Myanmar s Rights Groups Call for Long-Delayed Justice for Kachin Teacher Murders
The memorial service for two Kachin teachers in Myitkyina, Kachin State. / KBC Kachin / Facebook
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By San Yamin Aung 20 January 2021
YANGON It has been six years since the rape and murder of two Kachin teachers in Kutkai Township, northern Shan State, but there has been no justice for the victims.
Two volunteer teachers, Maran Lu Ra, 20, and Tangbau Hkawn Nan Tsin, 21, of the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) were raped and killed in their Kaung Kha village hut on Jan. 19, 2015. The investigation found no culprits and no charges have been brought.
Myanmar Villagers Agree to Relocate From China-Backed Copper Mine
Letpadaung copper mine in 2014. / The Irrawaddy
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By Thazin Hlaing 20 January 2021
Yangon Villagers near a China-backed copper mining project in Salingyi Township, Sagaing Region, have agreed to relocate to a new site after years of disputes over compensation for confiscated land.
China Wanbao Engineering Company has been operating the controversial Letpadaung copper mine in partnership with the military-owned Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Company (UMEHL) since 2010. Protests began in 2012 against the mine, with villagers saying it cost them their livelihoods and damaged the environment while demanding compensation.
In November 2012 more than 70 monks and around 10 civilians, who were peacefully protesting, were injured when security forces used highly toxic white phosphorus against them. In 2014 a female protester was shot dead by police.
Myanmar’s Military Asked to Ensure Rakhine IDP Safety
An IDP camp in Sittwe. / The Irrawaddy
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By Khine Rola 19 January 2021
Sittwe, Rakhine State The Rakhine State government has asked the Western Command of Myanmar’s military to ensure safety for returning internally displaced people (IDPs).
The state government counted the IDPs at camps last month to assist their return and the IDPs asked for their safety to be ensured.
“The Western Command will check which townships, wards and villages are safe to return. The IDPs will be able to return in safety. I had an informal talk with the commander about it. He said he would make the check when he is back from a trip. We have also sent a formal letter,” said Rakhine State’s military-appointed minister for security and border affairs, Colonel Min Than.