A Buddhist Monk in Myanmar is now on a mission to save snakes in the country from being killed and smuggled. WION brings you the story of Wilatha, a 69 old year monk who treats snakes as his children.

Myanmar: Buddhist Monk saves snakes destined for culling and black market

Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling party secured an absolute majority in Myanmar's election, official results showed Friday, in a poll disputed by the military-aligned opposition and criticised by rights groups.

Suu Kyi's party wins absolute majority in Myanmar polls

<div data-ogsc="rgb(0, 0, 0)" style="border:0px; margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:start; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">China played a key role in handing&nbsp;over two Myanmar soldiers to international criminal court (ICC) who confessed to crimes committed by them on Rohingya&nbsp;in the country. The Myanmar soldiers - Myo Win Tun, 33 and Zaw Naing Tun, 30 reached the ICC to confess about Myanmar Army's involvement in atrocities on minority Rohingya&nbsp;in the western Rakhine state.&nbsp;The confessional videos of the 2 soldiers was released by NGO&nbsp;Fortify Rights.</div>

According to the spokesperson of Myanmar military Major General Zwa Min Tun the 2 soldiers are deserters and may have given the statement under pressure.&nbsp;The statement of the 2 men is expected to be used by the Gambia which has filed a case against Myanmar at a trial at the international court of justice.&nbsp;

As per sources, the Chinese facilitated the move of these soldiers from Myanmar to Bangladesh in mid-august and then to the Netherlands.&nbsp; ICC hasn't commented publicly on the 2 soldiers.&nbsp;

A link of Arakan Army, an insurgent group on the Rakhine state is also emerging given the clout it enjoys in some part of the areas were the "deserter" Myanmar soldiers were found.&nbsp;Sources pointed out that Chinese's intelligence agency --Ministry of State Security could have assisted Arakan army.

The development comes at a time when senior Myanmar military leadership have been making anti-China remarks. Senior General Min Aung in an interview to Russia TV had said that "a powerful country has been supplying arms and material to ethnic armed groups in the country and that has adversely effected the ongoing peace process in the country".

In fact, the support to ethnic armed groups was also raised by Myanmar military leadership during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the country earlier this year, something that did not go down well with Beijing.&nbsp;

China played a key role in handing over two Myanmar soldiers to international criminal court (ICC) who confessed to crimes committed by them on Rohingya in the country.

China played a key role in handing over two Myanmar soldiers to international criminal court (ICC) who confessed to crimes committed by them on Rohingya in the country. The Myanmar soldiers - Myo Win Tun, 33 and Zaw Naing Tun, 30 reached the ICC to confess about Myanmar Army's involvement in atrocities on minority Rohingya in the western Rakhine state. The confessional videos of the 2 soldiers was released by NGO Fortify Rights. According to the spokesperson of Myanmar military Major General Zwa Min Tun the 2 soldiers are deserters and may have given the statement under pressure. The statement of the 2 men is expected to be used by the Gambia which has filed a case against Myanmar at a trial at the international court of justice. As per sources, the Chinese facilitated the move of these soldiers from Myanmar to Bangladesh in mid-august and then to the Netherlands. ICC hasn't commented publicly on the 2 soldiers. A link of Arakan Army, an insurgent group on the Rakhine state is also emerging given the clout it enjoys in some part of the areas were the "deserter" Myanmar soldiers were found. Sources pointed out that Chinese's intelligence agency --Ministry of State Security could have assisted Arakan army. The development comes at a time when senior Myanmar military leadership have been making anti-China remarks. Senior General Min Aung in an interview to Russia TV had said that "a powerful country has been supplying arms and material to ethnic armed groups in the country and that has adversely effected the ongoing peace process in the country". In fact, the support to ethnic armed groups was also raised by Myanmar military leadership during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the country earlier this year, something that did not go down well with Beijing.

How China played a key role in handing over Myanmar soldiers to international criminal court

Myanmar's ruling party claimed a resounding victory on Monday in the country's second parliamentary election since the end of strict military rule, based on its own unofficial tally of votes.

Sunday's election was viewed as a referendum on the fledgling democratic government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and her ruling National League for Democracy (NLD), which remains very popular at home but has seen its overseas reputation battered by accusations of genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority.

NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt told Reuters it had won many more than the 322 seats in parliament needed to form a government, based on data compiled from reports by party agents at polling stations nationwide, though he gave no specific estimate.

"For the people, for the party, this is such an encouraging election result," he said, adding that the NLD expected to exceed the total of 390 seats it won in its 2015 landslide win.

The Election Commission had been expected to release results on Monday but had only published a handful by the evening, as candidates and parties posted their own data online.

Up for grabs were 315 seats in the 425-member lower house and 161 seats in the 217-seat upper house of parliament.

A spokesman for the second biggest party, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), could not immediately be reached for comment.

In separate statements, the European Union and Britain commended Myanmar on the polls but criticised the disenfranchisement of more than a million voters, including hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state.

SOME UNABLE TO VOTE

The military, which ruled Myanmar for nearly 50 years until it began withdrawing from civilian politics in 2011, controls a quarter of seats in both houses of parliament under a constitution it drew up and which Suu Kyi wants to amend.

The NLD had been expected to win but with a smaller margin following the emergence of new parties and ethnic minority parties gaining support in some regions.

Political analyst Yan Myo Thein said early results showed ethnic parties had won some seats in Kayah, Mon, and Shan states, where many people harbour grievances against the central government but the overall picture was of another NLD landslide.

The results, he said, "show that the majority of people don’t want… the involvement of the military in politics and the majority of people still continue to recognize and support Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the NLD, as their leader."

In contrast to the wave of optimism that greeted the NLD's 2015 win, Myanmar held this election amid a surge in COVID-19 infections, economic hardships and escalating ethnic conflicts.

More than a million people were unable to vote after polls were cancelled due to insurgencies.

In Rakhine state, where Rohingya Muslims are confined to camps and villages and mostly denied the vote because they are not citizens, the vast majority of polling stations were closed due to fighting between government troops and ethnic insurgents.

Myo Kyaw, general secretary of the Arakan League for Democracy (ALD), said the Rakhine nationalist Arakan National Party (ANP) had won most seats contested in the state.

The Democracy and Human Rights Party, a Rohingya party, said in a statement it was "utterly disappointed" that its people had been disenfranchised.

The government does not consider most Rohingya Myanmar citizens but migrants from neighbouring Bangladesh even though many can trace family roots back many generations.

The United Nations has said there was genocidal intent in a 2017 army crackdown that forced 730,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh. Myanmar says its security forces were carrying out legitimate operations against Rohingya militants.

Myanmar's ruling party claimed a resounding victory on Monday in the country's second parliamentary election since the end of strict military rule, based on its own unofficial tally of votes.

Myanmar's ruling party claimed a resounding victory on Monday in the country's second parliamentary election since the end of strict military rule, based on its own unofficial tally of votes. Sunday's election was viewed as a referendum on the fledgling democratic government led by Aung San Suu Kyi and her ruling National League for Democracy (NLD), which remains very popular at home but has seen its overseas reputation battered by accusations of genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority. NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt told Reuters it had won many more than the 322 seats in parliament needed to form a government, based on data compiled from reports by party agents at polling stations nationwide, though he gave no specific estimate. "For the people, for the party, this is such an encouraging election result," he said, adding that the NLD expected to exceed the total of 390 seats it won in its 2015 landslide win. The Election Commission had been expected to release results on Monday but had only published a handful by the evening, as candidates and parties posted their own data online. Up for grabs were 315 seats in the 425-member lower house and 161 seats in the 217-seat upper house of parliament. A spokesman for the second biggest party, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), could not immediately be reached for comment. In separate statements, the European Union and Britain commended Myanmar on the polls but criticised the disenfranchisement of more than a million voters, including hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state. SOME UNABLE TO VOTE The military, which ruled Myanmar for nearly 50 years until it began withdrawing from civilian politics in 2011, controls a quarter of seats in both houses of parliament under a constitution it drew up and which Suu Kyi wants to amend. The NLD had been expected to win but with a smaller margin following the emergence of new parties and ethnic minority parties gaining support in some regions. Political analyst Yan Myo Thein said early results showed ethnic parties had won some seats in Kayah, Mon, and Shan states, where many people harbour grievances against the central government but the overall picture was of another NLD landslide. The results, he said, "show that the majority of people don’t want… the involvement of the military in politics and the majority of people still continue to recognize and support Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the NLD, as their leader." In contrast to the wave of optimism that greeted the NLD's 2015 win, Myanmar held this election amid a surge in COVID-19 infections, economic hardships and escalating ethnic conflicts. More than a million people were unable to vote after polls were cancelled due to insurgencies. In Rakhine state, where Rohingya Muslims are confined to camps and villages and mostly denied the vote because they are not citizens, the vast majority of polling stations were closed due to fighting between government troops and ethnic insurgents. Myo Kyaw, general secretary of the Arakan League for Democracy (ALD), said the Rakhine nationalist Arakan National Party (ANP) had won most seats contested in the state. The Democracy and Human Rights Party, a Rohingya party, said in a statement it was "utterly disappointed" that its people had been disenfranchised. The government does not consider most Rohingya Myanmar citizens but migrants from neighbouring Bangladesh even though many can trace family roots back many generations. The United Nations has said there was genocidal intent in a 2017 army crackdown that forced 730,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh. Myanmar says its security forces were carrying out legitimate operations against Rohingya militants.

Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling party claims resounding election win in Myanmar

Myanmar`s ruling party said on Monday it had won enough seats in parliament to form the next government, after reporting a lead based on its unofficial count of votes from the country’s second general election since the end of strict military rule.

Party spokesman Myo Nyunt told Reuters internal reports showed the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, had won the 322 seats in parliament needed, though no official results had been announced by the election commission.

"We thank the people," he said. "For the people, for the party, this is such an encouraging election result."

The Election Commission is expected to announce official results later on Monday.

Sunday`s election was seen as a referendum on the fledgling democratic government led by Suu Kyi and the NLD, which remains hugely popular at home but has seen its reputation collapse overseas amid allegations of genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority.

Up for grabs in the election are 315 seats in the 425-member lower house and 161 seats in the 217-seat upper house of parliament.

The NLD came to power after a 2015 landslide in which it won a total of 390 seats, a benchmark Myo Nyunt said it expected to exceed, according to data compiled from reports by party agents at polling stations across the country.

A spokesman for the second biggest party, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) could not immediately be reached for comment.

The military, which ruled Myanmar for nearly 50 years until it began withdrawing from civilian politics in 2011, controls a quarter of seats in both houses of parliament, under a constitution it drew up and which Suu Kyi and her allies want to amend.

The NLD had been expected to win but with a smaller margin following the emergence of new parties and ethnic minority parties gaining support in some regions.

SOME UNABLE TO VOTE

In contrast to the wave of optimism that greeted the NLD`s landslide win in 2015, Myanmar went into this election under a cloud of a surging COVID-19 outbreak, economic hardship and escalating ethnic conflicts.

Although Myanmar is seeing an average of 1,100 new coronavirus cases a day - compared with a handful in early August - fears of the virus appeared not to dampen Sunday`s turnout among the 37 million registered voters.

The Election Commission has yet to release data on turnout but in the biggest city, Yangon, long lines of voters wearing face masks and shields formed from dawn.

But more than a million people across the country were unable to vote after polls were cancelled due to insurgencies.

Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya, a Muslim minority confined to camps and villages in Myanmar`s Rakhine State, most without citizenship, were also unable to vote.

The Democracy and Human Rights Party, a Rohingya party, said in a statement it was "utterly disappointed" that its people had been disenfranchised.

The election commission has said the polls in areas affected by conflict had to be cancelled for safety reasons and that only citizens were entitled to vote.

Most Rohingya are not considered Myanmar citizens but migrants from neighbouring Bangladesh even though many can trace family roots back many generations.

The United Nations has said there was genocidal intent in a 2017 army crackdown that forced 730,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh.

Myanmar rejects that saying its security forces were carrying out legitimate operations against Rohingya militants.

Myanmar`s ruling party said on Monday it had won enough seats in parliament to form the next government, after reporting a lead based on its unofficial count of votes from the country’s second general election since the end of strict military rule.

Myanmar`s ruling party said on Monday it had won enough seats in parliament to form the next government, after reporting a lead based on its unofficial count of votes from the country’s second general election since the end of strict military rule. Party spokesman Myo Nyunt told Reuters internal reports showed the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, had won the 322 seats in parliament needed, though no official results had been announced by the election commission. "We thank the people," he said. "For the people, for the party, this is such an encouraging election result." The Election Commission is expected to announce official results later on Monday. Sunday`s election was seen as a referendum on the fledgling democratic government led by Suu Kyi and the NLD, which remains hugely popular at home but has seen its reputation collapse overseas amid allegations of genocide against the Rohingya Muslim minority. Up for grabs in the election are 315 seats in the 425-member lower house and 161 seats in the 217-seat upper house of parliament. The NLD came to power after a 2015 landslide in which it won a total of 390 seats, a benchmark Myo Nyunt said it expected to exceed, according to data compiled from reports by party agents at polling stations across the country. A spokesman for the second biggest party, the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) could not immediately be reached for comment. The military, which ruled Myanmar for nearly 50 years until it began withdrawing from civilian politics in 2011, controls a quarter of seats in both houses of parliament, under a constitution it drew up and which Suu Kyi and her allies want to amend. The NLD had been expected to win but with a smaller margin following the emergence of new parties and ethnic minority parties gaining support in some regions. SOME UNABLE TO VOTE In contrast to the wave of optimism that greeted the NLD`s landslide win in 2015, Myanmar went into this election under a cloud of a surging COVID-19 outbreak, economic hardship and escalating ethnic conflicts. Although Myanmar is seeing an average of 1,100 new coronavirus cases a day - compared with a handful in early August - fears of the virus appeared not to dampen Sunday`s turnout among the 37 million registered voters. The Election Commission has yet to release data on turnout but in the biggest city, Yangon, long lines of voters wearing face masks and shields formed from dawn. But more than a million people across the country were unable to vote after polls were cancelled due to insurgencies. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya, a Muslim minority confined to camps and villages in Myanmar`s Rakhine State, most without citizenship, were also unable to vote. The Democracy and Human Rights Party, a Rohingya party, said in a statement it was "utterly disappointed" that its people had been disenfranchised. The election commission has said the polls in areas affected by conflict had to be cancelled for safety reasons and that only citizens were entitled to vote. Most Rohingya are not considered Myanmar citizens but migrants from neighbouring Bangladesh even though many can trace family roots back many generations. The United Nations has said there was genocidal intent in a 2017 army crackdown that forced 730,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh. Myanmar rejects that saying its security forces were carrying out legitimate operations against Rohingya militants.

Suu Kyi's party claims victory in Myanmar as its vote tally shows lead

State councillor Aung Suu Kyi's party takes the lead as counting get underway in Myanmar elections. Supporters of Suu Kyi's party, defied COVID-19 restrictions to celebrate the early results.

Myanmar Election: Suu Kyi's party expected to win 2nd term, supporters celebrate early results

Myanmar kicked off its multi-party general elections on Sunday as over 37 million eligible voters went to the polls across the country.

A total of 42,047 polling stations, which are being operated in consistent with health precautions against the COVID-19 pandemic, opened at 6 am local time, Xinhua news agency reported.

Some 5,639 candidates, including candidates from 87 political parties and 260 independent runners, are competing for 1,117 parliamentary seats in the elections, according to the Union Election Commission.

Of them, 1,565 candidates are contesting seats for the House of Representatives (Lower House), 779 candidates for the House of Nationalities (Upper House), 3,112 for regional or state parliaments and 183 for ethnic minority seats.

In the elections, the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party fielded 1,106 candidates, while the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) had 1,089 to run for the parliamentary seats.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/aung-san-suu-kyis-party-expected-to-win-second-term-in-myanmar-polls-despite-accusations-of-genocide-341387" hreflang="en">Aung San Suu Kyi's party expected to win second term in Myanmar polls despite accusations of genocide</a>

President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi are contesting seats for the House of Representatives (Lower House) and Vice President Henry Van Thio is representing Chin state`s constituency for a seat in the House of Nationalities (Upper House).

U Than Htay, the chairman of USDP, is running for a seat in the House of Representatives (Lower House).

The Union Election Commission called off polls in 15 townships and 665 village tracts of Bago region, Kachin, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan and Chin states, citing that the areas do not meet a condition to hold free and fair elections.

Due to the cancellation of elections in the areas, the number of constituencies in the elections were reduced from 1,171 to 1,117, while the number of registered election candidates were also decreased from 6,969 to 5,639.

A total of 8,858 observers from home and abroad are registered to monitor the elections.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-suu-kyi-denies-genocide-opponents-up-anti-rohingya-rhetoric-340814" hreflang="en">As Suu Kyi denies genocide, opponents up anti-Rohingya rhetoric</a>

The polling stations are arranged complying with preventive measures to mitigate transmission of the coronavirus.

Under the new normal, there will be no election center set up to announce the results and the election results will begin to be released since Monday via state-run media, official websites and online platforms.

Counting of ballots will be done shortly in the presence of contesting candidates and observers after the polling stations close at 4 p.m. local time on Sunday.

Myanmar received about 75,000 advance votes by its citizens living abroad when the overseas advance voting closed on October 26 while the number of local early votes reached about 3 million as of November 3.

A 60-day election campaign which began in early September concluded late Friday, two days ahead of the elections.

The 2020 general elections are the third election under the country`s 2008 Constitution.

The general elections, held every five years, will choose representatives to the next term of the parliament which will further elect president and two vice presidents and form a new term of government.

According to the 2008 Constitution, besides the elected representatives, the military possesses 25 per cent of non-elected parliamentary seats at each level of the legislative body, directly nominated by the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services.

