2007 KNG News
Up one levelAll News that covered the year 2007.
Burmese activists demand freedom on Independence Day
4 January 2007: Burmese pro-democracy activists in New Delhi, India, held demonstrations on the 59th Independence Day of Burma today decrying military rule in Burma.
Chins forced into labour, harvesting affected
5 January 2007: Forced labour by the military authorities has affected seasonal harvesting, creating severe problems for people in Chin state, Myanmar. This time of the year is when people are engaged in seasonal agricultural work.
Burmese migrants hold soccer competition in Aizawl
5 January 2007: Burmese migrants on the Indo-Burma border held a soccer competition on the 59th anniversary of the Independence Day of Burma on January 4 in Aizawl, capital of Mizoram state, India.
Unlicensed motor cycles confiscated for employees in Naypidaw
17 January 2007: In order to provide government employees in Naypidaw, the new capital of Myanmar with two wheelers, the military regime confiscated several unlicensed motor cycles in Sagaing Division last week.
Burmese pro-democracy activists detained in Mizoram
20 January 2007: In a surprise raid on the office of a Burmese opposition group on the Indo-Burma border today, the Indian Army detained 22 Burmese pro-democracy activists.
Kalay University students ignore dress code directives.
20 January 2007: Students of Kalay University in Sagaing division, Burma have thumbed their nose at the military authorities and continue to flaunt western style dresses despite the regime pressing them to don Burmese traditional attire in the campus.
Military authorities begin election campaign in Chin state
22 January 2007: In what seems to be a start to holding elections after the national convention, military authorities in Chin state, Burma are said to have hinted at shifting Chin state’s capital to Falam Township.
Mizoram police free Burmese pro-democracy activists
22 January 2007: The Mizoram police released 22 Burmese pro-democracy activists at midnight yesterday after they were locked up for two days, first in their office and then in the police station in Saiha town in southern Mizoram state, India. The group has been active along the Indo-Burma border area.
Burmese migrant workers killed in truck mishap
23 January 2007: Six Burmese migrant workers were killed in truck an accident near the Indo-Burma border on Saturday.
TPDC authorities extort money from hill farmers
25 January 2007: In yet another form of extortion, cultivation on hill farms is to be taxed in Chin State, Burma. The TPDC authorities in Chin state have passed a directive to collect money from farmers into hill farming in rural areas.
Expansion of Burma’s telecom network benefits Kannan
25 January 2007: Trade and economic activities between India and Burma has come as a boon for some in the vicinity of Tamu town in Sagaing Division of Burma. Tamu is one of the main gateways to Indo-Burma border trade and some people are enjoying benefits accruing from the extended telecommunication network.
Chin pro-democracy activists live in fear of Indian forces
26 January 2007: Chin pro-democracy activists from Burma are living in fear and keeping a low profile after Indian security forces conducted a raid on the Public Affairs Committee office of the Chin political group in Saiha town in southern Mizoram state in India.
TPDC orders destruction of Jatropha trees in public places
31 January 2007: With the belated realizations that Jatropha is risky for people, military authorities have directed that the plants, known as bio-diesel trees, growing in the area of public buildings in Chin state, be destroyed.
Traders and farmers angry over rise in chili tax
February 15, 2007: With military authorities in Burma imposing higher taxes on chili, traders and farmers are facing serious problems in selling the commodity in domestic markets in Burma.
TPDC forces villagers to widen road on Indo-Burma border
15 February 2007: Several villagers are being forced to work on the widening of the Than Tlang–Farkawn Road that links Burma to the northeast parts of India as of February 12.
Chin Council hosts dinner for Martin Luther King Peace laureate
14 February 2007: The Chin National Council based on the Indo-Burma border hosted a dinner in honour to Martin Luther King Peace Prize winner, Dr Lian Hmun Sakhong yesterday.
Poppy cultivation up in northwestern Burma
13 February 2007: There has been a marked increase in poppy cultivation in Chin state, in the northwest part of Burma even as the United Nations views Burma as a country which has intensified its anti-drug campaign.
Concentration camps in Chin state deprived of health care
12 February 2007: Torture at the hands of prison officials and an appalling lack of health care in the Len Tlang concentration camp in Falam Township , Chin state in Burma has reportedly cost the lives of several inmates.
Annual Chin student leaders meet in Burma concluded
10 February 2007: A group of Chin student leaders from different universities in Burma held their annual meeting in Mandalay town, the second capital of Burma. The meet was successfully concluded last week.
Junta Decide to Pay salaries to woo people in Chin State
9 February 2007: In a bid to run its administrative apparatus smoothly in Chin state the military regime in Burma has reportedly decided to pay high salaries to chairmen at the township and village level administration. The idea is also to woo the people for the upcoming referendum.
