Arakanese Social Media Campaign
October 30, 2011
ARAKANLAND
Dr. Aye Kyaw
Dr. Aye Chan
ARAKAN-10/30/2011- Arakanese (Rakhine) in around the World has made a “Social Media Campaign “as Facebook online campaign “Anno Jones and BBC Apologize NOW” regarding on a Map of article “Bleak outlook for Burma’s ethnic groups” by Anna Jones of BBC NEWS ASIA-PACIFIC on November 5, 2010.
Her article map drew before an update on 10/28/2011 Arakan referred to so-called Rohingya illegal Chittagongnian Bengali Muslim. BBC had created it was unfair. BBC should not make that falsification.The sight of map is hateful to the native Arakanese who are belonging to eight major indigenous nationalities of Burma/Myanmar. Dr. Aye Kyaw, Arakanese and Burmese expert, former Professor of Cornell University and New York University (NYU) of United States of America, commented “This creation’s unacceptable and insults the people not only native Arakan but also in the whole of Burma” and he said “They (BBC) know it’s wilfully created.” He urges all Arakanese should take objection to until BBC must say “Beg Off”. If they do not beg perdon, we should take more action as boycott to BBC.
Dr. Aye Chan also sent a message to BBC Burmese Service on October 26, 2011 Dear BBC, I am not writing this message with prejudice. I am a scholar. As a historian I am loyal only to the truth. Some radio programs, including those of BBC Burmese are trespassing into the patience of the Arakanese (Rakhine) people. As a citizen of Burma who loves the truth, I will not stay away from this matter. Sincerely,Aye ChanProfessor of Southeast Asian HistoryFaculty of International Languages and CulturesKanda University of International Studies1-4-1 Wakaba, Mihamaku, Chiba City, Japan 261-0014C Burmese Service “ Dr. Aye Chan
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Sending Muslim Identity and Demography in the Arakan state of Burma
October 30, 2011
ARAKANLAND
Dr. Aye Chan
Dear All,
In the research of Social Science the scholars use two kinds of source materials, namely primary and secondary. If a scholar is relying too much on the secondary sources, his research is low in academic value. In the Census Reports of Colonial period that is true, all of them give the number of Muhammadens in Arakan State but none of them mentions Rohingya. The problem that brought heated debate now is how and when they came to Arakan. The colonial records explicitly mention how they migrated from Chittagong District in the second half of nineteenth century in detail with figures. I have written a paper about it. These records all reliable primary sources.
Please study the Bengali poems of two Bengali Poets, Aloul and Dulat Qazi. Siddiqe and abid Barhar are Bengalis. They can read them. The poets were in Arakan, serving the King at the court of Mrauk-U. Aloul gives the names of the races who lived in Arakan in his poem, "Saiful Maluk." Why he didn't mention about Rohingya. (See Huq, Muhhamad E. 1935. Arakan Rajsabhay Bangala Shahitya (1600-1700 AD). Phinix Printing. Calcutta.)
Both Siddiqe and Abid Bahar are conpletely ignorant about the Burmese sources. After the conquest of Arakan, the Burmese Governor of Dannyawaddy had to send reports (Sit-tan) of the Dannyawaddy Taing (as thence called by the Burmese) to the King at Ava. They are all combined in the 1802 Land Roll. William Koenig obtained PhD, with dissertation of Editing these reports. Burmese Sit-tan are completely silent of the existence of those Muslims in northwestern Arakan. The Rammawaddy (Ramree) and Dwarawaddy (Sandoway) Sit-tans mention about the villages of Kamans.
Do you want to say about the fictitious story of Arab sailors again? Is there any Arabic sources about them? The Arab navigators came to know Arakan only in the late 15th century. I have once written about the records that two Arab navigators left about Arakan. What they all records is the shallow rive by that the Royal Capital of Arakan could be reached and the capital not being a good port (Tibbets, G.R. 1981. London Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain: p 381). D G E Hall, the doyen of Southeast Asian History says that Arab records are full of secondary information and not reliable as primary sources.