The ruling NLD party won an absolute majority of parliamentary seats in the last general elections on November 8, 2015, and has been running the government since 2016.

The five-year term of the incumbent NLD government will end in March 2021.

Myanmar kicked off its multi-party general elections on Sunday as over 37 million eligible voters went to the polls across the country. A total of 42,047 polling stations, which are being operated in consistent with health precautions against the COVID-19 pandemic, opened at 6 am local time, Xinhua news agency reported.

Myanmar kicked off its multi-party general elections on Sunday as over 37 million eligible voters went to the polls across the country. A total of 42,047 polling stations, which are being operated in consistent with health precautions against the COVID-19 pandemic, opened at 6 am local time, Xinhua news agency reported. Some 5,639 candidates, including candidates from 87 political parties and 260 independent runners, are competing for 1,117 parliamentary seats in the elections, according to the Union Election Commission. Of them, 1,565 candidates are contesting seats for the House of Representatives (Lower House), 779 candidates for the House of Nationalities (Upper House), 3,112 for regional or state parliaments and 183 for ethnic minority seats. In the elections, the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party fielded 1,106 candidates, while the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) had 1,089 to run for the parliamentary seats. Also read| Aung San Suu Kyi's party expected to win second term in Myanmar polls despite accusations of genocide President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi are contesting seats for the House of Representatives (Lower House) and Vice President Henry Van Thio is representing Chin state`s constituency for a seat in the House of Nationalities (Upper House). U Than Htay, the chairman of USDP, is running for a seat in the House of Representatives (Lower House). The Union Election Commission called off polls in 15 townships and 665 village tracts of Bago region, Kachin, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan and Chin states, citing that the areas do not meet a condition to hold free and fair elections. Due to the cancellation of elections in the areas, the number of constituencies in the elections were reduced from 1,171 to 1,117, while the number of registered election candidates were also decreased from 6,969 to 5,639. A total of 8,858 observers from home and abroad are registered to monitor the elections. Also read| As Suu Kyi denies genocide, opponents up anti-Rohingya rhetoric The polling stations are arranged complying with preventive measures to mitigate transmission of the coronavirus. Under the new normal, there will be no election center set up to announce the results and the election results will begin to be released since Monday via state-run media, official websites and online platforms. Counting of ballots will be done shortly in the presence of contesting candidates and observers after the polling stations close at 4 p.m. local time on Sunday. Myanmar received about 75,000 advance votes by its citizens living abroad when the overseas advance voting closed on October 26 while the number of local early votes reached about 3 million as of November 3. A 60-day election campaign which began in early September concluded late Friday, two days ahead of the elections. The 2020 general elections are the third election under the country`s 2008 Constitution. The general elections, held every five years, will choose representatives to the next term of the parliament which will further elect president and two vice presidents and form a new term of government. According to the 2008 Constitution, besides the elected representatives, the military possesses 25 per cent of non-elected parliamentary seats at each level of the legislative body, directly nominated by the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services. The ruling NLD party won an absolute majority of parliamentary seats in the last general elections on November 8, 2015, and has been running the government since 2016. The five-year term of the incumbent NLD government will end in March 2021.

Voting begins in Myanmar's general elections

Myanmar kicked off its multi-party general elections on Sunday as over 37 million eligible voters went to the polls across the country.

Vote counting begins in Myanmar's general elections

5 million young voters will be able to cast ballots for the first time in Myanmar elections. WION brings you a report.

Myanmar Elections: 5mn voters to vote for the first time

Myanmar Election: Aung San Suu Kyi expected to win again

Myanmar's citizens -- about 37 million registered voters -- go to the polls Sunday though turnout is expected to suffer because of a recent surge in coronavirus cases.

And Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi remains the country's most popular political figure by far.

In 2015, Suu Kyi's National League of Democracy party roared to a landslide election victory. Critics have since felt her administration failed to embrace democratic principles, and have often accused it of genocide of Rohingya Muslims.

Suu Kyi and her party are also accused of being more concerned about entrenching itself in power than encouraging a broad-based democracy.

Despite this, her party is expected to again top the polls this year.

The state election commission has also been accused of conniving with Suu Kyi's ruling party by cancelling voting in some areas where parties critical of the government were certain to win seats.

The Union Election Commission insisted the voting was cancelled because of armed conflict with ethnic guerrillas in those areas.

The West was shocked at the brutal 2017 counter-insurgency campaign by Myanmar's army that drove about 740,000 Rohingya to flee into neighbouring Bangladesh, drawing accusations of genocide. It also sent Suu Kyi's reputation with Western admirers into a tailspin when she failed to restrain the security forces.

 
&nbsp;

Myanmar's citizens -- about 37 million registered voters -- go to the polls Sunday though turnout is expected to suffer because of a recent surge in coronavirus cases.

Myanmar's citizens -- about 37 million registered voters -- go to the polls Sunday though turnout is expected to suffer because of a recent surge in coronavirus cases. And Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi remains the country's most popular political figure by far. In 2015, Suu Kyi's National League of Democracy party roared to a landslide election victory. Critics have since felt her administration failed to embrace democratic principles, and have often accused it of genocide of Rohingya Muslims. Suu Kyi and her party are also accused of being more concerned about entrenching itself in power than encouraging a broad-based democracy. Despite this, her party is expected to again top the polls this year. The state election commission has also been accused of conniving with Suu Kyi's ruling party by cancelling voting in some areas where parties critical of the government were certain to win seats. The Union Election Commission insisted the voting was cancelled because of armed conflict with ethnic guerrillas in those areas. The West was shocked at the brutal 2017 counter-insurgency campaign by Myanmar's army that drove about 740,000 Rohingya to flee into neighbouring Bangladesh, drawing accusations of genocide. It also sent Suu Kyi's reputation with Western admirers into a tailspin when she failed to restrain the security forces.

Aung San Suu Kyi's party expected to win second term in Myanmar polls despite accusations of genocide

As Aung San Suu Kyi is vilified internationally for denying genocide against the Rohingya, her opponents in Sunday's Myanmar election are ramping up the rhetoric against the Muslim minority.

There was global revulsion at military-backed operations in 2017 that saw hundreds of thousands of people flee burning villages into the squalor of refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-army-chief-accuses-government-of-unacceptable-mistakes-ahead-of-election-340534" hreflang="en">Myanmar army chief accuses govt of 'unacceptable mistakes' ahead of election</a>

The horrifying violence,&nbsp;including widespread reports of murder and rape,&nbsp;has left Suu Kyi's international reputation in tatters and sees Myanmar facing genocide charges at the UN's top court.

But Than Htay, leader of the military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), insists Myanmar has nothing to be sorry for.

"I cannot accept useless people in our country," Than Htay told AFP of the stateless Rohingya.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-expert-airs-human-rights-concerns-ahead-of-myanmar-vote-340405" hreflang="en">UN expert airs human rights concerns ahead of Myanmar vote</a>

The USDP is the main opposition group standing against Suu Kyi's ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party in this week's polls, Myanmar's second after emerging from outright military rule in 2011.

Than Htay told a campaign rally he was free of "Muslim or Chinese" blood, while his deputy slurred an NLD Muslim candidate, according to local news site Myanmar Now.

USDP supporters even created a parody of an NLD anthem, claiming Suu Kyi's party had welcomed "Bengali Muslims as if they were gods".

Stripped of citizenship and rights over decades, the Rohingya are widely referred to in Myanmar by the pejorative term "Bengali", implying they are illegal immigrants.

'Picnic' or genocide?

The uncompromising campaign rhetoric shows that anti-Muslim rhetoric in mainly Buddhist Myanmar remains "fair game",&nbsp;Yangon-based analyst Khin Zaw Win told AFP.

"There is no danger for political parties to speak out against either the Rohingya or Muslims in general," he said.

Just four percent of Myanmar's 55-million population are Muslim.&nbsp;

They have no mainstream political representation and are often discriminated against in schools or when applying for ID cards or jobs.

The brutal ejection of the Rohingya in 2017 was seen very differently inside the country, where the government maintains the military was simply rooting out Rohingya insurgents and did not force the community to flee.

"They left happily," Than Htay told AFP in an interview late August at the USDP's opulent headquarters in the capital, Naypyidaw.

"If they'd been running from the military, they wouldn't have prepared their bags as if going on a picnic."

Rebrand 'failure'&nbsp;

Suu Kyi's NLD party -- born out of the pro-democracy movement under the former junta --&nbsp;is widely expected to be returned to office in Sunday's polls.

The nation only emerged from outright military rule a decade ago and the armed forces still wield enormous power, retaining control of a quarter of parliamentary seats and three key ministries.

Stacked with former army officers, the USDP is now trying to downplay its links to the military in a country still deeply suspicious of the institution.

Than Htay, who attained the rank of Major General before retiring, insisted: "I'm a civilian now," although conceded army chief Min Aung Hlaing was an old childhood friend.

"We were commanders at the same military command. Our families are close. But that's all. We have boundaries between us."

The USDP ruled Myanmar after a hugely flawed election in 2010, boycotted by the NLD and other parties.

