At least 13 Chinese tourists were killed and dozens injured when their bus skidded off the road and plunged 30 metres into a ravine in Laos, a police officer said Tuesday.

The bus was carrying more than 40 Chinese nationals heading towards the tourist town of Luang Prabang when the accident occurred late on Monday.

"At this moment, 13 bodies have been recovered... while two are still missing," police officer Xaiyaphon Chitavong told AFP, blaming brake failure for the accident.

He added that 31 people were receiving medical treatment.&nbsp;

Chinese state media showed photos of rescuers wading through ankle-deep floodwaters.

Traffic accidents in Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar are common, with safety regulations often flouted and law enforcement low.&nbsp;

The monsoon season from June to October also drenches rural roads with heavy rains creating slippery conditions.

Tourism to communist-run Laos has grown in recent years, and visitors from China increased by 13 per cent in the first half of 2019 compared to the year before, according to the state-backed Vientiane Times.&nbsp;

At least 13 Chinese tourists were killed and dozens injured when their bus skidded off the road and plunged 30 metres into a ravine in Laos, a police officer said Tuesday.

At least 13 Chinese tourists were killed and dozens injured when their bus skidded off the road and plunged 30 metres into a ravine in Laos, a police officer said Tuesday. The bus was carrying more than 40 Chinese nationals heading towards the tourist town of Luang Prabang when the accident occurred late on Monday. "At this moment, 13 bodies have been recovered... while two are still missing," police officer Xaiyaphon Chitavong told AFP, blaming brake failure for the accident. He added that 31 people were receiving medical treatment. Chinese state media showed photos of rescuers wading through ankle-deep floodwaters. Traffic accidents in Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar are common, with safety regulations often flouted and law enforcement low. The monsoon season from June to October also drenches rural roads with heavy rains creating slippery conditions. Tourism to communist-run Laos has grown in recent years, and visitors from China increased by 13 per cent in the first half of 2019 compared to the year before, according to the state-backed Vientiane Times.

At least 13 Chinese tourists killed as bus plunges into ravine in Laos

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-facebook-dismantle-social-media-campaign-in-china-that-tried-to-undermine-hong-kong-protests-244261">Twitter, Facebook dismantle social media campaign in China that tried to undermine Hong Kong protests</a>

Twitter and Facebook said on Monday they had dismantled a state-backed social media campaign originating in mainland China that sought to undermine protests in Hong Kong.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/around-3500-rohingya-cleared-to-return-home-to-myanmar-starting-this-week-source-244272">Around 3,500 Rohingya cleared to return home to Myanmar starting this week: Source</a>

Some 3,500 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have been cleared to return home to Myanmar beginning this week, a top official said Monday, nearly two years after a military crackdown sparked their exodus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-mulling-tax-cut-to-avoid-recession-report-244271">White House mulling tax cut to avoid recession: Report</a>

The White House is considering cutting taxes or revering tariffs to head off a recession, US media reported on Monday, despite President Donald Trump's insistence on the economy's health.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-immediately-end-freedom-of-movement-for-people-from-european-union-after-brexit-244264">UK to immediately end freedom of movement for people from European Union after Brexit</a>

Britain said Monday it will immediately end freedom of movement for people from the European Union after Brexit on October 31, in a policy shift under Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epstein-wrote-will-two-days-before-death-puts-578-million-in-assets-into-trust-with-unnamed-beneficiaries-report-244262">Jeffrey Epstein wrote will two days before death, puts $578 million in assets into trust with unnamed beneficiaries: Report</a>

Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein wrote a will two days before he died, putting his $578 million in assets into a trust with unnamed beneficiaries, the New York Post reported Monday.

Twitter, Facebook dismantle social media campaign in China that tried to undermine Hong Kong protests Twitter and Facebook said on Monday they had dismantled a state-backed social media campaign originating in mainland China that sought to undermine protests in Hong Kong.

Twitter, Facebook dismantle social media campaign in China that tried to undermine Hong Kong protests Twitter and Facebook said on Monday they had dismantled a state-backed social media campaign originating in mainland China that sought to undermine protests in Hong Kong. Around 3,500 Rohingya cleared to return home to Myanmar starting this week: Source Some 3,500 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have been cleared to return home to Myanmar beginning this week, a top official said Monday, nearly two years after a military crackdown sparked their exodus. White House mulling tax cut to avoid recession: Report The White House is considering cutting taxes or revering tariffs to head off a recession, US media reported on Monday, despite President Donald Trump's insistence on the economy's health. UK to immediately end freedom of movement for people from European Union after Brexit Britain said Monday it will immediately end freedom of movement for people from the European Union after Brexit on October 31, in a policy shift under Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Jeffrey Epstein wrote will two days before death, puts $578 million in assets into trust with unnamed beneficiaries: Report Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein wrote a will two days before he died, putting his $578 million in assets into a trust with unnamed beneficiaries, the New York Post reported Monday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Some 3,500 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have been cleared to return home to Myanmar beginning this week, a top official said Monday, nearly two years after a military crackdown sparked their exodus.