A diplomatic corrtespondence at the British National Archives says that the Bangladeshi Embassador to Burma admitted in 1975 that there were more than five hundred thousand illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in Burma. If you want to see it, I will give you accession number. Please go to the National Archives in Kew Garden, London. I am tired of arguing with those who tell the spicy stories.
Sincerely, Aye Chan
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Anna Jones and BBC Apologize NOW
October 28, 2011
ARAKANLAND
Dr. Aye Kyaw
Dr. Aye Chan
ARAKAN-10/28/2011- Arakanese (Rakhine) in around the World has made a “Social Media Campaign “as Facebook online campaign “Anna Jones and BBC Apologize NOW” regarding on a Map of article “Bleak outlook for Burma’s ethnic groups” by Anna Jones of BBC NEWS ASIA-PACIFIC on November 5, 2010.
Her article map drew before an update on 10/28/2011 Arakan referred to so-called Rohingya illegal Chittagongnian Bengali Muslim. BBC had created it was unfair. BBC should not make that falsification.
The sight of map is hateful to the native Arakaneses who are belonging to eight major indigenous nationalities of Burma/Myanmar. Dr. Aye Kyaw, Arakanese and Burmese expert, former Professor of Cornell University and New York University (NYU) in United States of America, commented “This creation’s unacceptable and insults the people not only native Arakan but also in the whole of Burma” and he said “They (BBC) know it’s wilfully created.” He urges all Arakanese should take objection to until BBC must say “Beg Off”. If they do not beg perdon, we should take more action as boycott to BBC.
Dr. Aye Chan also sent a message to BBC Burmese Service on October 26, 2011
Dear BBC:
I am not writing this message with prejudice. I am a scholar. As a historian I am loyal only to the truth. Some radio programs, including those of BBC Burmese are trespassing into the patience of the Arakanese (Rakhine) people. As a citizen of Burma who loves the truth, I will not stay away from this matter.
Sincerely,
Aye Chan
Professor of Southeast Asian History
Faculty of International Languages and Cultures
Kanda University of International Studies
1-4-1 Wakaba, Mihamaku, Chiba City, Japan 261-0014C Burmese Service “
Please leave your comments:http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Anna-Jones-and-BBC-Apologize-NOW/298010566893226
Please send your complaint: https://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/forms
Anna JONES's Biographie; http://skynews.skypressoffice.co.uk/biographies/news-presenters/anna-jones
BBC's Update has made map on 28/10/2011. They have put one more image of Rakine ;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11595983
Source: Facebook
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U Shwe Zan Passed Away, WAO Sent Its Condolence
October 21, 2011
ARAKANLAND
Photo of U Shwe Zan (1928-2011)
WAO-U.S.A.-10/21/2011- World Arakanese Organization received a massage “U Shwe Zan Passed Away” and sent its condolence to U Shwe Zan family who lost its beloved one at 4 a.m on October 20, 2011.
U Shwe Zan was a well known as educated man, scholar and researcher who loved the Arakan. He wrote many articles and some Arakanese chronicle books. He also served as editor and advisor for several Arakanese magazines local and aboard.
The Golden Mrauk U, Written by U Shwe Zan
He graduated B.Sc. from Rangoon University in 1952. He joined Civil Service (Sr.Br.) in 1954. And he served as officer for several positions at different States and Division in the Union of Burma/Myanmar for 24 years.
He was selected as a member of Arakan State Peoples’ Council in 1978 and served as Secretary of State Council for two successive terms and Chairman of the State Judges Committee for the third term.
During his servicing in Arakan State Peoples’ Council, he took responsibility as Editor and Publisher of Arakan State Magazine, A Guide to Mrauk published in 1988 and Arakan State Gazetteer comprising (5) volumes were printed and delivered to Townships Peoples’ Council by Arakan State Peoples’ Council.
He left his wife Daw Hla Khin, Six of Daughter and Son and Four of Grand Son and Grand Daughter.
Source: WAO
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WAO's Ackowledgement to U Tin Oo
October 18, 2011
ARAKANLAND
WAO-HQ-10/17/2011-On behalf of World Arakanese Organization, WAO-U.S.A. officially sent a thanks letter to U Tin Oo, Vice President of National League for Democracy, as the regarding of his talking about illegal Chittagongnian Bengali Muslims during an explanation of his life experience with Radio Free Asia (RFA) on October 3, 2011.
