March

Increase in members and activities of Chin Student Union by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:47

The activities and membership of the Chin Student Union (CSU) have increased manifold with the union leaders’ commitment to work for the betterment of students in Delhi.

Myanmar jails child of activist by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:47

A 4-year-old Myanmar girl has been jailed by security forces because her father is a pro-democracy activist and follower of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.

Free Aung San Suu Kyi, says Bush by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:55

US President George W. Bush Thursday called for the release of Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.Addressing reporters after talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Bush said the US and India condemned "the deplorable state of human rights in Burma and (want) all nations to seek the release of Aung San Suu Kyi".

US and India demand Myanmar free Aung San Suu Kyi by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:56

The US and India strongly criticized human rights violations in military-ruled Myanmar and called for the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Mizoram authorities block entry of animals from Burma by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:48

Taking stern steps to prevent the spread of bird flu in the state the Mizoram government has barred entry of animals from Burma since yesterday.

Bush says Myanmar rights situation "deplorable" by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:56

The human rights situation in military-ruled Myanmar was "deplorable", U.S. President George W. Bush on Thursday, and he called for the release of Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, jailed or under house arrest since May 2003.

Indo-Burma rail link study completed by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:48

Indian state external affairs minister E. Ahamed has said a feasibility study on a rail link connecting India and Burma had been completed.

Myanmar arrests ethnic rebel over small bombings by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:48

A 24-year-old ethnic Karen rebel has been arrested over two small bombings last week in central Myanmar in which no one was hurt, official media said Wednesday.

Bush's Speech in India, Extract by admin — last modified 2008-08-20 20:46

Thank you. Thank you. Please be seated. Distinguished guests, namaste. (Applause.) Laura and I have been looking forward to this visit for a long time, and we're delighted to be in India.

Bangladesh will provide 522 products with free access among BIMSTEC by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:48

Bangladesh has finalized a list of 522 products to provide duty-free access to three least developed countries (LDCs) of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) between June 2006 and June 2009.

India-Thailand row over BIMSTEC rules of origin by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:48

Two big economies in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) - India and Thailand – are embroiled in a battle over the rules of origin on creating a free trade zone among the member states, sources said.

While others push to free Myanmar, China takes a more profitable path by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:49

China has tossed an economic lifeline to the military regime of Myanmar, and the lifeline passes through this border city.

Indian government mulls rail link to Burma by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:49

The union [federal] government is considering a proposal of Indian Railways for setting up of a rail link with neighbouring Myanmar [Burma] through the northeastern states. A feasibility study in this regard has been completed, top level Railway Ministry sources told PTI.

U.S. Gives India Applause, Pakistan a Pat on the Back by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:49

President Bush leaves this region having declared India and Pakistan strategic partners. But his declarations spoke just as loudly of the shifting balance of power in the region, and the world.

Indian president’s Burma visit sends the wrong message: NCGUB by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:49

Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam’s arrival in Burma tomorrow will send the wrong message to the military according to the exiled National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma.

India boosts cooperate with Myanmar by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:49

India and Myanmar (Burma) have agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of remote sensing, petroleum and Buddhism during an official visit by Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam to the country, diplomatic sources said on Friday.

Oh, Kolkata!; In replacing the colonial names of several cities by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:49

CALCUTTA SEARS the senses. You can almost taste the poverty, the spices in the air, the breathless heat and the swirl of humanity. I once watched bodies being cremated on pyres along the banks of the Hughli River. Then I retired to the Grand Hotel for a splendid lunch. Wondrous, uninviting, unforgettable -- the former capital of British India is all those things.

Two NLD leaders sent to jail by Burmese authorities by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:50

Burma's western Arakan State, Sittwe (Akyab) Township National League for Democracy (NLD) chairman San Shwe Tun and organising committee member Aung Pan Tha, were each sentenced to three years in jail by a local court within last week.

Burmese Junta to sign gas deal with India soon by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:50

Burmese Military Junta is expected to sign an agreement with India this week to supply its natural gas to India, according to Indian Foreign Secretary.

Burmese Army Collects New Tolls from Local People by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:50

The Burmese army is now collecting tolls from local Arakanese people using a new method, said a teacher from Mrauk U Township. This new means of toll collection is different from previous methods and is done very cleverly by the army.

India's president arrives on three-day state visit to Myanmar by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:50

Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and a 40-member entourage arrived in Yangon amid tight security Wednesday for a landmark trip aimed at strengthening ties between the neighbors despite Myanmar's continued suppression of democracy.