New 'Latpan' market has lots of space at fancy prices
8 February 2007: Construction of the 'Latpan' market in Kalay town of Sagaing division in Burma is on at full swing. The market was razed to the ground in a devastating fire last year.
Mizoram God man to preach in Burma
3 February 2007: Obliged to fulfill the appetite for the word of life, Reverend Chuanthuama, known for his well-versed sermons in Mizoram state, India is likely to extend his crusade in Burma.
Indo-Burma Kaladan project to start soon
2 February 2007: Work on the Kaladan multi-modal transport project will get off the ground soon, the Chief Secretary of Mizoram said yesterday.
Oppression in Chin state force people to abandon homeland
February 21: About 50,000 Chin people have abandoned their homeland and taken refuge in foreign countries in the past year to escape unabated oppression by a brutal military regime in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma.
Chin Council calls for dialogue and freedom for political prisoners
February 22: The Chin National Council (CNC) based on the Indo-Myanmar border has urged the Burmese military regime to engage in a political dialogue with the opposition and release Nobel Peace Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, ethnic leaders and other political prisoners.
Chins forced to contribute to TPDC
February 23, 2001: In what seems to be another name for extortion, TPDC authorities in Chin state are collecting money from people as a part of a fund raising drive to serve the Myanmar military regime.
Military authorities to rework Jatropha project in Chin state
24 February 2007: With Jatropha projects failing over the last three years, the military authorities in Myanmar are adopting new methods to replace scientifically nursed Jatropha plants with ones that grow naturally in Chin state.
CNF- SPDC peace talks on Indo-Burma border
March 12, 2007: For the first time the Chin National Front (CNF) is going to negotiate peace with the Burmese military junta. A CNF delegation left Aizawl city to have talks with the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) today.
“The talks are just for peace”: Dr Sui Khar
March 14, 2007: Khonumthung News Group (KNG) interviewed Dr Suikhar (Dr SK), Joint General Secretary and Secretary of External Affairs of the Chin National Front (CNF), who is leading a delegation to initiate peace talks between the CNF and the Burmese military junta or the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC).
Drug addition on the rise among oil well workers
March 15, 2007: There is an alarming rise in the number of drug users among local oil well workers by the side of the Myitta River, Kalemyo Township, Sagaing Division, according to a report.
Junta may release 50 prisoners on Armed Forces Day
March 16, 2007: The Burmese military junta may release 50 prisoners from Kalay Myo, Sagaing Division jail on the 62nd anniversary of the Armed Forces Day (called Tatmadaw Neih).
Rice destroyed by insects, price may go up
16 March 2007: The price of rice may shoot up next month because insects have destroyed a lot of rice stocked in the stores in Kalay Myo, Sagaing Division.
Authorities accused of setting fire to Pakokku Market
March 17, 2007: Local people have blamed the Burmese authorities for the fire in Pakokku Market, Magwe division on the night of February 12. But the reason is still unclear.
Burmese livestock banned in Mizoram for bird flu
March 17, 2007: The authorities in Mizoram , India have banned entry of all Burmese live stock since last month through the Indo-Burma border after reports of an outbreak of bird fluid in the neigbouring country.
Burmese migrants donate blood to Mizoram hospital
March 19, 2007: A Burmese social group and the Christian Association donated blood to the Civil Hospital in Aizawl, Mizoram state, on the Indo-Burma border last weekend.
Burmese women hold exchange programme in Mizoram
March 13, 2007: An exchange programme for women was conducted by the association of Burmese women in Mizoram near the Indo-Burma on International Women’s Day.
CNF peace delegates back home
18 March 2007: The CNF delegation, which went for peace talks with the Burmese military junta, has come back to its headquarters on the Indo-Burma border area on Saturday following negotiations between March 15 to 16.
Cows stolen and slaughtered
17 March 2007: Cows are mysteriously disappearing and being slaughtered in Tahan Township , Sagiang Division since December last year.
Government employees' salary may increase
March 22, 2007: The Burmese military regime is likely to increase the salary of government employees by about Kyat 20,000 as a bonus from April.
Chapcharkut festival celebrated in Tahan, Kalay Myo
March 22, 2007: A Chin group celebrated the Chapcharkut festival in C block in northern Tahan Kalay Myo Township yesterday.
Reconstruction of Tahan Market discontinued
March 24, 2007: Reconstruction of the Tahan Market in Myanmar (formerly Burma) has been discontinued over the last two weeks.
