A series of bomb exploded early on Saturday morning around the area of the Myitsone dam project in Kachin State, northern Burma, according to residents of Myitkyina, the Kachin State capital.

“At least, seven bombs exploded in three places in and around the Myitsone dam project this morning,” a source told The Irrawaddy on Saturday. “Two cars were destroyed, but I heard that nobody was killed in the blasts.”

However, Kachin News Group based in Thailand reported on Saturday that four people had died and 12 were injured in the blasts, the majority of whom were Chinese workers.

There are currently around 300 workers from China employed by the China Power Investment Corporation at the dam site. At least three bombs reportedly exploded in front of the offices of AsiaWorld, the main Burmese contractor at the project.

Contacted by The Irrawaddy, Myitkyina police station declined to give any information about the case.

The controversial dam project has been condemned by human rights groups and environmentalists. About 15,000 local people are due to be relocated due to the dam’s construction.

The National League For Democracy (NLD) decided at a meeting to refuse to register for the first polls to be held in two decades, a move that would have forced it to oust its detained leader and recognise the junta’s constitution.

But the NLD now faces dissolution in less than six weeks for failing to register, according to legislation recently brought in for elections due to be held by the end of November.

“The National League for Democracy has decided not to register the party,” party spokesman Nyan Win said after a meeting of more than 100 senior members at NLD headquarters in the economic hub Rangoon.

Under election legislation dismissed as a sham by international critics, if the party had decided to sign up for the vote it would have been forced to part with Suu Kyi because she is serving a prison term.

The Nobel peace laureate, who has been locked up for 14 of the last 20 years, had already told the party she was opposed to such a move.

“Our aim is not the NLD party’s existence in law. We are focused on the survival of our politics. Today our members made their decision in accordance with Suu Kyi’s message,” Nyan Win told reporters.

Before the vote, Nyan Win read a message from Suu Kyi to senior members in which she reiterated her opposition to the “unjust” law.

“If the NLD is dissolved, one cannot assume the NLD will deteriorate,” she said, according to the message, adding that the NLD “is not my own thing, nor anyone’s possession”.

The election is part of the government’s seven-step “Roadmap to Democracy,” which also includes a controversial new constitution agreed in a 2008 referendum held days after a cyclone ravaged the country.

Burma’s election law nullifies the result of the last polls held in 1990 that were won by the NLD by a landslide but never recognised by the junta, which has ruled the country since 1962.

Burmese political analyst and pro-democracy activist Win Min said the party — which Suu Kyi helped found in 1988 after a popular uprising against the military government — would now essentially disappear.

“The party, under its current name, might not officially exist after the May 6 deadline,” Win Min said.

“It was very hard for the NLD members to exclude her (Suu Kyi) because she is a very influential figure in the party and in the country,” he said.

Tin Oo, the party’s number two, denied the decision was the end for the party. “There are many peaceful ways to continue our activities,” he said.

The reaction of the international community, which has already expressed doubt over the fairness of the polls, could be crucial in determining whether the election will proceed smoothly. The junta hopes holding the vote will ease pressure for political reforms and accommodation with the country’s pro-democracy movement.

At the same time, the party risks being further marginalized. It has been the focal point for opposition to military rule, even though it has faced fierce repression. If it loses its status as a legal party, it may face tighter restrictions.

“It is a great pity that they’ve opted out to participate. I could understand why they would have done this, because of the adversity they have to face. But it would be a great loss to Burma and the Burmese people,” said Trevor Wilson, a Myanmar expert at Australian National University.

“This may prove quite significant for NLD’s future,” he said. “Because of this, they may not be as productive or as valuable to Burmese politics as they had in the past.”

In all, 115 party representatives attended the meeting as dozens of rank-and-file members gathered outside amid tight security, some wearing white tops bearing the slogan: “We believe Aung San Suu Kyi”.

Cheering could be heard from the delegates after they reached their decision and concluded their meeting. Officially, the party decided it would not register itself, the first legal step to taking part in the polls.

“We have sacrificed our life for 20 years and finally we have to give up like this. So you can imagine how we feel in our hearts,” said Nann Khin Htwe Mying, a senior NLD member who arrived for the talks from eastern Karen state.

The United States, which has led international criticism of the new election law, blamed the junta for the opposition’s decision to boycott, saying the regime had missed an opportunity.

“This is a reflection of the unwillingness of the government in Burma to take the necessary steps to open up the political process,” State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said.

But he indicated that Washington would continue dialogue begun under President Barack Obama’s administration, despite its failure to persuade the junta to change course on the election.

