Burma’s Constitutions: Downgrading from Democracy to Dictatorship
April 29, 2008
THE MON FORUM
A. The 1947 and 1974 Constitutions and Demands for Democracy
Burma has had two national constitutions since independence, known as the 1947 and 1974 Constitutions. Now, a third is scheduled to be voted on in a national referendum, scheduled for May 10th.
The first constitution was drawn up in 1947 in order to obtain freedom from Britain. But before it was drafted, the British colonial government allowed nationwide elections to be held and representatives were chosen for a “Constitution Drafting Assembly.” The elected representatives were chosen by the people and included many non-Burman leaders, who gave favor both to democratic rights and the rights of Burma’s many ethnic minorities. The resulting document guaranteed the rights of non-Burman ethnic nationalities and provided for a multi-party democratic political system. Read more
Cease-fire groups required to provide security for the referendum
April 29, 2008
Ethnic cease-fire groups have been asked to provide security during the national referendum on a draft constitution, reports a New Mon State Party (NMSP) official.
The cease-fire groups, including representatives of the NMSP, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) and the Karen Peace Front (KPF) were invited to a meeting last week with officers of the SPDC Referendum Commission in Three Pagoda Pass, on the Thai-Burma border. Read more
The Authorities Pay More Attention to the Monks in Mon State for the Upcoming Referendum
April 24, 2008
HURFOM
On April the 19th, the secretary of the Village Peace and Development Council (VPDC) together with some of his followers traveled to the Hong Sar Htow monastery, located in Kyat Khaing Ye Quarter, Thanbyuzayat Township. When there, they questioned the abbot about the number of monks who live in the monastery, as well as requesting detailed biographies of each inhabitant. Read more
Pro – government Group is Organizing Villagers in Mon State to vote ‘YES’
April 23, 2008
HURFOM
On the 18th of April, the Referendum Commission of Mon State appointed government staff who are retired, including teachers and professors, to observe and organize the people during the upcoming referendum. Read more
Enamel Paint Campaign Begins
April 18, 2008
HURFOM : On the 15th of April, 2008, the second day of the water festival, local villagers from Mon State reported seeing graffiti painted on roads in opposition to the government’s constitution. Using red enamel paint, the graffiti artist had written words in the main road and at other junctions of smaller roads in Moulmein, Thanbyuzayat and Kyait-Kha-Mi Townships.
Referendum Update
April 17, 2008
From the 12th of April until now, the Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) Number 31, based in Kaw–Zar village, together with local military forces have issued orders to village headmen from Kaw-Zar and surrounding villages to visit all eligible villagers and insist they vote ‘Yes’ in the upcoming May referendum. Read more
Hungry and Weak; Burmese Migrants Deported
April 10, 2008
Lawi Weng, HURFOM :
More than one hundred Burmese migrants arrested in Sanghklaburi, Thailand yesterday have been deported to the Thai-Burma border at Three Pagodas Pass this morning according to an eyewitness who visited the Sanghklaburi jail. Read more
Referendum; Crisis Continues?
April 10, 2008
Three Pagoda Pass authorities force families to relocate without compensation
April 8, 2008
LAWI WENG, HURFOM :
Two families have been ordered to relocate their homes in Jao-Ha-Plu Village, near Three Pagoda Pass on the Thai-Burma border.
The order came on April 4th, and the families have until the end of the month to move.
The two houses, which belong to Nai A-Pain and Nai Balai, are located in front of the Jao-Ha-Plu primary school. Read more
Rice prices skyrocket
April 8, 2008
Rice prices are rising drastically, says a rice vendor in Three Pagoda Pass, on the Thai-Burma border.
“In the first week of March the price for a sixty kilogram bag was six hundred and fifty baht. By the middle of March the price was seven hundred and fifty. Today, the price is
eight hundred and fifty,” the rice vendor said. Read more
Latest Headlines
- 2,000 undocumented Burmese migrant workers arrested in Three Pagoda Pass within 11 months
- Junta’s constant artillery attacks kill one villager and injures other two
- Junta’s artillery attack on Kyike Hto kills husband and injures wife
- Weekly Analysis: Arbitrary Arrests and Enforced Disappearances on the Rise as Junta Targets Locals
- One civilian died due to the battles in Thane Za Yet
- Frequent armed conflicts stop operation of schools in Kaw Ka Rate
- Ten young men per ward must serve as conscripts in Kyarinnseikyi
- Military Junta Burns High School to Ash in Bilin
- Two siblings sustain severe injuries from landmine explosion in Thanbyuzayat
- Junta arrests young man and forces him to serve as conscript in Mudon
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