Traders in a spot over border road closure
March 24, 2007: The Burmese authorities in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) have closed the border road, which links Hakha and Than Tlang in Chin State to Mizoram state, India. This has hit not only traders but also local people who are facing problems in eking out their livelihood.
Churches and Christians under junta scanner
March 26, 2007: Burmese military authorities in Chin state are monitoring and investigating the activities of churches and Christians. The reports are being sent regularly to the central government.
SPDC collects Kyat nine million from churches for graveyard
March 26, 2007: Military authorities have collected Kyat nine million from churches in upper Myanmar, Sagiang Division, Kalay Myo and bought land for a graveyard spread over 30 acres from civilian landlords in February.
Army forces people to sell liquor worth Kyat 1.5 million
March 26, 2007: A Burmese army unit stationed in ThanTlang, Chin state, Myanmar, has ordered villagers from eight villages to sell OB liquor, a government product, worth about Kyat 1.5 million.
Mizoram preacher Dr Siama in Burma for the second time
March 27, 2007: A preacher from Mizoram , India , Dr P.C. Biak Siama visited Burma for the second time on a preaching programme to Kalay Myo, Sagaing Division.
Strict check on Burmese visitors after murder of five in Mizoram
March 27, 2007: The murder of a family of four and their guest in Saiha district, Mizoram, India last Friday has sent shock waves among locals and goaded the authorities to initiate stringent checks on people coming in from Burma to Saiha on the border.
Two refugees from Burma detained in India
29 March 2007: Two refugees from Chin state in Myanmar have been reportedly detained at different places in New Delhi, India for tampering with an Indian Home Ministry envelope last week.
Kuki students released in New Delhi
29 March 2007: The police yesterday released 137 Kuki students from Tihar Jail in New Delhi, India after Manipur Lok Sabha MP Mani Charinamei appealed to the National Human Right Commission (NHRC) to redress the grievances of Kuki students.
Kuki students released in New Delhi
29 March 2007: The police yesterday released 137 Kuki students from Tihar Jail in New Delhi, India after Manipur Lok Sabha MP Mani Charinamei appealed to the National Human Right Commission (NHRC) to redress the grievances of Kuki students.
Freedom of worship by Christian’s under threat in Burma
March 30, 2007: In a blatant instance of religious persecution, the Burmese military regime is forcing Christian pastors to sign a vow to stop worshipping in churches in Gangaw, Magwey Division in Burma
Child soldiers continue to be recruited in military ruled Burma
March 30, 2007: The Burmese military junta continues to recruit child soldiers in contravention of international laws, without batting an eyelid. It is persuading and coercing youth of all ages to join the army using different ploys.
AIDS on rise among Burmese workers in Mizoram
April 11, 2007: AIDS among Burmese workers in Aizawl, Indo-Myanmar border is on the rise. Although last year's report of the Samaritan Society, following blood tests, did not reveal the exact number of HIV positive people among 700 Burmese workers, the counselor of the society Mr. Zaw Thun said that the ratio of infected HIV people was 1 in 100.
Chin worker murdered in Mizoram
April 3, 2007: The body of a Burmese worker - a Chin, was found on March 24 evening in Saha district, Mizoram state, India by the police.
Three village chairmen killed by Burma Army, two others missing
April 11, 2007: The Burmese Army killed three Chairmen of Village Peace and Development Council (VPDC) of Matupi and Mindat Townships, Southern Chin state, Burma last February. They were accused of helping the Chin National Army (CNA). Two others are still missing.
Kaladan River project brings additional income for locals
April 12, 2007: Agricultural workers in parts of south Mizoram now have additional daily income from the Kaladan river project and road construction.
Body of missing seven year-old girl buried in Malaysia
April 12, 2007: The body of a Chin girl, missing since March 20, 2007 was found and buried by her relatives and Chin Christians in Malaysia.
More than 20 Students being rounded up for army recruitment
April 13, 2007: The Commander of Tactical (2), Colonel San Aung who was appointed for Matupi Township, southern Chin state, Burma rounded up more than 20 students after their examination for recruitment to the army.
Authorities sell meter box for ten times the price at Kyat 3 lakhs
April 15, 2007: In Chin state, Myanmar authorities are taking civilians for a ride by selling meter boxes for Kyat 3 lakhs each when the actual price is only Kyat 30,000.
Villagers lose 3,000 rice tins in forest fire
April 15, 2007: A fire which villagers started in the forest destroyed a big rice storehouse in Matupi Township, Chin state Myanmar. They lost 3,000 tins of rice.
Meat prices soar following ban on livestock from Burma
April 16, 2007: Price of meat has soared since March in Mizoram after the state government banned entry of livestock from Burma (Myanmar) following an outbreak of bird flu in the neighbouring country.