“I don’t know that we expected necessarily everything to be resolved in one or two or three meetings,” Crowley said.

Junta chief Senior General Than Shwe warned Saturday against “divisive” and “slanderous” election campaigning as he presided over an annual military parade.

Suu Kyi is one of more than 2,000 political prisoners in Burma, which remains under US and European sanctions over its human rights record.

Ivan Lewis is Minister of State at the Foreign Office of UK

The message could not have been clearer. On Armed Forces day, as soldiers marched through Naypyidaw, Burma’s Senior General Than Shwe set out his vision for “disciplined democracy”. A moment that could have been cause for celebration is instead a cause for concern and regret.

There will soon be an election in Burma. But recently announced election laws mean there is no prospect of it being free, fair or inclusive. Aung San Suu Kyi’s party are forced to either expel her, or accept that they will be disbanded. Prospective voters have already been warned to vote the “right way”. Instead of a general election, there will be an election of Generals. This was why we secured an urgent Security Council meeting this week. We remain determined to keep Burma high on the international agenda. The sheer scale of the monstrous human rights abuses demand nothing less.

There is a choice for Burma’s military leaders. Currently synonymous with brutal dictatorship and awful abuses of power, they could instead find a place in history for bringing about a transition to lasting stability and security and restoring Burma’s international standing. There would also be strong benefits for Burma’s neighbours. A genuinely inclusive political settlement would allow refugees to return home and end border instability. The Rohingya, Karen and other persecuted groups have fled in large numbers across Burma’s borders. This worrying trend, as well as the growing flow of drugs and human trafficking, could be tackled and eventually reversed.

For these reasons, I am convinced of three things. First, that no one should be selling arms to a country where the military’s primary purpose is to oppress and persecute its own people. Second, that we must make clear to Burma’s leaders that without the release of all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and full participation of opposition and ethnic groups, elections planned for later this year will not be credible, nor help to solve Burma’s many problems.

Finally, that we should resist the temptation to accept the status quo out of frustration at the lack of progress. If Burma’s people can retain their optimism for the future, we have no right to turn away or give up hope.

Several exiled political groups on Monday encouraged the National League for Democracy (NLD) to reject party registration and not take part in the Burmese election this year, saying they will continue to support the NLD leadership.

The NLD announced its decision to not register as a political party on Monday evening, after a day-long meeting of key members in Rangoon.

Aung Moe Zaw, the chairman of the Democratic Party for a New Society (DPNS), on Monday told The Irrawaddy, “If the NLD supports Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s decision [not to register], we’ll unconditionally support the NLD and the NLD itself will remain in a leading role among political groups.”

“If the NLD decides to register, it would be difficult for the exiled groups to accept the NLD’s decision,” said Aung Moe Zaw.

The DPNS, founded in 1989, is one of the leading democratic parties in Burma’s struggle for democracy, and it took part in the 1990 election.

Khun Myint Tun, a member of the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, said, “All the political groups in exile have agreed with the NLD’s strong position, upholding the Shwegondaing Declaration. If the NLD continues to uphold its Shwegondaing Declaration, we’ll continue to support the NLD.”

Meanwhile, NLD central executive committee members and about 160 party representatives from across the country, met on Monday at the party’s headquarter in Rangoon to decide if the NLD would register as a political party to contest the upcoming election. If it fails to register, it could be dissolved.

“The majority of the NLD members across the country will decide against registration after Daw Aung San Suu Kyi clearly announced her opinion on the election,” said Moe Zaw Oo, an NLD (Liberated Area) foreign affairs committee member.

According to the election laws, all political parties must register or face dissolution.

The NLD’s decision is expected to influence the decision of many ethnic minority groups, including ethnic cease-fire groups.

David Htaw, a Karen politician and the general secretary of the Ethnic Nationalities Council, said, “If the NLD decides to register, the trust of all ethnic groups will suffer.”

He said the NLD will exist as long as it stands on the side of the people, and the international community will not be silent if the NLD is dissolved.

Dr. Naing Aung, the executive director of the Network for Development and Democracy, said, “The NLD, as a leading party, should go against the military government. We should boycott the 2010 election.”

Chaing Mai (Mizzima) – Mizzima has obtained an advanced copy of Burma’s Election Commission Law set to be released tomorrow. The law establishes a national election commission that will supervise this year’s national election and ominously enables the commission the right to veto candidates. The regime’s new law declares that the election commission that supervised the 1990 election is now abolished.

The election law states that the commission will consist of at least five members including the commission chairman. All members must be over fifty years of age and be approved by the State Peace and Development Council (the name to which Than Shwe’s military regime calls itself).

