On 5 June 2011, gunfire broke out between the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA — pro-democracy ethnic resistance) Battalion 16 and Burma Army Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 373 between Jauke Ku Village and Myine Tha Ya Village in Win Ye (Waw Reh) Township, Dooplaya District. In addition to firing on KNLA troops, LIB 373, led by Battalion Commander Aye Min Soe, began firing on and mortaring nearby Myine Tha Ya Village and Aplone Village. When they arrived at Myine Tha Ya Village, the Burma Army forced the villagers out from their covering pits, which are holes the villagers dig in the ground to hide in for protection from crossfire. After forcing them out of the covering pits, the Burma Army forced the villagers to carry loads and serve as human shields and minesweepers on their six-mile patrol to Meh Ta Li Village. Amongst the group of villagers forced to carry loads were a 9 -year-old boy and a pregnant woman.

A 9-year-old boy who was forced to carry loads while walking between soldiers, serving as a human shield.

A 14-year-old girl who was forced to carry a baby so that the mother of the baby could carry loads.

A 50-year-old father who was forced to carry a load for six miles.

A 48-year-old mother who was forced to carry a load for six miles.

A 24-year-old mother who was eight months pregnant and forced to carry loads and serve as a human shield with her 5-year-old son in tow.

A 5-year-old boy who was forced to walk with his mother in between SPDC troops while they patrolled for six miles to Meh La Ti Village.

A 53-year-old widow who was forced to carry loads without a shirt on for six miles.

A 24-year-old mother who was forced to carry loads as another porter carried her 8-month-old baby alongside.

© 2010 Free Burma Rangers | Contact FBR

Mission Summary:

Dear All,

On the fourth of May, four newly trained FBR relief teams along with the Shan FBR HQ team went on a seven day mission to southeastern Shan State. The teams visited two villages and the medics treated 260 patients and 10 dental patients.

FBR team members providing medical services in Shan State

Team member providing dental services in Shan State

Burma Army Activity:

The Burma Army continues to heavily tax villagers and their crops. The area the teams went to is controlled by Burma Army troops: IB-246, IB-514,IB-527, and IB-331.

FBR team member interviewing a villager in Shan State

Villager Situation:

In most villages the Burma Army has posted a proxy force of local militia called the Southern Shan State Army ( SSS). The SSS is made up of individuals who keep an eye on villagers and their activities and report back to the Burma Army. This is one of the reasons the relief teams cannot enter into villages and often do the medical and Good Life Club program outside the village. In many villages the children do not attend school because the government of Burma does not allow the people to start Shan schools.

FBR team member singing with villagers in Shan State

Team Summary:

The teams interviewed villagers, conducted Good Life Club programs including teaching basic health, singing songs, and playing games. They gave medical aid and were able to visit, and encourage the villagers. Thank you for your support in helping these teams make a difference bringing help, hope, and love in Shan State, Burma.

Thank you and may God Bless you,

FBR Shan Teams

FBR team member teaching anatomy.

The Free Burma Rangers’ (FBR) mission is to provide hope, help and love to internally displaced people inside Burma, regardless of ethnicity or religion. Using a network of indigenous field teams, FBR reports on human rights abuses, casualties and the humanitarian needs of people who are under the oppression of the Burma Army. FBR provides medical, spiritual and educational resources for IDP communities as they struggle to survive Burmese military attacks. For more information, please visit www.freeburmarangers.org

© 2010 Free Burma Rangers | Contact FBR

Dear friends,

The following is a photo essay by ethnic Arakan, Chin and Kachin FBR team members providing humanitarian relief in Western Burma. These teams risk their lives to help people oppressed by the Burma Army.

God bless you,

Western Burma FBR Teams

Displaced children living in a conflict area near the India border: Arakan State, January 30, 2011

Young Arakan girls catch fish using bamboo nets to help support their families. They have no access to a school. Arakan State, January 30, 2011

Arakan FBR medics treat a child with an infected ear: Arakan State, January 30, 2011

Road conditions in Chin State: Falam Township, Chin State, September 2, 2010

A Chin family without access to health services: Falam Township, Chin State, September 23, 2010

This sign reads, “Private agricultural area. Cutting trees for boards/posts/firewood is strictly prohibited. Forestry Department, Falam Township.” It is set in land that has traditionally been a public resource for people in the area. An organization acquired ownership rights over the forest from the SPDC with no consultation from the local people, who are now forbidden to use the land. Such grants of private ownership over traditionally public land are frequent in Chin State. Falam Township, Chin State, September 14, 2010

FBR team members help to repair a road in Chin State: Falam Township, Chin State, September 6, 2010

Arakan FBR teams provide a meal for displaced children during a Good Life Club program: Arakan State, March 14, 2011

FBR teams distribute medicine and school books: Falam Township, Chin State, September 8, 2010

Arakan FBR teams teach health during a Good Life Club program at a school for displaced children supported by the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP, local pro-democracy resistance). Arakan State, March 14, 2011