In 2015, the party won 28 percent of the popular vote, although the country's electoral system meant this translated as only eight percent of electable seats.

Than Htay underlined to AFP what he saw as the NLD government's economic failures during its five-year term -- a drop in GDP, more debt and an increase in living costs.

But the USDP has "failed to rebrand itself", concluded watchdog International Crisis Group.

Analyst Khin Zaw Win warned a "tacit" alliance between the military and NLD could even make the USDP redundant.&nbsp;

"If this develops, the military will have no further use for the USDP," he said.

"The party runs the risk of losing its main prop."

As Aung San Suu Kyi is vilified internationally for denying genocide against the Rohingya, her opponents in Sunday's Myanmar election are ramping up the rhetoric against the Muslim minority.

As Aung San Suu Kyi is vilified internationally for denying genocide against the Rohingya, her opponents in Sunday's Myanmar election are ramping up the rhetoric against the Muslim minority. There was global revulsion at military-backed operations in 2017 that saw hundreds of thousands of people flee burning villages into the squalor of refugee camps in neighbouring Bangladesh. Also read: Myanmar army chief accuses govt of 'unacceptable mistakes' ahead of election The horrifying violence, including widespread reports of murder and rape, has left Suu Kyi's international reputation in tatters and sees Myanmar facing genocide charges at the UN's top court. But Than Htay, leader of the military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), insists Myanmar has nothing to be sorry for. "I cannot accept useless people in our country," Than Htay told AFP of the stateless Rohingya. Also read: UN expert airs human rights concerns ahead of Myanmar vote The USDP is the main opposition group standing against Suu Kyi's ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party in this week's polls, Myanmar's second after emerging from outright military rule in 2011. Than Htay told a campaign rally he was free of "Muslim or Chinese" blood, while his deputy slurred an NLD Muslim candidate, according to local news site Myanmar Now. USDP supporters even created a parody of an NLD anthem, claiming Suu Kyi's party had welcomed "Bengali Muslims as if they were gods". Stripped of citizenship and rights over decades, the Rohingya are widely referred to in Myanmar by the pejorative term "Bengali", implying they are illegal immigrants. 'Picnic' or genocide? The uncompromising campaign rhetoric shows that anti-Muslim rhetoric in mainly Buddhist Myanmar remains "fair game", Yangon-based analyst Khin Zaw Win told AFP. "There is no danger for political parties to speak out against either the Rohingya or Muslims in general," he said. Just four percent of Myanmar's 55-million population are Muslim. They have no mainstream political representation and are often discriminated against in schools or when applying for ID cards or jobs. The brutal ejection of the Rohingya in 2017 was seen very differently inside the country, where the government maintains the military was simply rooting out Rohingya insurgents and did not force the community to flee. "They left happily," Than Htay told AFP in an interview late August at the USDP's opulent headquarters in the capital, Naypyidaw. "If they'd been running from the military, they wouldn't have prepared their bags as if going on a picnic." Rebrand 'failure' Suu Kyi's NLD party -- born out of the pro-democracy movement under the former junta -- is widely expected to be returned to office in Sunday's polls. The nation only emerged from outright military rule a decade ago and the armed forces still wield enormous power, retaining control of a quarter of parliamentary seats and three key ministries. Stacked with former army officers, the USDP is now trying to downplay its links to the military in a country still deeply suspicious of the institution. Than Htay, who attained the rank of Major General before retiring, insisted: "I'm a civilian now," although conceded army chief Min Aung Hlaing was an old childhood friend. "We were commanders at the same military command. Our families are close. But that's all. We have boundaries between us." The USDP ruled Myanmar after a hugely flawed election in 2010, boycotted by the NLD and other parties. In 2015, the party won 28 percent of the popular vote, although the country's electoral system meant this translated as only eight percent of electable seats. Than Htay underlined to AFP what he saw as the NLD government's economic failures during its five-year term -- a drop in GDP, more debt and an increase in living costs. But the USDP has "failed to rebrand itself", concluded watchdog International Crisis Group. Analyst Khin Zaw Win warned a "tacit" alliance between the military and NLD could even make the USDP redundant. "If this develops, the military will have no further use for the USDP," he said. "The party runs the risk of losing its main prop."

As Suu Kyi denies genocide, opponents up anti-Rohingya rhetoric

An independent human rights expert working with the United Nations is calling on Myanmar's government and military leadership to stop persecuting supporters of the opposition ahead of Sunday's general election.

Thomas Andrews, a former US congressman from Maine who is the UN special investigator on Myanmar, called for free and fair elections but expressed concerns about the denial of the vote to Rohingya Muslims and others based on race, ethnicity or religion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-suu-kyi-casts-early-vote-in-poll-hit-by-covid-19-curbs-338842">Myanmar's Suu Kyi casts early vote in poll hit by COVID-19 curbs</a>

Andrews, who as an independent 'special rapporteur'&nbsp;does not speak for the UN, said the Myanmar army is using a penal code set up under colonialist Britain in 1861 to lock up journalists, students and others for exercising their basic right to free expression.&nbsp;He also lamented allegations of state censorship of some candidates.

Myanmar's electoral commission has canceled voting in several parts of the country facing bouts of unrest.

Michelle Bachelet, who heads the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has also expressed serious concerns about the human rights situation in Myanmar before the vote, including violations of the right to political participation, particularly for minority groups.

The last general election in 2015 brought to power Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy after more than five decades of military rule. Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and her government have faced international condemnation for allowing security forces to carry out widespread abuses of the Rohingya minority, driving more than 700,000 to seek safety in neighbouring Bangladesh.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

An independent human rights expert working with the United Nations is calling on Myanmar's government and military leadership to stop persecuting supporters of the opposition ahead of Sunday's general election.

An independent human rights expert working with the United Nations is calling on Myanmar's government and military leadership to stop persecuting supporters of the opposition ahead of Sunday's general election. Thomas Andrews, a former US congressman from Maine who is the UN special investigator on Myanmar, called for free and fair elections but expressed concerns about the denial of the vote to Rohingya Muslims and others based on race, ethnicity or religion. Also read | Myanmar's Suu Kyi casts early vote in poll hit by COVID-19 curbs Andrews, who as an independent 'special rapporteur' does not speak for the UN, said the Myanmar army is using a penal code set up under colonialist Britain in 1861 to lock up journalists, students and others for exercising their basic right to free expression. He also lamented allegations of state censorship of some candidates. Myanmar's electoral commission has canceled voting in several parts of the country facing bouts of unrest. Michelle Bachelet, who heads the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has also expressed serious concerns about the human rights situation in Myanmar before the vote, including violations of the right to political participation, particularly for minority groups. The last general election in 2015 brought to power Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy after more than five decades of military rule. Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and her government have faced international condemnation for allowing security forces to carry out widespread abuses of the Rohingya minority, driving more than 700,000 to seek safety in neighbouring Bangladesh.

UN expert airs human rights concerns ahead of Myanmar vote

India's prestigious National Defense College has opened its door for 5 news countries--Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Philippines, Indonesia and Maldives and will be giving addition seats to 3 countries in the neighbourhood--Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh. The famed institute, from which India's Crème de la crème has passed has only 100 seats currently--75 for Indian nationals, 25 to foreign nationals.

India's Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar announcing the development said, "We will be able to offer more seats to friendly foreign countries from where demand is huge. &nbsp;Necessary infrastructure in this regard is being created. "

From 2021 onwards, 10 more seats will be added, followed by 10 more in 2022 taking the number of seats at NDC to 120 by that year. The first NDC course was held in 1960 with 21 participants and this year marks the diamond jubilee of the institute.

The prominent alumni of NDC were Present King of Bhutan His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, former President of Bangladesh Lt Gen Hussain Muhammad Ershad, former head of state Lt Gen Frederick William Kwasi Akuffo and even one Governor-General of Australia. Other than this, 74 service chiefs of foreign defence forces have been pass out of the institute.

When it comes to domestically--2 governors of the country, 2 election commissioners, &nbsp;30 chiefs of Indian armed forces, 20 Indian envoys, 5 foreign secretaries, 4 defence secretaries and the present CDS Bipin Rawat and National Security Advisor have been alumni of NDC.

India's prestigious National Defense College has opened its door for 5 news countries--Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Philippines, Indonesia and Maldives and will be giving addition seats to 3 countries in the neighbourhood--Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh.

India's prestigious National Defense College has opened its door for 5 news countries--Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Philippines, Indonesia and Maldives and will be giving addition seats to 3 countries in the neighbourhood--Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh. The famed institute, from which India's Crème de la crème has passed has only 100 seats currently--75 for Indian nationals, 25 to foreign nationals. India's Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar announcing the development said, "We will be able to offer more seats to friendly foreign countries from where demand is huge. Necessary infrastructure in this regard is being created. " From 2021 onwards, 10 more seats will be added, followed by 10 more in 2022 taking the number of seats at NDC to 120 by that year. The first NDC course was held in 1960 with 21 participants and this year marks the diamond jubilee of the institute. The prominent alumni of NDC were Present King of Bhutan His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, former President of Bangladesh Lt Gen Hussain Muhammad Ershad, former head of state Lt Gen Frederick William Kwasi Akuffo and even one Governor-General of Australia. Other than this, 74 service chiefs of foreign defence forces have been pass out of the institute. When it comes to domestically--2 governors of the country, 2 election commissioners, 30 chiefs of Indian armed forces, 20 Indian envoys, 5 foreign secretaries, 4 defence secretaries and the present CDS Bipin Rawat and National Security Advisor have been alumni of NDC.