We, World Arakanese Organization, value his elucidation and his information is very important to us.
WAO’s acknowledgment letter has stated “We want to express that we are in good pleasure and satisfaction in heart for your shedding lights on the controversial problem of so-called “Rohingya Ethnicity” of the Arakan State in your talk on the broadcast of Radio Free Asia on October 3, 2011. Your mention makes clear that these Bengali Muslims are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh (then East Pakistan). We Rakhine people are mostly aware of the powerfulness of truth and virtue.
As you have explained we want to declare once again that the Arakanese and their homeland, Arakan have never been a collective name of Arakanese, who call themselves Rakhine in their language and those Muslim immigrants, as some diplomatic missions of the western countries including the State Department of the United States are confused about all the difference.
You send a message to our people most highly recommended of your experience in the Arakan State in the chance of getting a general assent in principle to the sensitive problem the whole nation of Union of Myanmar has been facing for many decades. Doubtless you will be highly honored by our people in our history.”
This letter dated on October 6, 2011 was sent with signature of U Sein Tun, President of WAO-U.S.A. and Vice President of WAO, by WAO-U.S.A.
Source:WAO
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RNDP's Objection Statement on "The Misuse of Arakan"
October 16, 2011
After latest release, UN expert urges Myanmar to free all political prisoners
October 13, 2011
ARAKANLAND
Special Rapporteur Tomás Ojea Quintana
13 October 2011 – An independent United Nations human rights expert today welcomed the decision by Myanmar’s President to grant amnesty and release a significant number of detainees and urged the Government to free the remaining political prisoners.
The exact number of political prisoners included in the release that began yesterday has yet to be confirmed, according to a news release issued in Geneva. However, it is believed to be more than 200, including a number of prominent figures. Human rights groups estimate that there are some 2,000 political prisoners still behind bars.
The Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, Tomás Ojea Quintana, said the release is an “important further step” by the country’s authorities to respond to international concern and advance political reconciliation.
“I am pleased that these prisoners who have suffered so long can be reunited with their families and again play a part in national life,” said the expert.
Among those released are some prisoners whose cases have been previously addressed by the Special Rapporteur as well as some individuals he had visited in jail during his visits to the Asian nation.
Mr. Quintana also voiced concern at the ongoing detention of a large number of political prisoners, many of whom are suffering serious health problems from the harsh conditions of their detention.
“These are individuals who have been imprisoned for exercising their fundamental human rights or whose fair trial or due process rights have been denied,” he said.
“Their release would be an important step for the democratic transition, and would be welcomed by people both inside and outside the country. It is imperative that the Government completes the liberation of all such prisoners.”
Mr. Quintana called on the Government to immediately improve the conditions of detention and the treatment of prisoners in compliance with international standards.
“This is a key moment in Myanmar’s history and there are real opportunities for positive and meaningful developments to improve the human rights situation and deepen the transition to democracy,” said the expert, who reports to the UN Human Rights Council in an independent and unpaid capacity.
“The new Government should intensify its efforts to address the many long-standing human rights concerns and advance national reconciliation.”
A new Government was established in Myanmar seven months ago, and more recently the country has received a series of high-level bilateral visits. In addition, President Thein Sein has made a pledge for Myanmar to “catch up with the changing world.”
At a meeting last month in New York of the Group of Friends on Myanmar, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said recent developments bode well for progress in the country, while calling on the new Government to do more to ensure to bring about an inclusive transition.
“Real opportunities for progress exist, but the Government must step up its efforts for reform if it is to bring about an inclusive – and irreversible – transition,” Mr. Ban said in a press statement, adding that the authorities must, in particular, cultivate improved dialogue with all political actors and release all remaining political prisoners.
Source: UN News Service
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Myanmar: UN helps Government devise disaster mitigation plans
October 12, 2011
ARAKANLAND
Margareta Wahlström, Assistant Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction
12 October 2011 – A senior United Nations official arrived in Myanmar today to help the Government devise measures to reduce the impact of natural disasters through early warning systems and other steps in a country where an estimated 140,000 people were killed and 2.4 million others affected by Cyclone Nargis in 2008.