According to the law the commission members cannot be paid staff of any other organization or members of a political party. According to the election law the duties of the commission include the following: to hold parliamentary elections, to supervise parliamentary elections, form regional election commissions, approve constituencies, create national voters list, to approve candidates and form an oversight committee to solve disputes between parties regarding the election. The law also gives the commission the power to determine if parties are abiding by the election rules.

The election commission also has the power to determine if the election should be held in those places in Burma which are affected by “natural catastrophe or security reasons”. Mizzima has been informed by sources inside Burma that the regime may not conduct polling in areas controlled by armed ethnic organizations that have signed cease fire agreements with the regime but failed to transform their forces into members of the national Border Guard Force. Those organizations that have so far refused to become part of the border guard force include the Kachin Independence Organization (KIA) and the United Wa State Army, cited by many as militarily the strongest of Burma’s numerous armies.

The election law also stipulates that there will be a separate election commission for the new national capital district of Naypyidaw. The new capital is considered separate from Burma’s existing 14 States and Divisions.

The Burmese regime is going ahead with plans to hold the election based on the 2008 constitution which has been widely criticized by many both in Burma and abroad. The constitution guarantees the military a permanent role in the running of the country’s daily affairs.

The international community has frequently called on the Burmese military regime to hold “free, fair and inclusive” elections and release the more than 2100 political prisoners that remain behind bars.

RANGOON (DPA) – – Burma’s junta raised the salaries of civil servants and military staff Jan 1, ahead of a general election planned this year, official sources confirmed Sunday.

‘We have obtained information for the raise of our salaries from Nay Pyi Taw (the military’s capital) and I think we can draw the new salary at the end of January,’ a senior official who requested anonymity told DPA.

For most civil servants, special increments of 20,000 kyats (about $20) will be added to their monthly salaries.

‘The increment is not included for the ranks of deputy director general or above who get salary about 160,000 kyats (about $160) per month,’ the source said.

The average monthly salary for low-ranking civil servants was previously 35,000 kyats ($35), but under the new salary scale will be increased to 55,000 kyats, a 57 percent jump.

Salaries of military staff have been increased at an increment slightly higher than that of civil servants, but details were not available.

The salary rises are expected to lead to inflation, observers said.

For instance, Myanmar Post and Telecommunication Enterprise has already doubled the call charge of mobile phones from 25 kyats to 50 kyats per minute, effective Jan 1.

Burma has been under military dictatorship since 1962. The ruling junta, widely condemned for its poor human rights record and refusal to release more than 2,000 political prisoners including opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, has announced plans to hold a general election some time in 2010.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5XXNZPNLdo

RANGOON — Sgt Aung walks through Mingladon market, searching for ammunition to restock his cartridge magazine, which he sold when he needed some extra money to support his family.

He quickly found several shops in the military equipment area, selling all types of military hardware: uniforms, field equipment, cartridges, magazines and various brands of weapons.

An army parade during Burma’s Armed Forces Day in the administrative capital Naypyidaw on March 27, 2009. (Photo: Getty Images)

Similar shops can be found in many markets around military installations in Rangoon, such as Htauk Kyant, Hlegu and Hmaw Bi markets.

Most of the shops rely on poor soldiers, who are often forced to sell their army-issued property when they need money and then must repurchase it when they have funds.

Sgt Aung (not his real name) sold his cartridges six months ago for 8,000 kyat (US $7) when he needed money. They cost 15,000 kyat to buy back now, but the shop owner offered a 2,500 kyat discount. Still, Sgt Aung is put off by the price.

He earns 35,000 kyat ($32) a month. He decides to walk around the market and think about it. Finally, he decides he can’t afford to replace the cartridges.If he has an inspection and is found out, he could be suspended from duty or imprisoned.

“The poverty of soldiers isn’t even comparable to civilians,” he said. “We suffer from scarcity not only on the front line, but also in rear-base areas. We see almost no money.”

As a sergeant in the Burmese army, he could earn an extra 5,000 kyat a month if he serves in a high-risk area.

However, his pay is never enough to meet the needs of his four family members, Aung said.

Since 2007, he has been indebted. His wife and children try to cut back on everything, but he still can’t afford to buy even the cheapest toothpaste or tooth brushes.

The economic strain is showing. Sgt Aung is haggard, weary and his cheek bones sharply outline his face. His uniform is faded. He said he can’t recall how many times he has repaired family members’ flip-flops.

A lance corporal also shared his story with The Irrawaddy.