Some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/security-tightened-as-myanmar-delegation-visits-rohingya-camps-238712">740,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh</a> in August 2017 from a military offensive in Myanmar -- joining 200,000 already there -- but virtually none have volunteered to return despite the countries signing a repatriation deal.

Bangladesh refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam, however, said he was "optimistic" about a new repatriation process scheduled to start on Thursday.

A previous attempt in November 2018 to return 2,260 Rohingya failed after they refused to leave the camp without guarantees for their safety.

"Everything is ready... the land transit point has been prepared," Kalam told reporters after a meeting with Myanmar officials in Cox's Bazar, southeast Bangladesh, where the refugees live in vast camps.

"Nobody will be forced to return unless they volunteer," he said.

Bangladesh and Myanmar officials plan to repatriate 300 Rohingya each day, with some 3,500 refugees cleared to make the journey home, Kalam said.

The new push follows a visit last month to the camps by high-ranking officials from Myanmar led by Permanent Foreign Secretary Myint Thu.

Sunday will mark the second anniversary of the crackdown that sparked the mass exodus to the Bangladesh camps.

Kalam said Myanmar and United Nations officials were meeting with selected refugees on Tuesday to encourage them to return to Rakhine state.&nbsp;

The Rohingya, who are mostly Muslim, are not recognised as an official minority by the Myanmar government which considers them Bengali interlopers despite many families having lived in Rakhine for generations.

Some 3,500 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have been cleared to return home to Myanmar beginning this week, a top official said Monday, nearly two years after a military crackdown sparked their exodus.

Some 3,500 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh have been cleared to return home to Myanmar beginning this week, a top official said Monday, nearly two years after a military crackdown sparked their exodus. Some 740,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh in August 2017 from a military offensive in Myanmar -- joining 200,000 already there -- but virtually none have volunteered to return despite the countries signing a repatriation deal. Bangladesh refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam, however, said he was "optimistic" about a new repatriation process scheduled to start on Thursday. A previous attempt in November 2018 to return 2,260 Rohingya failed after they refused to leave the camp without guarantees for their safety. "Everything is ready... the land transit point has been prepared," Kalam told reporters after a meeting with Myanmar officials in Cox's Bazar, southeast Bangladesh, where the refugees live in vast camps. "Nobody will be forced to return unless they volunteer," he said. Bangladesh and Myanmar officials plan to repatriate 300 Rohingya each day, with some 3,500 refugees cleared to make the journey home, Kalam said. The new push follows a visit last month to the camps by high-ranking officials from Myanmar led by Permanent Foreign Secretary Myint Thu. Sunday will mark the second anniversary of the crackdown that sparked the mass exodus to the Bangladesh camps. Kalam said Myanmar and United Nations officials were meeting with selected refugees on Tuesday to encourage them to return to Rakhine state. The Rohingya, who are mostly Muslim, are not recognised as an official minority by the Myanmar government which considers them Bengali interlopers despite many families having lived in Rakhine for generations.

Around 3,500 Rohingya cleared to return home to Myanmar starting this week: Source

The United Nations' refugee agency and Bangladesh authorities on Tuesday started to consult more than 3,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar to determine if any want to return home, officials said, as a fresh repatriation bid was launched.

More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Rakhine for neighbouring Bangladesh after a military-led crackdown in August 2017 the United Nations has said was perpetrated with "genocidal intent", but many refugees refuse to go back, fearing more violence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/around-3500-rohingya-cleared-to-return-home-to-myanmar-starting-this-week-source-244272">Myanmar cleared 3,450 people to return</a>, from a list of more than 22,000 provided by Bangladesh, authorities said.

"The intentions surveys are beginning today," Louise Donovan, a UNHCR spokeswoman in the Cox's Bazar district of Bangladesh, told Reuters.

"Together, the government of Bangladesh and UNHCR will ask these refugees to come forward and discuss the option of repatriation."

The agency will hold a second confidential interview with those who express a wish to return, she added, to discuss their intentions, and ensure the decision is voluntary, she said.

"They will be asked to complete a voluntary repatriation form," she added.

A representative of Bangladesh's refugee relief effort will also attend the interviews, a government official said.