Myanmar and India sign natural gas deal by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:50

Yangon: India and Myanmar agreed Thursday to consider ways of transporting natural gas from fields off western Myanmar to the energy-hungry giant next door, officials said.

Myanmar set in emerald and gold by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:50

Green and gold - those have to be the colours of Myanmar, even when seen from the sky.Green for the lush pastoral landscape and gold for the occasional pagoda glistening in the afternoon sun as the plane circles before landing at the airport here.

Fields destroyed by ceasefire group by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:51

A recent truce between two warring factions of the Shan Nationalities People's Liberation Organization (SNPLO), a ceasefire group, failed to save the poppy fields destroyed by one rival faction, according to new arrivals of migrants from southern Shan State:

Burma's Red Carpet for the Indians by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:51

As Indian President A P J Abdul Kalam arrived in Rangoon on Wednesday, few observers expected his talks with the ruling generals to include moves towards democracy, human rights or any other of the controversial issues for which Burma is assailed by the international community. It is also doubtful whether the issue of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's prolonged detention will be raised.

Malaysian foreign minister says still no date for Burma Trip by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:51

Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said his plans to visit military-ruled Burma to check on the progress of democratic reforms have been stalled. "My trip is still stalled," said Syed Hamid, who is acting as the envoy of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Fourth trade union training concludes in Mizoram by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:51

The three-day fourth trade union leadership training inaugurated on March 5, concluded yesterday in the All Burma Lushai Women's Organization (ABLWO) office in Aizawl, Mizoram, India. Twenty-five trainees from Chin state, Burma participated in the training.

Myanmar-India ties head for new high by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:51

Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is due to start a three-day official visit to Myanmar on Wednesday to push relations between the two countries to a new high. At the invitation of Chairman of the Myanmar State Peace and Development Council Senior-General Than Shwe, Kalam will be the first Indian head of state coming to Myanmar in decades.

Burma’s Human Rights Record Slammed in US Report by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:51

Human rights abuses by Burma’s military government increased last year, according to a comprehensive report by the US State Department. The 22,000-word report, released in Washington yesterday, listed more than 20 areas where “serious abuses” had occurred.

Press Briefing by Foreign Secretary Mr. Shyam Saran by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:51

Press Briefing by Foreign Secretary Mr. Shyam Saran on the Visit of President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to Myanmar and Mauritius, 8-13 March 2006. Official Spokesperson (Mr. Navtej Sarna): Good evening everybody. We welcome the Foreign Secretary for the briefing on Rashtrapatiji’s forthcoming visit to Mauritius and Myanmar. We also have here Press Secretary to President Shri S.M. Khan and the Joint Secretaries concerned with the two Divisions.

Aung San Suu Kyi's release will help smoothen transition – India by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:52

Only when Burma's democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi is released from house arrest, would the transitional period to democracy for the country be smooth, said the Indian government.

International Women's Day celebrated on Thai-Burma border by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:52

Women on the border held the International Women's Day in Sangkhlaburi today. Over 60 people joined the celebrations.

Democracy or hypocrisy? by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:52

Just days after United States president George W. Bush and Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh jointly declared their solidarity with Aung San Suu Kyi, India has launched a bold new attempt to schmooze Burma’s military.

President concludes historic visit to Myanmar by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:52

President APJ Abdul Kalam, on Saturday, concluded his three-day historic visit to Myanmar, with the two countries drawing up 'systematic and synergetic' policies to achieve $2 billion trade in the next three years. Yangon has also promised to help India's growing energy needs.

Kalam sets $2 bn target for trade with Myanmar by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:52

Bilateral trade between India and Myanmar which stands at $470 million should increase to $2 billion in the next three years, Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said here Friday as he outlined the potential of business links between the two countries.

Women’s day marked with calls for more rights in Burma by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:52

International Women’s Day was marked around the world today with United States president George W. Bush calling for people to remember women in countries like Burma, who do not enjoy basic human rights.

Than Shwe welcomes Indian President on State visit by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:52

At the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe, President of the Republic of India His Excellency Dr APJ Abdul Kalam arrived here by special aircraft Wednesday afternoon to pay a State visit to the Union of Myanmar.

Indian films popular in Myanmar by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:53

Indian movies have left an indelible mark on the psyche of the local population of this picturesque city with the youth avidly watching the latest Bollywood flicks and humming all time popular Hindi film songs.

India Offers to Assist Democratic Reform in Burma by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:53

Visiting Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam has offered to help Burma's ruling generals with their country's democratization process, one of his top Cabinet members said Thursday.