National Defence College opens doors for 5 countries; Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh get more seats

As Myanmar prepares for a general election next week, an opposition politician has found a new way of connecting with voters facing novel coronavirus restrictions and getting her message out.

Han Oo Khin, a candidate for the People’s Pioneer Party (PPP), has been criss-crossing her constituency in the commercial capital of Yangon for more than a month with a truck selling affordable groceries ranging from eggs to onions and noodles.

The Thingangyun township is one of the areas worst affected by the coronavirus so 34-year-old Han Oo Khin, who is an advertising entrepreneur, believes her mobile market stall will help people get their shopping and help her win some votes.

“It’s like killing two birds with one stone,” said Han, speaking beside the truck, which carries a big poster of her on the back, as her supporters handed out leaflets along with groceries to a cluster of shoppers.

“It assists the grassroots people in my township and on the other hand, it introduces my party and me to the public.”

Han reckons the truck has helped her make contact with thousands of people in her constituency, where there are 180,000 voters due to cast ballots on Sunday, when Myanmar holds its second general election since the end of strict military rule.

With more than 50,000 coronavirus cases and more than 1,200 deaths, Myanmar is facing one of Southeast Asia’s worst outbreaks of the virus and election campaigning across the country has been hit by curbs on movements and gatherings.

The PPP is one of several new political parties emerging to challenge the popularity of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Suu Kyi’s party is widely expected to win but smaller parties say they see opportunities with her support chipped away by growing ethnic conflict in some areas and a sluggish economy.

The PPP is headed by a former member of parliament from Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy who was expelled from the party for criticising it over various issues.

Han has no illusions the PPP can defeat the ruling party but she’s looking long term and plans to keep operating the grocery truck to help build her party’s image and her profile.

“We’ll keep serving the people to prepare for the 2025 election,” she said.

As Myanmar prepares for a general election next week, an opposition politician has found a new way of connecting with voters facing novel coronavirus restrictions and getting her message out.

As Myanmar prepares for a general election next week, an opposition politician has found a new way of connecting with voters facing novel coronavirus restrictions and getting her message out. Han Oo Khin, a candidate for the People’s Pioneer Party (PPP), has been criss-crossing her constituency in the commercial capital of Yangon for more than a month with a truck selling affordable groceries ranging from eggs to onions and noodles. The Thingangyun township is one of the areas worst affected by the coronavirus so 34-year-old Han Oo Khin, who is an advertising entrepreneur, believes her mobile market stall will help people get their shopping and help her win some votes. “It’s like killing two birds with one stone,” said Han, speaking beside the truck, which carries a big poster of her on the back, as her supporters handed out leaflets along with groceries to a cluster of shoppers. “It assists the grassroots people in my township and on the other hand, it introduces my party and me to the public.” Han reckons the truck has helped her make contact with thousands of people in her constituency, where there are 180,000 voters due to cast ballots on Sunday, when Myanmar holds its second general election since the end of strict military rule. With more than 50,000 coronavirus cases and more than 1,200 deaths, Myanmar is facing one of Southeast Asia’s worst outbreaks of the virus and election campaigning across the country has been hit by curbs on movements and gatherings. The PPP is one of several new political parties emerging to challenge the popularity of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Suu Kyi’s party is widely expected to win but smaller parties say they see opportunities with her support chipped away by growing ethnic conflict in some areas and a sluggish economy. The PPP is headed by a former member of parliament from Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy who was expelled from the party for criticising it over various issues. Han has no illusions the PPP can defeat the ruling party but she’s looking long term and plans to keep operating the grocery truck to help build her party’s image and her profile. “We’ll keep serving the people to prepare for the 2025 election,” she said.

New Myanmar political party woos voters with grocery truck

With lockdown measures in place to curb the pandemic, and a dominating ruling party, campaigning for votes in Myanmar's upcoming parliamentary elections has proven to be an uphill battle for first-time political candidate Han Oo Khin.

Myanmar political candidate campaigns in grocery truck amid lockdown restrictions

The Arakan Army has been declared a terrorist organisation by Myanmar. A report has now claimed that the group has armed itself with Chinese weapons and is targeting the $480 million Kaladan project between India-Myanmar. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: How China is arming Myanmar's terror group

India has increased its engagement with Myanmar and Bangladesh on Covid-19 vaccine with in-person and virtual high-level meetings with officials of the two countries.&nbsp;

Earlier this month an Indian delegation visited Bangladesh from 17th to 19th October with Ministry of External Affairs saying that both sides had "fruitful discussions" on the "current stage of vaccine development in India and modalities of clinical trials in Bangladesh".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-vaccine-production-delivery-capacity-to-help-all-humanity-in-fighting-covid-19-mea-338838">India's vaccine production, delivery capacity to help all humanity in fighting COVID-19: MEA</a>

With Myanmar, a virtual interaction happened with key stakeholders from both sides present in the meeting. The MEA said, "As the situation with respect to vaccine development evolves, the sides will discuss and decide on modalities of cooperation."

Remember India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla had visited both the countries and cooperation amidst the Covid-19 crisis and Covid-19 vaccine was the key focus of the meet. During his Myanmar visit earlier this month along with Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, India gifted 3000 vials of Anti Covid Remdesivir to State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi as a "symbol" of India‘s commitment to helping Myanmar mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

Remember at the United Nations General Assembly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to "help all humanity" in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

While India has sent medicines like HCQ, paracetamol to more than 150 countries, it is also been organising training to build capacity. In fact, for the neighbourhood, India has organised two training modules in which about 90 health experts and scientists have participated.

India has increased its engagement with Myanmar and Bangladesh on Covid-19 vaccine with in-person and virtual high-level meetings with officials of the two countries.

India has increased its engagement with Myanmar and Bangladesh on Covid-19 vaccine with in-person and virtual high-level meetings with officials of the two countries. Earlier this month an Indian delegation visited Bangladesh from 17th to 19th October with Ministry of External Affairs saying that both sides had "fruitful discussions" on the "current stage of vaccine development in India and modalities of clinical trials in Bangladesh". Also read | India's vaccine production, delivery capacity to help all humanity in fighting COVID-19: MEA With Myanmar, a virtual interaction happened with key stakeholders from both sides present in the meeting. The MEA said, "As the situation with respect to vaccine development evolves, the sides will discuss and decide on modalities of cooperation." Remember India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla had visited both the countries and cooperation amidst the Covid-19 crisis and Covid-19 vaccine was the key focus of the meet. During his Myanmar visit earlier this month along with Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, India gifted 3000 vials of Anti Covid Remdesivir to State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi as a "symbol" of India‘s commitment to helping Myanmar mitigate the impact of the pandemic. Remember at the United Nations General Assembly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to "help all humanity" in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. While India has sent medicines like HCQ, paracetamol to more than 150 countries, it is also been organising training to build capacity. In fact, for the neighbourhood, India has organised two training modules in which about 90 health experts and scientists have participated.

India increases engagement with Myanmar, Bangladesh on Covid-19 vaccine

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi cast a ballot on Thursday in the capital Naypyitaw ahead of November's election after being unable to travel to her registered township near Yangon due to restrictions aimed at containing a spike in coronavirus cases.

Opposition parties had urged the government to postpone the election because of rising infections, but Suu Kyi, who is the chair of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party, has said the Nov. 8 vote must go ahead.

Wearing a face mask and protective gloves, she voted at a polling station in the administrative capital, where President Win Myint also voted earlier.

The vote is set to serve as a test of Myanmar's first democratic government in half a century and the country's transition away from direct military rule as it grapples with crises on several fronts.

With nearly 50,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 1,000 deaths, Myanmar is facing one of Southeast Asia’s worst outbreaks, and a lockdown has left hundreds of thousands of people without work.

Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for campaigning for democracy, took the reins in 2016 after an electoral landslide, but has been forced to share power with the generals.

The NLD is expected to win again, though by a smaller margin.

Suu Kyi's international reputation has slumped over Myanmar's treatment of Rohingya Muslims, but she remains popular at home, where her image is undented by accusations of complicity in atrocities against the minority.

Polls across much of conflict-hit Rakhine have been cancelled by Myanmar’s electoral body that has cited violence for the move.