“Myanmar is one of the most disaster-affected countries in Asia,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction Margareta Wahlström said in a statement issued ahead of her visit.
“It has been hit by six major cyclones in the last 40 years and is also vulnerable to multiple hazards such as floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides and forest fires.
“UNISDR is willing to assist in whatever way we can to help the country reduce its risk which is fundamental to inclusive economic growth and poverty alleviation, which are part of the new government’s reform agenda,” she added, referring to UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, which she heads.
“UNISDR is supporting Myanmar in making disaster risk reduction a national and local priority for all citizens through engagement with the new National Disaster Preparedness Committee on developing law and regulations for disaster management and disaster risk reduction,” Ms. Wahlström added.
“I am looking forward to hearing how the responses to Cyclone Giri last year and the Shan State earthquake in March this year benefitted from the many lessons learned from Cyclone Nargis especially in early warning, preparedness and response.”
Giri, a category four cyclone, killed at least 45 people and affected 260,000 others when it struck Myanmar last October, and three months later UN humanitarian agencies reported that key challenges remained, including inadequate shelter, food insecurity and lack of livelihoods.
Source: UN News Service
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WAO Will Apply to Attend UNPFII and the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
October 9, 2011
ARAKAN LAND
WAO-GLOBAL-10/9/2011- World Arakanese Organization (WAO) successfully held a Teleconference regarding application to attend the 11th Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and 5th session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 2012 under the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations.
Ban Ki-Moon and UNPFII Chair Mirna Cunningham opening the 10th session
13 members of Central Executive Committee of WAO were participating in the meeting. Ko Kyaw Htoo Aung, WAO’s General Sectary, explained in detail “Selection Criteria” according to the General Assembly resolution and the Permanent Forum has a mandate to discuss indigenous issues within the mandate of the Council relating to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights.
WAO’s Patrons U Kyaw Zan Hla (Australia), U Tun Won (U.S.A) and Dr. Aye Chan (Japan), President of WAO, U Sein Tun (U.S.A),Thein Tun Zan (U.S.A), Khine Kyaw Khine (U.S.A), Saw Wae Zan (U.S.A), Daw Hla Than Wae (U.S.A), Zaw Zaw Tun (U.S.A), Kyaw Than Hlaing (Japan), Ko Ba Aye (Japan) and Ko Than Tun (Europa) solemnly discussed with their views and made decision to apply for upcoming meeting and elected persons as representative attendees are Ko Kyaw Htoo Aung and Daw Hla Than Wae.
Source: WAO Global
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Indian Ocean tsunami to be re-enacted for test of UN-backed warning system
October 7, 2011
Arakanland
6 October 2011 – More than 20 nations will participate next week in a full-scale exercise to test a United Nations-backed early warning system which will re-enact the events of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
The exercise on 12 October, organized by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), aims to test the warning system’s operational capacity as well as the efficiency of communication systems and national emergency services.
The “Exercise IOWAVE 11” as it is known, will recreate the conditions that led to the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami of 26 December 2004, which affected many Indian Ocean countries such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and India, resulting in more than 220,000 deaths and causing extensive damages to countries’ infrastructures, economies and environment.
According to a news release issued by UNESCO today, the test scenario will be based on a fictional 9.2-magnitude earthquake that leads to a massive wave that crosses the Indian Ocean in 12 hours and strikes the coast of South Africa.
As part of the exercise, coastal communities in India, Malaysia and other countries will be evacuated, and warning bulletins will be issued by the Regional Tsunami Service Providers in Australia, India, Indonesia and other warning systems in East Asia.
After the 2004 catastrophe, Indian Ocean nations decided to establish an Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWS) and requested that UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission establish an Intergovernmental Coordination Group to provide a governance mechanism for the new system.
Since then, bulletins have been issued to 28 Indian Ocean nations by the Japan Meteorological Agency and Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. For the duration of the test however, full responsibility will be transferred to the new warning system and the transition will be marked by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova with a video address to the authorities of Australia, India and Indonesia.
The participating countries to date include: Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, France (on behalf of Réunion), India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Yemen.
Source: UN News Service
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