Schoolchildren hold up notebooks given by Chin FBR teams: Falam Township, Chin State, September 9, 2010

The Free Burma Rangers’ (FBR) mission is to provide hope, help and love to internally displaced people inside Burma, regardless of ethnicity or religion. Using a network of indigenous field teams, FBR reports on human rights abuses, casualties and the humanitarian needs of people who are under the oppression of the Burma Army. FBR provides medical, spiritual and educational resources for IDP communities as they struggle to survive Burmese military attacks. For more information, please visit www.freeburmarangers.org

© 2010 Free Burma Rangers | Contact FBR

Feraya Nangmone with Nant Bwa Bwa Phan (right).

Nant Bwa Bwa Phan with Audience at display table.

(See also week 1)

Burma Liberation Front is carrying out Multi-Faith Prayer Actions for Burma, saying multi-faith prayers and making best wishes for the people of Burma _ may they be peaceful, prosperous and free from persecution.

When military regime finish the fake election 2010, and install their lackey Union Solidarity & Development Party as the military’s puppet sham civilian government, Burma will be plunged for many coming decades into utter devastation. Because of that Burma Liberation Front is carrying out Multi-Faith Prayer Actions for the fate of the long suffering people of Burma, on alternate Tuesdays 12noon to 1pm in front of Burmese military regime embassy in London.

At this week’s event, Myat Min Htwe from BLF Liaison Committee acted as Master of Ceremony. Kabarmakyaybu song was sung at the beginning of the ceremony in honour of fallen heroes of Burma’s human rights struggle. Opening speech was given by BLF General Secretary Thandar Htike. Special Guest Speakers, Shaun Brown and John Scovell also gave speeches. Multi-faith prayers were then said for Burma, in Buddhist/Hindu, Muslim and Christian traditions, led in turn by members from BLF Working Committees.

(See also week 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1 & 6.2)

Burma Liberation Front in London is carrying out international awareness campaigns by distributing flyers about Burma’s current political situation and collecting signatures for Help Liberate Burma petition from international visitors at tourist attraction sites all over London every weekend. This week in Richmond, London. The petition with the international supporters’ signatures will be sent to the United nations and international governments, including the British government. The campaign will go on until after Burma election 2010.

(See also week 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1 & 6.2)

Burma Liberation Front in London is carrying out international awareness campaigns by distributing flyers about Burma’s current political situation and collecting signatures for Help Liberate Burma petition from international visitors at tourist attraction sites all over London every weekend. This week in Richmond, London. The petition with the international supporters’ signatures will be sent to the United nations and international governments, including the British government. The campaign will go on until after Burma election 2010.

Burma Liberation Front is carrying out Multi-Faith Prayer Actions for Burma, saying multi-faith prayers and making best wishes for the people of Burma _ may they be peaceful, prosperous and free from persecution.

When military regime finish the fake election 2010, and install their lackey Union Solidarity & Development Party as the military’s puppet sham civilian government, Burma will be plunged for many coming decades into utter devastation. Because of that Burma Liberation Front is carrying out Multi-Faith Prayer Actions for the fate of the long suffering people of Burma, on alternate Tuesdays 12noon to 1pm in front of Burmese military regime embassy in London.

At this week’s event, Chaw Ei Ei Ktwe from BLF Coordination Committee acted as Master of Ceremony. Opening speech was given by BLF General Secretary Thandar Htike. Multi-faith prayers were said, led in turn by Maung Bedu, Lwin Mar Soe, Aung Naing Cho, Chandra Mani, Zaw Lin, Monhan, Myat Min Htwe, Zaw Lin Win, Zayar Aung, Hnin Htaik Win, Kyaw Oo … from BLF Working Committees.

01.07.2010

The 2nd Biannual Party Meeting (2/2010) of Burma Liberation Front was held on 01.07.2010 (1-4 pm) at the designated meeting hall.

Candidates for the Chair, the Central Executive Committee, new & prospective members, and other core members attended the Meeting. (New members = members who have already joined BLF as provisional members but not yet taken the Oath of Members; Prospective members = members who were to join BLF as provisional members at the Meeting).

The Meeting was chaired by Thandar Htike. Decisions were taken democratically by majority Votes which were cast by show of hand, those in favour raising their hands.