Detained NLD Deputy Allowed Brief Freedom by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:53

The house arrest of the deputy leader of Burma’s opposition National League for Democracy was temporarily lifted yesterday to allow him to pay his respects to the family of a deceased relative, an NLD spokesman told The Irrawaddy today.

Indian president jockeys with China for energy by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 17:53

India’s president left Myanmar this weekend with a new deal on natural gas, joining China in a race for the country’s resources that weakens international demands for democratic reforms, analysts said on Sunday.

India, Myanmar sign gas supply deal by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:12

India has signed a preliminary agreement with Myanmar on buying natural gas from the military-ruled southeast Asian nation, a senior Indian official said.

India positive on cross border linkages with Myanmar by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:12

In view of the improving bilateral ties with Myanmar, New Delhi is positive on setting up cross-border linkages, improving trade ties and having a direct gas pipeline skipping Bangladesh.

For Immediate Release of CAUCUS by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:12

STATEMENT BY ASEAN INTER-PARLIAMENTARY MYANMAR CAUCUS (AIPMC) ON RECENT REPORTS OF THE BRUTAL KILLING IN BURMA OF A FORMER POLITICAL PRISONER The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary

India's Ongc Eyes Foreign Acquisitions Worth Us$15 Bln by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:12

State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) (BSE:500312) is in talks to acquire foreign oil and gas assets worth over US$15 billion, company chairman Subir Raha said on Friday.

Gas Pipeline: Myanmar takes India for a ride by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:12

Myanmar is taking India for a ride on supplying gas from fields where two Indian state owned companies hold 30% equity. While Yangon keeps giving assurances on New Delhi’s share, it is going ahead with plans to lay an export pipeline to China in return for soft loans to jack up its own drilling capabilities

Myanmar to inform India on Suu Kyi by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:12

India has expressed interest in the welfare of the Noble Peace prize winner, Aung Sang Suu Kyi, under house arrest without trial by Myanmar's ruling military junta since May 2003. The Myanmar leader, Senior General Than Shwe, assured President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam that he would hold discussions with senior army officers and others in the apex State Peace and Development Council and get back to India.

Indian President favours Indi-Myanmar trade volume at US$2 Bln by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:11

Strongly favouring a trade volume between India and Myanmar at around US$2 billion in the next three years, President A P J Abdul Kalam on Friday said that a "systematic" and "synergetic" policy had to be drawn up for this purpose.

ROAD TO MANDALAY BY J.N. DIXIT by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:11

Two significant developments occurred in India’s relations with Myanmar in November. The first was a visit by General Maung Aye, vice-president of the Myanmar government, accompanied by a 16 member delegation to India.

Indian president leaves Myanmar with deal on natural gas by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:13

Indian President Abdul Kalam left Myanmar on Saturday after a four day trip in which he sealed a deal allowing his country to search for new ways to tap Myanmar’s natural gas reserves.

RITES to undertake India-Myanmar Rail Link feasibility study by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:11

The Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES Ltd) has been commissioned by the Ministry of External Affairs to undertake a feasibility study for the India-Myanmar Rail Link.

Kalam: India, Myanmar should standardise traditional medicines by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:14

In the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to this central Myanmar town, the President, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, offered to develop linkages in traditional medicine between Myanmar and India.

Burma's new capital stages parade by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:10

Burma has staged its first official ceremony in its new administrative capital with a massive display of military force.

Road To MANDALAY by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:10

Just as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was pulling off India’s arguably biggest foreign policy coup in recent history — persuading President George Bush to agree that India’s military programme would not be subject to international inspections as part of the nuclear energy deal — he was, at the same time, also unfortunately turning New Delhi’s carefully crafted policy on Myanmar on its head.

MP questions India’s Burma policy by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:09

Indian Member of Parliament Sharad Joshi challenged India’s prime minister to justify the country's policy of engagement with Burma during a parliamentary session in New Delhi yesterday.

Analysis: India's Myanmar strategy by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:08

India is pursuing a two-pronged strategy on Myanmar to gain economic benefits and strategic access to Southeast Asia, Indian analysts said Thursday.

Myanmar raises government pay, fuels inflation fear by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:08

Myanmar's military rulers have given civil servants a hefty pay rise, driving gold prices higher on fears of inflation in one of Asia's poorest countries.

ASEAN may ask China, India to prod Myanmar toward democracy by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:08

Southeast Asian countries may ask regional powers China and India to help push Myanmar toward democracy, a top official of Southeast Asia's regional bloc said Thursday.