The region, where most parliamentary seats are held by Rakhine nationalist opponents of Suu Kyi, has been beset by an ethnic insurgency that has intensified this year.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi cast a ballot on Thursday in the capital Naypyitaw ahead of November's election after being unable to travel to her registered township near Yangon due to restrictions aimed at containing a spike in coronavirus cases.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi cast a ballot on Thursday in the capital Naypyitaw ahead of November's election after being unable to travel to her registered township near Yangon due to restrictions aimed at containing a spike in coronavirus cases. Opposition parties had urged the government to postpone the election because of rising infections, but Suu Kyi, who is the chair of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party, has said the Nov. 8 vote must go ahead. Wearing a face mask and protective gloves, she voted at a polling station in the administrative capital, where President Win Myint also voted earlier. The vote is set to serve as a test of Myanmar's first democratic government in half a century and the country's transition away from direct military rule as it grapples with crises on several fronts. With nearly 50,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 1,000 deaths, Myanmar is facing one of Southeast Asia’s worst outbreaks, and a lockdown has left hundreds of thousands of people without work. Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for campaigning for democracy, took the reins in 2016 after an electoral landslide, but has been forced to share power with the generals. The NLD is expected to win again, though by a smaller margin. Suu Kyi's international reputation has slumped over Myanmar's treatment of Rohingya Muslims, but she remains popular at home, where her image is undented by accusations of complicity in atrocities against the minority. Polls across much of conflict-hit Rakhine have been cancelled by Myanmar’s electoral body that has cited violence for the move. The region, where most parliamentary seats are held by Rakhine nationalist opponents of Suu Kyi, has been beset by an ethnic insurgency that has intensified this year.

Myanmar's Suu Kyi casts early vote in poll hit by COVID-19 curbs

Once celebrated as democracy champions, a tight elite of elderly former political prisoners at the helm of Myanmar's ruling party now stand accused of oppression, discrimination and censorship.

The National League for Democracy (NLD) is widely expected to win next week's election,&nbsp;five years after it swept to power in a landslide victory.

Throngs of young people signed up to the party when the Southeast Asian nation emerged from outright military rule, eager to play their role in cementing democracy.

But critics now say the top echelons of the NLD remain closed to anyone who did not serve time behind bars in the fight against the former junta -- effectively sidelining the youth.

"We thought, proudly, we'd be future political leaders," current NLD MP and former youth leader&nbsp;Aung Hlaing Win, now 37, told AFP.

"But, unfortunately, it went the wrong way."

The average age for the 12 members of the NLD's top decision-making body, including party boss and civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, is more than 70.

All of them were jailed or placed under house arrest for opposing the military regime.

Younger members of the party were largely reduced to supporting acts for their seniors, required to ask permission to speak to anyone outside the party, and submit speeches for "censorship", said Aung Hlaing Win.

"It turned out to be an oppressive system — no different from the system of military rule," he added.

"Just because they'd been political prisoners didn't mean they knew how to run a country."

The hopes for change were dashed for many young democracy activists, who accuse the NLD of operating no better than other parties.

Political parties still ask new members about the role they played in the 1988 protests, complained 28-year-old activist Thinzar Shunlei Li, even though a majority of people in Myanmar were born in or after the 1980s.

"This is not the right way to judge a person," she said. "Our issues, concerns and struggles are different."

'Older people have thicker skin'

The NLD emerged from Myanmar's 1988 pro-democracy movement as it fought against the junta.

This was when Suu Kyi -- now 75 -- was propelled to fame. She became a national hero, serving 15 years under house arrest, one of around 10,000 people imprisoned by the regime for their political beliefs.

But critics say incarceration has become an unwritten requirement for rising up in her party.

"People who served jail time longer are more important&nbsp;-- that's the philosophy of the NLD," former NLD MP Thet Thet Khine told AFP.

The 53-year-old was kicked out last year for not toeing the NLD line, and now heads a rival party.

More than 120 current NLD ministers or MPs have served time in prison -- from State Counsellor Suu Kyi and the president down.

A similar number of the party's 2020 election candidates have also been jailed at some point.

"Doing time is a badge of honour," explained Yangon-based analyst Richard Horsey, describing it as an "entry ticket to the upper echelons of the NLD".

It is a policy the party makes no attempt to hide.

"When we consider giving responsibilities to someone, we favour our old comrades," NLD spokesman and former '88 Generation activist Myo Nyunt told AFP.

"Older people have thicker skin, while newer members can be susceptible to criticism."

Unquestioning support&nbsp;

Critics have also pointed to the NLD's flipped role -- a party led by victims of political repression that is cracking down on dissenters now that it is in power.

The number of activists incarcerated under Suu Kyi's government has soared.&nbsp;

In recent weeks, 15 protesters have been arrested and two sentenced to six years behind bars for condemning alleged abuses by Myanmar's military in Rakhine state.

Fortify Rights regional director Ismail Wolff described the crackdown on freedom of expression as "extreme and worsening".

There are currently 537 political prisoners either already sentenced or awaiting trial, said Bo Kyi, co-founder of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

He also served time under the junta, and said he felt marginalised after his release because of the climate of fear.

But he conceded today's young activists fare little better, faced with an unsympathetic public that unquestioningly supports Suu Kyi.

"Most people don't want anyone to do anything against her."

Once celebrated as democracy champions, a tight elite of elderly former political prisoners at the helm of Myanmar's ruling party now stand accused of oppression, discrimination and censorship.

Once celebrated as democracy champions, a tight elite of elderly former political prisoners at the helm of Myanmar's ruling party now stand accused of oppression, discrimination and censorship. The National League for Democracy (NLD) is widely expected to win next week's election, five years after it swept to power in a landslide victory. Throngs of young people signed up to the party when the Southeast Asian nation emerged from outright military rule, eager to play their role in cementing democracy. But critics now say the top echelons of the NLD remain closed to anyone who did not serve time behind bars in the fight against the former junta -- effectively sidelining the youth. "We thought, proudly, we'd be future political leaders," current NLD MP and former youth leader Aung Hlaing Win, now 37, told AFP. "But, unfortunately, it went the wrong way." The average age for the 12 members of the NLD's top decision-making body, including party boss and civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, is more than 70. All of them were jailed or placed under house arrest for opposing the military regime. Younger members of the party were largely reduced to supporting acts for their seniors, required to ask permission to speak to anyone outside the party, and submit speeches for "censorship", said Aung Hlaing Win. "It turned out to be an oppressive system — no different from the system of military rule," he added. "Just because they'd been political prisoners didn't mean they knew how to run a country." The hopes for change were dashed for many young democracy activists, who accuse the NLD of operating no better than other parties. Political parties still ask new members about the role they played in the 1988 protests, complained 28-year-old activist Thinzar Shunlei Li, even though a majority of people in Myanmar were born in or after the 1980s. "This is not the right way to judge a person," she said. "Our issues, concerns and struggles are different." 'Older people have thicker skin' The NLD emerged from Myanmar's 1988 pro-democracy movement as it fought against the junta. This was when Suu Kyi -- now 75 -- was propelled to fame. She became a national hero, serving 15 years under house arrest, one of around 10,000 people imprisoned by the regime for their political beliefs. But critics say incarceration has become an unwritten requirement for rising up in her party. "People who served jail time longer are more important -- that's the philosophy of the NLD," former NLD MP Thet Thet Khine told AFP. The 53-year-old was kicked out last year for not toeing the NLD line, and now heads a rival party. More than 120 current NLD ministers or MPs have served time in prison -- from State Counsellor Suu Kyi and the president down. A similar number of the party's 2020 election candidates have also been jailed at some point. "Doing time is a badge of honour," explained Yangon-based analyst Richard Horsey, describing it as an "entry ticket to the upper echelons of the NLD". It is a policy the party makes no attempt to hide. "When we consider giving responsibilities to someone, we favour our old comrades," NLD spokesman and former '88 Generation activist Myo Nyunt told AFP. "Older people have thicker skin, while newer members can be susceptible to criticism." Unquestioning support Critics have also pointed to the NLD's flipped role -- a party led by victims of political repression that is cracking down on dissenters now that it is in power. The number of activists incarcerated under Suu Kyi's government has soared. In recent weeks, 15 protesters have been arrested and two sentenced to six years behind bars for condemning alleged abuses by Myanmar's military in Rakhine state. Fortify Rights regional director Ismail Wolff described the crackdown on freedom of expression as "extreme and worsening". There are currently 537 political prisoners either already sentenced or awaiting trial, said Bo Kyi, co-founder of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. He also served time under the junta, and said he felt marginalised after his release because of the climate of fear. But he conceded today's young activists fare little better, faced with an unsympathetic public that unquestioningly supports Suu Kyi. "Most people don't want anyone to do anything against her."

Suu Kyi and old guard frustrate young Myanmar politicians

Myanmar's Ambassador to India Moe Kyaw Aung has said that his country won't allow any insurgents to use its territory against India. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Myanmar envoy Moe Kyaw Aung said, "Myanmar maintains good neighborliness and you know, we will never allow our territory to be used by insurgents against other neighbouring countries and we will never support them". He recalled how last year, Myanmar handed over 22 insurgents to India after a security operation.