Civilians forced to carry planks for army camp, pagoda and monastery
April 17, 2007: Civilians in Matupi Township, Chin state Myanmar are being forced by the authorities to transport planks for construction of an army camp, a pagoda and a monastery since March.
Solidarity letters and actions with Mizzima from around the world (Media Alert!)
BURMA NEWS INTERNATIONAL (BNI) Press Release:
Mizzima urges world bodies to request India to reopen its office
April 18, 2007: The Mizzima News Agency has requested international organizations and news agencies to write request letters to the Government of India to reopen the agency's office.
MTP and MSA to celebrate centenary year of Mara people
April 18, 2007: MTP (Marah Thyutlia Py) Mara Youth Association and MSA (Mara Student’s Association) will celebrate the centenary year of the Mara people in Darling village, Matupi Township in southern Chin state from April 21.
Market prices soar even as news of salary hike spreads
April 19, 2007: Even before the Burmese military regime puts into place a proposed hike in salaries of government employees in May market prices have begun to soar.
Tahan market construction halted by authorities
April 19, 2007: Shop owners have been ordered by local authorities to discontinue construction work of Tahan market in Kalay Myo, Sagaing Division.
The ‘small book’ to cheat in board examinations
April 20, 2007: In Burma a small book designed to help students cheat their way through board examinations has been in circulation for years.
ZRO (Burma Front) statement baseless: ZRO spokesman
20 April 2007: There is no basis to the allegation made by the Zomi Re-Unification Organization, (Burma Front) that ZRO helped the Mizo National Front (MNF) to win the state elections in Mizoram in 2003, a ZRO spokesman, who did not want to be identified said.
SPDC forces Chin farmers to buy expensive variety of rice seeds
April 21, 2007: Being forced into situations, which reeks of unpleasantness, is part of life under the SPDC military government. In Chin state farmers are being compelled to buy a new variety of rice seeds called ShwezinAye at Kyat 3,750 a tin for cultivation this year.
Nickel-chromium mining in Mwetaung stops in rainy season
April 21, 2007: Nickel and chromium mining by the Chinese Kenbo Company has ground to a halt in Mwetaung (Snake Mountain) in Chin state near Kalay Myo, Sagaing division, Upper Burma this month with the onset of the monsoons.
Kyat 5,000 each presented to 20 people not in to drugs
April 25, 2007: In Than Tlang Township of Chin state, Myanmar a business couple Tikur, Khaini and Sahdah awarded Kyat 5,000 each to people who are not into drugs and alcohol in the second week of March.
SPDC constructs Indo-Myanmar border road by taxing traders
April 26, 2007: Kale-Haimual border trade union from Chin state, Myanmar has been collecting taxes from traders and using the funds to construct and repair roads.
Mizoram bans entry of poultry from Myanmar and Bangladesh
27 April 2007: In a bid to prevent the spread of avian flu in northeast states of India, a general alert has been sounded by the Mizoram government prohibiting entry of poultry and livestock from Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Villagers' bribe Burma Army to get out of forced labour
28 April 2007: Villagers in Than Tlang Township in Chin state, Myanmar had to bribe Kyat 6 lakhs (US $ 500) to the military authorities to avoid working as labourers in road construction and shun penalty.
Prison Charity Foundation office closed in Yangon
28 April 2007: The Prison Charity Foundation (PCF) established by Christians in Chin state to help inmates, was shut down by the Burmese military regime on March 4.
Chin students' seminar in Matupi
2 May 2007: Chin University students successfully concluded the historic seminar called "Human Resource Development" held from April 13 to 18 in Matupi Township, Chin state, Myanmar.
Virus affects pigs in Chin State, Myanmar
3 May 2007: An unknown virus in pigs has been detected in Chin state, northwestern Myanmar following reports of bird flu virus hitting Yangon , the former capital of Myanmar in the past two months.
Christian preacher and disciple arrested in Myanmar
May 4, 2007: Persecution of Christians, continue unabated by Myanmar military rulers, with a Christian preacher being sentenced to two years in jail along with his disciple. Their crime – they had gone abroad allegedly in an illegal manner on March 26.
Malaysian authorities arrest undocumented Myanmar workers
May 5, 2007: In yet another crackdown on undocumented illegal workers, Malaysian authorities arrested 27 Chins belonging to Myanmar yesterday.
Mizos to preserve an old Bodhi tree in Myanmar
May 5, 2007: To preserve a Bodhi tree planted by ancestors of Mizos in Myanmar several centuries ago before they migrated to India, a Khampat Bodhi tree protection committee has been set up in Aizawl, capital of Mizoram state.