Meeting Program

			Meeting agenda was presented to the Meeting, by Thandar Htike.
			The Meeting salute to the martyrs of Burma’s Independence struggle, fallen heroes of Burma’s human rights struggle, political prisoners in Burma, and the flag of Burma Liberation Front. Saluting conducted by member Maung Bedu.
			State of the Party report, for the last 6 months, was presented by incumbent General Secretary Ko Tayza.
			Party’s financial statement for the last 6 months was reported to the Meeting by Thi Thi San.
			A motion for streamlining the organizational structure, and hence the constitution accordingly, in line with current political and operational requirements, was raised by Thandar Htike. The motion was approved by the Meeting. The Meeting then made discussions and approvals on the amendments to be incorporated into the constitution and organizational structure of the Party.
			In accordance with the constitutional amendments, a rotating Chairperson was necessary. The Meeting discussed the suitable characteristics of the candidate for the ceremonial Chairperson role. After discussions, the incumbent General Secretary Ko Tayza announced the nominated person; Ma Thuzar Oo. Ma Thuzar Oo then took the Oath of Office from incumbent General Secretary Ko Tayza.
			Afterwards, she gave a speech and words of thanks to the Meeting.
The Meeting made discussions on nominating certain members into the new Central Executive Committee CEC, in accordance with the constitutional amendments. After discussions, the incumbent General Secretary Ko Tayza announced the nominations_ Ko Tayza, Thandar Htike, Tun Tun Oo, Myo Zin Mar, Aung Naing Moe, Thi Thi San, Anil Gotra. The Meeting voted and approved the nominations.
	The new elected CEC members then individually took their Oaths of Office from Chairperson of the Party, Ma Thuzar Oo.
		One of the new CEC members, Anil Gotra, said words of thanks to the meeting.
Incumbent General Secretary Ko Tayza announced his resignation from General Secretary post, and the Meeting accepted it. The Meeting made a short recess. When the Meeting reconvened, the CEC members decided this time to themselves nominate one of them to stand as the sole candidate for the vacant General Secretary post, instead of making a contest. The CEC members unanimously decided to nominate Thandar Htike as the new General Secretary. The decision was announced to the floor of the Meeting, and the Meeting voted to approve it.
			The new General Secretary Thandar Htike gave a speech and words of thanks to the Meeting.
			The new members & prospective members, who attended the meeting, together took an Oath of Members from the Chairperson of the Party before the Party Flag.
New members introduced themselves to the Meeting.
The Meeting decided to grant full member status to certain new members who have already been working for the Party for a period of time as provisional members. It was also decided to allow other new & prospective members who could not attend the meeting to take their Oaths individually from the General Secretary later. Also decided was to set a flexible one to three months probationary period for new members, depending on the level of their prior political activities and connections with BLF.
New members were given their member badges, provisional or full depending on their membership status, by the General Secretary.
			One of the new members, Than Htoo Min, said words of thanks on behalf of all new members.
			A Certificate of Commendation was awarded by the Chairperson of the Party to member Myat Min Htwe for his efforts in getting party Flags printed in Thai-Burma border region.
The Meeting made detailed discussions on collection of member fees, fund-raising, Prayers for Burma, on-going public awareness campaign, political education, convening regular coordination meetings, formation of Working Committees, cooperation with other organizations, etc. Existing core members made contribution of their opinions.
The Meeting was successfully concluded at 4pm sharp.

Life is beauty, admire it. Life is bliss, taste it.  Life is a dream, realize it.  Life is a challenge, meet it.  Life is a duty, complete it.  Life is a game, play it.  Life is a promise, fulfill it.  Life is sorrow, overcome it.  Life is a song, sing it.  Life is a struggle, accept it.  Life is a tragedy, confront it.  Life is an adventure, dare it.  Life is luck, make it.  Life is too precious, do not destroy it.  Life is life, fight for it.”  —

Amnesty International has been making efforts to raise awareness about prisoners of conscience in Burma, as well as about human rights abuses by the military regime in Burma. This month’s Amnesty magazine comes with the cover-photo of U Win Tin, a very well-known pro-democracy activist and journalist as well as the formerly longest-serving political prisoner in Burma.

International human rights activists and Burmese exile pro-democracy activists in London, led by Burma Liberation Front, on 04.05.2010 in front of Burmese military regime embassy, successfully made the fourth of their four demonstrations planned as a protest against the unfair election laws recently passed by the military regime in Burma in preparation for their fake election in the later part of 2010.

• (Click here to see video)

Thi Thi San from BLF Coordination Committee acted as master of ceremony.

Sylvie Le Lan from Amnesty International gave a speech. (Click here to see video)

John Scovell from Reigate Free Burma campaign group gave a speech. (Click here to see video)

• (Click here to see video)

Shaun Brown, a friend for Burma Liberation, first led chanting of anti-regime slogans in English.

• (Click here to see video)

Shaun Brown then led chanting of anti-regime slogans in Burmese.

Burma Liberation Front’s open letter to Burmese military regime was read out by BLF Spokesperson Dr Lily and BLF Coordination Committee member Chaw Eiei Htwe. (Click here to read open letter.)

BLF Action Committee members carried on leading the chanting of anti-regime slogans.

• (Click here to see video)

Closing speech was given by BLF’s General Secretary Ko Tayza (Tayza Thuria).

The demonstration was successfully concluded by singing Gabar-Makyay-Bue song in honour of fallen heroes of Burma’s human rights struggle.