Myanmar envoy to Delhi: Myanmar won't allow insurgents to use its territory against India

A Rohingya boy from a refugee camp in Bangladesh has been killed by a landmine inside Myanmar, camp leaders said Saturday, in a case that highlighted the country's refusal to implement an international ban.

More than 160 countries have signed up to a treaty banning landmines, and a monitor group has said Myanmar forces are the only ones known to have deployed mines in 2019.

Mohammad Zaber, 13, who lived in the Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, died Friday in an explosion after going fishing with friends on the border, community leader Dil Mohammad said.

A Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) official confirmed the incident took place inside Myanmar.

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines has said Myanmar -- which has refused to sign the 1997 ban treaty -- was the only country where the use of new antipersonnel mines had been documented in recent years.

Many Rohingya were killed or wounded by mines in 2017 when a military crackdown on the persecuted Muslim group led to an exodus of more than 740,000 people from Myanmar's Rakhine state into Bangladesh.

A Rohingya boy from a refugee camp in Bangladesh has been killed by a landmine inside Myanmar, camp leaders said Saturday, in a case that highlighted the country's refusal to implement an international ban.

A Rohingya boy from a refugee camp in Bangladesh has been killed by a landmine inside Myanmar, camp leaders said Saturday, in a case that highlighted the country's refusal to implement an international ban. More than 160 countries have signed up to a treaty banning landmines, and a monitor group has said Myanmar forces are the only ones known to have deployed mines in 2019. Mohammad Zaber, 13, who lived in the Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, died Friday in an explosion after going fishing with friends on the border, community leader Dil Mohammad said. A Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) official confirmed the incident took place inside Myanmar. The International Campaign to Ban Landmines has said Myanmar -- which has refused to sign the 1997 ban treaty -- was the only country where the use of new antipersonnel mines had been documented in recent years. Many Rohingya were killed or wounded by mines in 2017 when a military crackdown on the persecuted Muslim group led to an exodus of more than 740,000 people from Myanmar's Rakhine state into Bangladesh.

Rohingya refugee death highlights Myanmar mine use

Myanmar's Ambassador to India Moe Kyaw Aung has said that his country won't allow any insurgents to use its territory against India. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Myanmar envoy Moe Kyaw Aung said, "Myanmar maintains good neighborliness and you know, we will never allow our territory to be used by insurgents against other neighbouring countries and we will never support them".

WION Dispatch: WION exclusive conversation with Myanmar Envoy to India

Myanmar's Ambassador to India Moe Kyaw Aung has said that his country won't allow any insurgents to use its territory against India. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Myanmar envoy Moe Kyaw Aung said, "Myanmar maintains good neighborliness and you know, we will never allow our territory to be used by insurgents against other neighbouring countries and we will never support them". He recalled how last year, Myanmar handed over 22 insurgents to India after a security operation.&nbsp;

On the connectivity front, Envoy Moe said distance between Kolkata and Sittwe ports was&nbsp;less than 500 nautical miles and that could&nbsp;pave way for "coastal shipping which can transport goods from countries effectively and cheaply". In the first week of October Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane had visited the country, and since the visit took place&nbsp;amid the COVID&nbsp;pandemic, envoy&nbsp;highlighted that both sides were serious about bilateral co-operation.

Sidhant Sibal: What are the current status of ties?

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Myanmar, India enjoy very friendly relation for ages, thanks to geographical proximity and share cultural heritage and close links, recently Act East Policy and Neighbourhood First Policy of India and good neighborliness policy of Myanmar greatly contributed to good bilateral relations. Bilateral relations have reached to new level thanks to efforts of leaders of the 2 countries.

Sidhant Sibal: India's Foreign Secretary and Army Chief visited your country. How do you see the visit?

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Amid the COVID&nbsp;crisis, high-level visit between the 2 countries happened. It shows, both sides put great importance to the visit, and how serious they are for bilateral cooperation between the 2 countries. The delegation of Foreign Secretary and Army Chief had a meeting with state counsellor and commander in chief of defence services and discussion covered range of areas like&nbsp;trade, investment, security and defence cooperation, power generation, oil and gas, technological transfer and natural disaster management. Lot of areas, covered and I expect from those discussions fruitful outcome will come.

 
Sidhant Sibal: On connectivity front, how things are progressing. Is Sittwe set to be operationalised next year?

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Sittwe is part of Kaladan Multimodal transport project, and that project connects northeast India to Myanmar via Kaladan river in Myanmar and access to bay of Bengal. So it's very important, and the Sittwe port will provide access to the products of northeastern state to the Indian Ocean and via Bay of Bengal products can reach mainland India. Also it will greatly be&nbsp;conducive to bilateral ties between India and Myanmar because using that route export of India and Myanmar can be sent effectively. Apart from this, distance between Sittwe port and Kolkata port is less than 500 nautical miles, it will pave&nbsp;way for coastal shipping which can transport goods from countries effectively and cheaply. It will increase bilateral trade. Another important infrastructure project is trilateral highway connecting Northeastern India with Myanmar and Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries.

 
Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;Defence and security has seen increased focus.&nbsp;You have sent 22 insurgents back to India...

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Myanmar maintains good neighborliness and you know, we will never allow our territory to be used by insurgents against other neighbouring countries and we will never support them. In 2019, a security operation took place at India-Myanmar border. We handed over insurgents to India and it shows, Myanmar's friendliness and good neighborliness to India.

 
Sidhant Sibal: Defence is also gaining focus, India will give you submarines. If you can tell us, when will they give u..

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: I think, we have good relations between the 2 armed forces. And exchanges of visit, procurement of military hardware happens in terms of cooperation. We have good cooperation between 2 armed forces. Myanmar is opposed to terrorism of all forms and manifestations, so that is one of the areas we can cooperate in. We have to make sure, terror organisations, do not&nbsp;operate in our countries.

 
Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;How has been the collaboration on COVID&nbsp;front?

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: India and Myanmar have good relations, earlier this year, India donated HCQ and other medical supplies for Covid. During the visit of FS, India donated 3000 vials of Remdesivir to Myanmar. During the discussions, Foreign Secretary and Myanmar leaders discussed cooperation in the development of Vaccines. Now I think, we have informed to Indian side that Myanmar will participate in development of vaccine.

Sidhant Sibal: You are neighbours of India and China. China has been aggressive, that has been the talking point. How are u reaching out to New Delhi, even as Chinese aggressiveness is increasing?

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Let me explain our foreign policy, our policy is based on 5 principles of peaceful coexistence. And also, neutrality and respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. We maintained, good relations with all countries. In that&nbsp;case, we have an independent and active foreign policy. For Myanmar, we strongly support India and China in the effort of de-escalating of tensions.

Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India backed Indo-Pacific concept?

Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: I think, Indo-Pacific, as a general concept, regional cooperation is a win win for all the countries involved.

Myanmar's Ambassador to India Moe Kyaw Aung has said that his country won't allow any insurgents to use its territory against India. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Myanmar envoy Moe Kyaw Aung said, "Myanmar maintains good neighborliness and you know, we will never allow our territory to be used by insurgents against other neighbouring countries and we will never support them". He recalled how last year, Myanmar handed over 22 insurgents to India after a security operation. On the connectivity front, Envoy Moe said distance between Kolkata and Sittwe ports was less than 500 nautical miles and that could pave way for "coastal shipping which can transport goods from countries effectively and cheaply". In the first week of October Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane had visited the country, and since the visit took place amid the COVID pandemic, envoy highlighted that both sides were serious about bilateral co-operation. Sidhant Sibal: What are the current status of ties? Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Myanmar, India enjoy very friendly relation for ages, thanks to geographical proximity and share cultural heritage and close links, recently Act East Policy and Neighbourhood First Policy of India and good neighborliness policy of Myanmar greatly contributed to good bilateral relations. Bilateral relations have reached to new level thanks to efforts of leaders of the 2 countries. Sidhant Sibal: India's Foreign Secretary and Army Chief visited your country. How do you see the visit? Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Amid the COVID crisis, high-level visit between the 2 countries happened. It shows, both sides put great importance to the visit, and how serious they are for bilateral cooperation between the 2 countries. The delegation of Foreign Secretary and Army Chief had a meeting with state counsellor and commander in chief of defence services and discussion covered range of areas like trade, investment, security and defence cooperation, power generation, oil and gas, technological transfer and natural disaster management. Lot of areas, covered and I expect from those discussions fruitful outcome will come. Sidhant Sibal: On connectivity front, how things are progressing. Is Sittwe set to be operationalised next year? Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Sittwe is part of Kaladan Multimodal transport project, and that project connects northeast India to Myanmar via Kaladan river in Myanmar and access to bay of Bengal. So it's very important, and the Sittwe port will provide access to the products of northeastern state to the Indian Ocean and via Bay of Bengal products can reach mainland India. Also it will greatly be conducive to bilateral ties between India and Myanmar because using that route export of India and Myanmar can be sent effectively. Apart from this, distance between Sittwe port and Kolkata port is less than 500 nautical miles, it will pave way for coastal shipping which can transport goods from countries effectively and cheaply. It will increase bilateral trade. Another important infrastructure project is trilateral highway connecting Northeastern India with Myanmar and Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. Sidhant Sibal: Defence and security has seen increased focus. You have sent 22 insurgents back to India... Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Myanmar maintains good neighborliness and you know, we will never allow our territory to be used by insurgents against other neighbouring countries and we will never support them. In 2019, a security operation took place at India-Myanmar border. We handed over insurgents to India and it shows, Myanmar's friendliness and good neighborliness to India. Sidhant Sibal: Defence is also gaining focus, India will give you submarines. If you can tell us, when will they give u.. Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: I think, we have good relations between the 2 armed forces. And exchanges of visit, procurement of military hardware happens in terms of cooperation. We have good cooperation between 2 armed forces. Myanmar is opposed to terrorism of all forms and manifestations, so that is one of the areas we can cooperate in. We have to make sure, terror organisations, do not operate in our countries. Sidhant Sibal: How has been the collaboration on COVID front? Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: India and Myanmar have good relations, earlier this year, India donated HCQ and other medical supplies for Covid. During the visit of FS, India donated 3000 vials of Remdesivir to Myanmar. During the discussions, Foreign Secretary and Myanmar leaders discussed cooperation in the development of Vaccines. Now I think, we have informed to Indian side that Myanmar will participate in development of vaccine. Sidhant Sibal: You are neighbours of India and China. China has been aggressive, that has been the talking point. How are u reaching out to New Delhi, even as Chinese aggressiveness is increasing? Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: Let me explain our foreign policy, our policy is based on 5 principles of peaceful coexistence. And also, neutrality and respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. We maintained, good relations with all countries. In that case, we have an independent and active foreign policy. For Myanmar, we strongly support India and China in the effort of de-escalating of tensions. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India backed Indo-Pacific concept? Ambassador Moe Kyaw Aung: I think, Indo-Pacific, as a general concept, regional cooperation is a win win for all the countries involved.

