy.” General Than Shwe added, “The program is in the process of being implemented step by step.” Myanmar’s elections should hopefully result in opening up of politics and economy of the country and should be a forward movement as far as transparency and governance is concerned with greater equity and power to the people. |
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No Hopes of Breakthrough in Naga Talks
Feb 3, 2010
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The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) opposed participation of other “non-mandated” Naga militant groups in the peace process and insisted on integration of Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative umbrella. Thuingaleng Muivah, general secretary of the group said, “It is another form of unity first, negotiation next, as propagated by the adversaries of the Naga people,” in his statement on the occasion of the 30th Raising Day of the NSCN (I-M) at its council headquarters, Camp Hebron. The NSCN (IM) also expressed disappointment that the proposal has been floated by the Ministry of Home Affairs rather than coming from the Prime Minister’s Office as hithertofore. The statements came on the, “Raising Day” of the Outfits on 31 January. |
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Controlling a Restive Periphery
Jan 4, 2010
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In a speech delivered at the Graduation Parade of the 11th Intake of Defence Services Medical Academy Senior General Than Shwe, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, emphasized on the core theme of the military led government, national unity. Highlighting the peculiar multi ethnic composition of Myanmar, General Than Shwe said, and “National unity is the most essential requirement for the perpetuation of the sovereignty of the State which is resided by over one hundred national races. |
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The Obama Myanmar Initiative
Dec 7, 2009
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US President Obama commenced engagement with Myanmar on a positive note assuring the country of its territorial integrity and unity in a speech in Tokyo thus, "We support a Burma that is unified, peaceful, prosperous, and democratic. And as Burma moves in that direction, a better relationship with the United States is possible. |
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Bangladesh Maritime Border Dispute
Dec 7, 2009
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Bangladesh maritime border dispute with Myanmar and India is now before the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS). Myanmar and India have submitted their outer-continental-shelf claim to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS). Presentations by all states are in progress and Bangladesh’s objection with reference to disputes in the area as invoked under paragraph 5(a) of Annex I of the Rules of Procedure. |
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US-Myanmar Rapprochement
Nov 6, 2009
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Prospects of a rapprochement between the US and Myanmar were being explored with Washington showing indications of willingness to give up its policy of diplomatic isolation of the military junta led government in Nay Pyi Taw. This followed the hectic diplomacy for release of American renegade, John Yettaw who was released by the intervention of Senator Jim Webb after he was apprehended while making his way towards a detained Suu Kyi in May 2009. |
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Myanmar: A Transformation in the Making?
Oct 6, 2009
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In one of the major breakthroughs in Myanmar after many decades, reports indicate that detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has written a letter to the country’s military leader, General Than Shwe, denoting her willingness to work with the government for lifting of international sanctions. |
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The ULFA – Expanding Base in Myanmar?
Oct 6, 2009
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The presence of ULFA in Myanmar was highlighted by a cadre who surrendered recently indicating, “Though I am not in a position to divulge the exact number of cadres right now, it is beyond 400. They are fresh and currently undergoing training in Myanmar at the bases jointly run by Ulfa and the NSCN (K),” said Niren Sarma the surrenderee. |
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INDO MYANMAR ISSUES
Sep 25, 2009
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he growing synergy in Sino Myanmar relations was evident with the famous Ledo Road which connects China with Myanmar through Kachin Special Region I and II opened during the month. The road links Tengchone in Yunan province in the extreme south-western region of China , to Warshaung in Kachin state, Myanmar . The 96- kilometre asphalt road which cost 200 million Yuan has been under construction since 2004 |
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Myanmar’s Quest for Nuclear Weapons: Reality or Needless Suspicion
Sep 10, 2009
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A controversy over Myanmar’s quest for possession of nuclear weapons emerged with a report by two defectors to an interviewer of the Sydney Morning Herald carried by many news agencies that the country was planning to acquire nuclear weapons. The defectors also claimed that Myanmar had supplied "yellowcake" uranium to North Korea and Iran. The defectors codenamed Moe Jo and Tin Min reportedly told Australian investigator Desmond Ball that the military junta has nuclear ambitions that far exceed its official line. |
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Myanmar: China Increases Foot Print, US Unclenches Fist
Apr 15, 2009
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China increased its foot print in Myanmar with a deal to build cross border oil and gas pipelines and assist in hydroelectricity projects. The decisions were taken during the visit of Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee. |
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Myanmar Towards Reconcilition
Apr 30, 2008
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Short term trend of political reconciliation in Myanmar appear positive. Aung Suu Kyi holds talks with government envoy for the third time, meets other NLD leaders denoting forward movement in reconciliation. Suu Kyi also adopts a less confrontational approach.
Myanmar emerges as the biggest gas producer in Asia , sale of rubies during auction provide ample indication of the resource riches of the country. |
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MYANMAR : JUNTA’S BEIJING AXIS
Apr 19, 2008
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MYANMAR : JUNTA’S BEIJING AXIS
Key Trends
Beijing gives extended support to military junta in Myanmar. Chinese presence in Myanmar is reported to be extensive particularly in North Myanmar.
UN sees a role in national reconciliation in Myanmar with Chinese assistance.
Karen guerrillas strike in the country killing over 27.
Instability and resource curse could lead to Myanmar emerging as another hot spot on the South Asian periphery. |
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PROBLEMS OF RESTRUCTURING A MILITARY JUNTA
Apr 19, 2008
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Key Trends
Military Junta takes hard-line stance on ‘Seven-step’ Road Map. Appoints 54 member panel but no consultations planned with the NLD or Aung Suu Kyi.
UN secretary general forms, “Group of Friends” of 14 international stake holders in Myanmar to assist in deliberations with the junta. US Senate approves tougher sanctions against Myanmar. |
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Engaging Myanmar Challenges and Prospects
Apr 19, 2008
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Myanmar : Steep Path of Engagement
Key Trends
Aung Suu Kyi meets State Peace and Development Council emissary for the third time and is allowed to meet NLD party leadership for the first time. However remains distrustful of the path for reconciliation. |
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Myanmar's Referendum Structuring Change
Apr 19, 2008
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Myanmar : Referendum in May, Junta’s Smoke Screen?
Key Trends
State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) announces referendum on new constitution in May and elections in the country in 2010.
National League of Democracy (NLD), Aung Suu Kyi’s party remains skeptical of the government’s intention. |
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