ASEAN envoy calls his democracy-monitoring Myanmar trip a success by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:08

The envoy's positive view of his visit contrasts with that of Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy, which said Saturday the trip had been a failure because Myanmar's military government had barred him from meeting with the Nobel peace laureate, who is under house arrest, or any other NLD representatives. Lim Kit Siang, the chairman of Malaysia's opposition Democratic Action Party, said the ruling junta had made ASEAN an "international laughing stock" over the trip.

GAIL: 8 Initial Bids For CNG Transportation From Myanmar by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:08

State-run natural gas transmission utility GAIL (India) Ltd. (532155.BY) said Monday it has received initial bids from eight national and international companies for the transportation of compressed natural gas to India from the offshore A-1 exploration block in Myanmar.

Three pro-democracy Burmese staging 100 hours hunger strike in New Delhi by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:08

Three pro-democracy Burmese staging 100 hours hunger strike in New Delhi against India's economic corporation with Burma military junta.

Chin students join hunger strike in India by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:08

Chin Students Union members on Tuesday joined a 100-hour long hunger strike launched by three Burmese pro-democracy activists in New Delhi to protest against the strong ties between the Government of India and the military regime in Burma.

For a glimpse of Suu Kyi by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:08

ON A visit to Myanmar, we tried to get a glimpse of Aung San Suu Kyi, the Noble Peace Prize winner, put away from the public eye by the ruling military junta for 10 out of the last 16 years. That was an impossible desire. According to scraps of information gathered from the street,

Burmese activists stage hunger strike in India by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:07

Fifteen Burmese pro-democracy activists have staged a 100 hour long hunger strike in New Delhi to protest the Indian government’s close relationship with the Burmese military.

ASEAN chides China, India for inaction over Myanmar by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:07

ASEAN on Thursday chided China and India for not pushing Myanmar to move towards democracy, with the bloc's chief Ong Keng Yong questioning their commitment to the grouping.

India's Escort launches tractor JV with Bangladesh's Nitol-Niloy by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:07

Escort India Limited is set to make foray into Bangladesh to manufacture tractors through a joint venture with the Nitol-Niloy group.

General Than Shwe's remark contradicts recent promises by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:06

Myanmar's increasingly reclusive military junta showed off its mysterious new capital, Naypyidaw, to outsiders on Monday for the first time, during a ceremony to mark Armed Forces Day.

Rice urges China and India to do more on Myanmar by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:06

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urged China and India on Tuesday to put more pressure on Myanmar's military junta over its poor human rights record.

Eight firms bid for first CNG carrier charters by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:06

IN WHAT could be the world's first shipping time-charter service for compressed natural gas, eight Indian and international firms and consortia have responded to the invitation of gas purveyor Gail India for expressions of interest to transport CNG from the A-1 block in Myanmar.

S.E. Asian nations ask China, India to prod Myanmar by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:06

Neighbours China and India must coax Myanmar to hasten democratic reform, ASEAN's chief said on Thursday, after an envoy from the Southeast Asian grouping failed to meet opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi last week.

Bangladesh border with Burma and India unprotected by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:06

Nearly 500 kilometers of border shared with Burma and India in the southeastern Chittagong Hill Tracts have remained unprotected for too long, making the remote hill districts a safe haven for gun runners and foreign insurgents, a parliamentary committee of Bangladesh told parliament during its last session recently.

Practical solution needed on Burma: Philippines MP by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:05

Philippines Member of Parliament Mario 'Mayong' Joyo Aguja said international policies on Burma should be reviewed and practical solutions favoured during a workshop in New Delhi today.

New youth organization born in exile by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:05

A new organization of Chin youth, the Chin Youth Association was born in exile on the last day of the youth conference held in the India-Burma border area. It was formed in an attempt to enhance the activities of youth in Chin state in Burma.

Sixth Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Forum gets underway by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:15

Inaugurating the sixth Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Forum here today, Secretary (East) Rajiv Sikri said that the forum initiative has attracted much attention in India, as it has the potential to bring our three of our most important neighbours closer to us in a joint pursuit of common prosperity through the increasing use of mechanisms of regional integration.

GAIL Farms into Daewoo's Offshore Gas E&P Operation in Myanmar by admin — last modified 2008-06-30 18:04

The Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) has strengthened its presence in Myanmar further with the news that its move for an equity stake in another of the country's promising gas fields has been sanctioned.

ASEAN asks China, India to prod Myanmar by admin — last modified 20