Myanmar won't allow insurgents to use territory against India: Ambassador

A rebel group in western Myanmar’s Rakhine state has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of three candidates of de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s governing party, demanding the release of detained student protesters in return for letting them go. Watch report.

3 candidates of Suu Kyi's party abducted: Arakan army claims responsibility

Arakan Army, the rebel group battling Myanmar Government troops on Monday, claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of three ruling party candidates. The kidnapping had taken place last week. Arkan Army has demanded the release of detained student protesters for the release of the kidnapped candidates.

The ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) said the three – two women and a man – were abducted on Wednesday while campaigning in Rakhine before a Nov. 8 election.

The western region, where most parliamentary seats are held by Rakhine nationalist opponents of Myanmar’s leader Aung San Suu Kyi, has been beset by an insurgency that has intensified this year.

Arakan Army said in a statement posted online the three candidates would be "detained and investigated as required by circumstances till a certain time".

It accused the NLD of complicity with military "atrocities" against civilians but said it was willing to free the group in return for the release of students arrested while protesting the war and other "innocent people" detained by authorities.

"If they make demands in this way, it would difficult for us to comply," Myo Nyunt, a member of the NLD’s central executive committee, told Reuters by phone.

The country's election committee said on Saturday more than half the polling stations initially planned in Rakhine will no longer operate, as parts of the state are too unstable for voting.

The AA, which recruits from the mostly Buddhist ethnic majority in Rakhine, seeks greater autonomy for the region from the central government.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced since fighting began in early 2019 and dozens killed.

The Arakan Student Union said four of its members had been detained on Monday after marching through the state capital of Sittwe holding banners criticising the government and military.

Several other students have been arrested after similar protests in recent weeks.

(With Reuters inputs)

Arakan Army, the rebel group battling Myanmar Government troops on Monday, claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of three ruling party candidates. The kidnapping had taken place last week.

Arakan Army, the rebel group battling Myanmar Government troops on Monday, claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of three ruling party candidates. The kidnapping had taken place last week. Arkan Army has demanded the release of detained student protesters for the release of the kidnapped candidates. The ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) said the three – two women and a man – were abducted on Wednesday while campaigning in Rakhine before a Nov. 8 election. The western region, where most parliamentary seats are held by Rakhine nationalist opponents of Myanmar’s leader Aung San Suu Kyi, has been beset by an insurgency that has intensified this year. Arakan Army said in a statement posted online the three candidates would be "detained and investigated as required by circumstances till a certain time". It accused the NLD of complicity with military "atrocities" against civilians but said it was willing to free the group in return for the release of students arrested while protesting the war and other "innocent people" detained by authorities. "If they make demands in this way, it would difficult for us to comply," Myo Nyunt, a member of the NLD’s central executive committee, told Reuters by phone. The country's election committee said on Saturday more than half the polling stations initially planned in Rakhine will no longer operate, as parts of the state are too unstable for voting. The AA, which recruits from the mostly Buddhist ethnic majority in Rakhine, seeks greater autonomy for the region from the central government. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced since fighting began in early 2019 and dozens killed. The Arakan Student Union said four of its members had been detained on Monday after marching through the state capital of Sittwe holding banners criticising the government and military. Several other students have been arrested after similar protests in recent weeks. (With Reuters inputs)

Myanmar: Arakan Army claims responsibility for kidnapping ruling party candidates

In Myanmar, Arakan army has claimed the responsibility for kidnapping 3 ruling party candidates of Aung San Suu Kyi's party. The rebels have demanded the release of detained students protesters in return for letting them go.

Myanmar: Arakan army claims responsibility for kidnapping 3 candidates of Suu Kyi's party

India will be delivering a kilo class submarine INS Sindhuvir to Myanmar Navy and this will be the first submarine of the neighbouring country.

WION Dispatch: India to deliver kilo class submarine INS Sindhuvir to Myanmar Navy

Coronavirus pandemic has pushed several economies into a deep recession. The outbreak has had a big impact on the economic, social, and political fronts in many parts of the world. In Myanmar, the virus has dragged the poor families to an edge. Watch report.

Myanmar's coronavirus crisis: Virus drags poor families to the edge

Thein Khin, a 100-year-old woman in Myanmar who beat coronavirus infection, thinks days during World War -2 were worse and coronavirus pandemic is nothing in comparison though no medicine and vaccine have yet been made available. She was asymptomatic and was kept in isolation after having been found positive for the infection. Virus had spread among four generations of her family and she says that she was more worried about her grandchildren.

"I felt nothing. I was eating well, showering myself and walking as normal," she said at her home in Yangon, Myanmar's biggest city, surrounded by small children.

"If I suffered from this virus, I would be lying and moaning on the bed. But I am strong, walking around. I felt nothing."

older people are more vulnerable to the virus. The risks are higher in poor countries where there aren't enough healthcare facilities to take care of infected people.

But the sprightly senior was not surprised to emerge unscathed from COVID-19, having had, she said, no major illnesses.

"The situation during World War Two was so much worse. I heard this virus pandemic is also dangerous across the world. But I feel this disease is nothing," she said.

"Of course, I'm worried for my children and grandkids. Death is no matter for me because I am very old. I have escaped from many deadly, worse and dangerous situations."

Her granddaughter, Win Win Yee, said the family were thankful all 10 infected members were safe, but would take nothing for granted.

"We are still so scared of getting infected again," she said. "That's why we don't go anywhere outside ... We locked ourselves down."

Coronavirus cases in Myanmar have passed 29,000, from just a few hundred in August, with more than 660 deaths.

(With Reuters input)

Thein Khin, a 100-year-old woman in Myanmar who beat coronavirus infection, thinks days during World War -2 were worse and coronavirus pandemic is nothing in comparison though no medicine and vaccine have yet been made available.

Thein Khin, a 100-year-old woman in Myanmar who beat coronavirus infection, thinks days during World War -2 were worse and coronavirus pandemic is nothing in comparison though no medicine and vaccine have yet been made available. She was asymptomatic and was kept in isolation after having been found positive for the infection. Virus had spread among four generations of her family and she says that she was more worried about her grandchildren. "I felt nothing. I was eating well, showering myself and walking as normal," she said at her home in Yangon, Myanmar's biggest city, surrounded by small children. "If I suffered from this virus, I would be lying and moaning on the bed. But I am strong, walking around. I felt nothing." older people are more vulnerable to the virus. The risks are higher in poor countries where there aren't enough healthcare facilities to take care of infected people. But the sprightly senior was not surprised to emerge unscathed from COVID-19, having had, she said, no major illnesses. "The situation during World War Two was so much worse. I heard this virus pandemic is also dangerous across the world. But I feel this disease is nothing," she said. "Of course, I'm worried for my children and grandkids. Death is no matter for me because I am very old. I have escaped from many deadly, worse and dangerous situations." Her granddaughter, Win Win Yee, said the family were thankful all 10 infected members were safe, but would take nothing for granted. "We are still so scared of getting infected again," she said. "That's why we don't go anywhere outside ... We locked ourselves down." Coronavirus cases in Myanmar have passed 29,000, from just a few hundred in August, with more than 660 deaths. (With Reuters input)

100-year-old Myanmar woman beats coronavirus

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