“I earn less than 40,000 kyat (US $37) a month including regular salary, hazardous duty pay and other assistance. My family can’t survive on my salary. We have no more possessions to sell. I can’t even provide school fees for my children, and my wife sends them to her relatives for schooling,” he said.

The army provides 3,000 ($2.70) kyat for each dependent child to help with school fees, but it’s still insufficient to pay expanses, he said.

Soldiers are not allowed to work outside the military, but if their wives can work, many find it almost possible to stay even financially. However, he said the army sometimes demands full-time labor from family members on army farms and other production facilities.

“The family members of army men are like slaves,” he said. “Not only do we soldiers serve, but our family members are often required to work for the army too.”

Some servicemen receive an extra benefit when officers allow a few family members to start small businesses within an army unit’s area, such as snack or tea shops while others sell groceries or illegal liquor.

Some families breed poultry and pigs for extra income, and some earn money with illegal or underground businesses such as selling illegal lottery tickets or betting on soccer matches. Some soldiers run short-haul, motorcycle-taxi services.

A private in a battalion in Mingladon Township said, “You can buy illegal lottery tickets in our unit. Some army families just keep books for the tickets. If you want to bet on a soccer match, they will help you to access outside book makers.”

Since April 1, 2006, a private earns 16,000 kyat ($14) a month; a major-general earns 800,000 kyat ($$750) a month. The army pays 5,000 kyat a month for hazardous duty pay for the ranks of private through colonel.

“The salary gap between the generals and ordinary soldiers is very large, and the privileges are also very different. The generals earn 1 million kyat extra a month for state defense and administration fees,” said a colonel who asked for anonymity.

Since 1988, the regime has raised the salary scale four times for public employees and military servicemen, in order to cope with inflation and raising commodity prices.

Sometimes the government or army officers order an army unit to be self-reliant. A soldier said a military commander in northern Shan State ordered the units under his command to find operational cost on their own, and the army units cut and sold timber in the area.

“It was not only our unit, but almost all army units in that area that cut and sold logs,” he said.

Nowadays, many servicemen are given oral orders by officers to try to find girls to marry from well-off families, who can help support an army man’s family.

A captain said, “For army officers, it’s an unwritten law that we should marry a rich lady or an educated lady.”

Typically, the army will summarily dismiss soldiers infected with AIDS/HIV, Hepatitis B or those who sustain physical disabilities, sources said.

A medic said there are many cases of suicide if a soldier contracts AIDS/HIV or Hepatitis B, because they can’t face returning to their native region.

“If the infected person is an officer, he may be transferred to a civil administration post, but if the patient is a non-commissioned soldier, he is kicked out. For those who are injured in a fighting, they are treated at a national rehabilitation hospital and then asked to retire,” the medic said.

A veteran who lost a limb said: “If they can still walk, the veterans may try to sell books and magazines on the street. They sell things in market. If the veterans can’t walk, they knit rattan furniture and some work as carpenters. Some go out to the streets as beggars. The veterans get no assistance anymore from the government, and they are not even recognized as army veterans. They say we disgrace the pride of the Tatmadaw.”

A veteran who is now surviving by begging in Insein Township said military officials told him not to beg while wearing any military clothing and not to say he was a veteran. He was then ordered not to beg in a public park.

Ironically, a lance-corporal from a Than-Lyin-based battalion said, “We would be better off if I resigned from the army and begged on the street. I could earn more money.”

Pay scale for army servicemen (April 1, 2006):

1. private: 16,000 kyat basic pay. after two years, 21,000 kyats
2. lance-corporal: 22,000 kyat; after several years, 27,000 kyat.
3. corporal: 28,000 kyat; after several years, 33,000 kyat
4. sergeant: 34,000 kyat; after several years, 39,000 kyat
5. company sergeant: 40,000 kyat; after several years, 45,000 kyat
6. warrant officer II: 46,000 kyat; after several years, 51,000 kyat
7. warrant officer I: 52,000 kyat; after several years, 57,000 kyat
8. second lieutenant:100,000 kyat
9. lieutenant: 120,000 kyat.
10. captain: 130,000 kyat; after two years, 140,000 kyat
11. major: 150,000 kyat; after several years, 160,000 kyat
12. lieutenant colonel: 170,000 kyat; after several years, 180,000 kyat
13. colonel: 190,000 kyat; after several years, 200,000 kyat
14. brigadier general: 300,000 kyat
15. major-general: 400,000 kyat
16. lieutenant-general: 600,000 kyats
17. general: 800,000 kyat
18. vice-senior general : 1,000,000 kyat
19. senior-general: 1,200,000 kyat

Source: www.irrawaddymedia.com