First Chin military official to head Chin state
May 7, 2007: For the first time a Chin army official has been promoted to the post of tactical commander and head of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) of Chin state. He is the first Chin ethnic military official to hold this rank and position. The decision was taken by the military regime In Naypidaw, the new capital of Myanmar in February.
Chin people to contribute funds for road construction
May 8, 2007: Each family from 85 villages in Than Tlang Township, Chin state are having to shell out Kyat 1,000 for construction of the Mantaw- Hakha road. Those unable to contribute have to make it up by working on the construction site. The orders to this effect come from Lai To, Chairman of the Township Peace and Development Council, Thang Tlang.
Naypidaw intervenes in Tahan market reconstruction controversy
May 8, 2007: Officials of the Burmese military regime have summoned six members of the construction committee of Tahan market in Kale Myo, Sagain Division to Naypidaw the new capital of Myanmar. The committee is having problems with the local authorities regarding the reconstruction of the burnt out market.
Policeman killed, another seriously injured in brawl
May 9, 2007: A policeman was killed and another was seriously injured in a brawl between two police personnel and locals in Tawnzang Township northern Chin state, Myanmar on May 3. The policeman, who was knifed, died on the spot.
Forest fire destroys several acres of Jatropha plantation
May 10, 2007: A forest fire in the second week of March destroyed around 7,000 acres of Jatropha plantations which was initiated four years ago in Falam Township in Chin state, Myanmar.
Four civilians guard army camp each night
May 11, 2007: It is mandatory for local people in Paletwa Township in Chin state, Myanmar to guard army camps every night.
Military authorities order 85 villages to buy Jathropha seeds
May 11, 2007: Military authorities have ordered people to purchase Jathropha seeds valued at Kyat 2 to 6 lakhs in Thantlang Township, Chin state, Myanmar.
Junta forces OB alcohol sale in 17 villages again
May 11, 2007: The Burmese Army has ordered the sale of OB alcohol in 17 villages in Than Tlang Township, Chin state, Myanmar (Burma) for the second time since the second week of March.
Chins abroad help families who lost rice stocks in fire
May 15, 2007: Chin people settled outside Burma have begun to help people who lost their stocks of rice in a devastating fire in a store house in Matupi Township, Chin state in April.
Member of village council arrested for carelessness
May 16, 2007: A member of the Lailenpi Village Council was sentenced to four months in jail by military authorities for lack of awareness in preventing a forest fire which destroyed stocks of paddy in Chin state, Myanmar.
More recognition to Chin refugees after US waiver
May 16, 2007: More recognition is being given to Chin people as refugees by the UNHCR in Malaysia after the US government signed a waiver to exempt Chin refugees from India, Thailand and Malaysia from the provisions of the US Patriot Act that had restricted resettlement in US on October 2006.
Myanmar junta involves villagers in militia training
May 17, 2007: A member of each family from several villages in Matupi town in Chin state, Myanmar has been forced to undergo militia training. Attendance at the training session has been made mandatory by Colonel San Aung, a tactical commander of tactical (2) stationed in Matupi.
More pagodas in Chin state, ban on church construction
May 18, 2007: With no let up in religious persecution by the Burmese military junta in Chin state, restrictions have been imposed on construction of churches but building of pagodas is being encouraged.
Over 400 houses to be demolished for airport-road modification
May 18, 2007: Over 400 houses belonging to locals are set to be confiscated and demolished by the military junta in Myanmar to extend the Kalay airport and Kalay-Tahan main road in in Sagaing Division.
Myanmar Army demolishes houses for training ground
May 19, 2007: Four houses belonging to four families were confiscated and demolished for preparing a training ground for the Myanmarese Army in Kalay Town in Sagaing Division, Myanmar.
Junta ignores threat of famine as people live in fear in Chin state
May 19, 2007: People in Chin state are living in perpetual fear of an impending famine with the flowering of bamboo. The military regime has taken no steps either to create awareness or prevent famine.
BSWA requests Mizoram NGOs to help in HIV awareness
May 23, 2007: Non Governmental Organisations in Mizoram in India have been requested by Ko Aung Naing Win, vice-president of Burma Social Welfare Association (BSWA) to help create awareness about spread of HIV infection among workers from Myanmar.
Nine Burmese workers deported
May 23, 2007: Nine Burmese nationals arrested on May 16 by authorities of Mizoram state in India, were deported today.
Storm damages school and houses in Chin State
May 24, 2007: A cyclonic storm sweeping Thantlang town of Chin state, Myanmar damaged a school and six houses on May 7 2007.