"The UN refugee agency has started interviewing the Rohingya on the list," Mohammad Abul Kalam, the country's refugee relief and repatriation commissioner, said by telephone.

"Transit centres, transport facilities…everything is ready to start the repatriation on Thursday," he added.

The UN&nbsp;Security Council is set to discuss the latest repatriation plan behind closed doors on Wednesday, at the request of Belgium, Britain, France, Germany and the United States, diplomats said.

British charity Oxfam called for the international community to step up diplomatic pressure on Myanmar and expressed concern about human rights violations there. 
 
"Oxfam remains concerned about human rights violations in Myanmar and hopes the government will take this opportunity to recognise the equal rights of Rohingya people and to lift the heavy restrictions on their movement," said Elizabeth Hallinan, an official of the charity.

"Refugees long to return to their homes, but they tell us they fear going back without rights and justice," Hallinan said in a statement.

Last week, Myanmar government spokesman Zaw Htay said officials had scrutinized the list of refugees to determine whether they had lived in Myanmar and had been involved in attacks on the military.

The 2017 crackdown was preceded by attacks on security forces by insurgents calling themselves the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, which Myanmar has classified as a terrorist organization.

Previous attempts at persuading Rohingya to return to Rakhine have failed due to opposition from refugees. An effort in November sowed fear and confusion in the camps, and finally failed after refugee protests. 
&nbsp;

The United Nations' refugee agency and Bangladesh authorities on Tuesday started to consult more than 3,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar to determine if any want to return home, officials said, as a fresh repatriation bid was launched.

The United Nations' refugee agency and Bangladesh authorities on Tuesday started to consult more than 3,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar to determine if any want to return home, officials said, as a fresh repatriation bid was launched. More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Rakhine for neighbouring Bangladesh after a military-led crackdown in August 2017 the United Nations has said was perpetrated with "genocidal intent", but many refugees refuse to go back, fearing more violence. Myanmar cleared 3,450 people to return, from a list of more than 22,000 provided by Bangladesh, authorities said. "The intentions surveys are beginning today," Louise Donovan, a UNHCR spokeswoman in the Cox's Bazar district of Bangladesh, told Reuters. "Together, the government of Bangladesh and UNHCR will ask these refugees to come forward and discuss the option of repatriation." The agency will hold a second confidential interview with those who express a wish to return, she added, to discuss their intentions, and ensure the decision is voluntary, she said. "They will be asked to complete a voluntary repatriation form," she added. A representative of Bangladesh's refugee relief effort will also attend the interviews, a government official said. "The UN refugee agency has started interviewing the Rohingya on the list," Mohammad Abul Kalam, the country's refugee relief and repatriation commissioner, said by telephone. "Transit centres, transport facilities…everything is ready to start the repatriation on Thursday," he added. The UN Security Council is set to discuss the latest repatriation plan behind closed doors on Wednesday, at the request of Belgium, Britain, France, Germany and the United States, diplomats said. British charity Oxfam called for the international community to step up diplomatic pressure on Myanmar and expressed concern about human rights violations there. "Oxfam remains concerned about human rights violations in Myanmar and hopes the government will take this opportunity to recognise the equal rights of Rohingya people and to lift the heavy restrictions on their movement," said Elizabeth Hallinan, an official of the charity. "Refugees long to return to their homes, but they tell us they fear going back without rights and justice," Hallinan said in a statement. Last week, Myanmar government spokesman Zaw Htay said officials had scrutinized the list of refugees to determine whether they had lived in Myanmar and had been involved in attacks on the military. The 2017 crackdown was preceded by attacks on security forces by insurgents calling themselves the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, which Myanmar has classified as a terrorist organization. Previous attempts at persuading Rohingya to return to Rakhine have failed due to opposition from refugees. An effort in November sowed fear and confusion in the camps, and finally failed after refugee protests.

UN agency, Bangladesh begin survey of Rohingya over return to Myanmar

When Mohammad Rafiq spotted two Rohingya refugee girls dusting their faces with circles of traditional thanaka powder under the warm morning light, he quickly took out his smartphone to capture the moment.

The 19-year-old budding photographer, who fled to Bangladesh in August 2017 after a military crackdown in Myanmar, uses his mobile phone to record the daily lives of nearly one million stateless Rohingya in a vast camp in southern Bangladesh.

"I loved the photo instantly as it reflects our culture and the innocence of the little girls who barely want to remember the crisis we are facing," Rafiq told AFP.

Rafiq is among some 30 Rohingya youths selected by the World Food Programme for its "Storytellers" project.

For two weeks, they are taught smartphone photo and video-shooting techniques -- such as understanding light, exposure and angles -- as well as writing skills.

The refugees then share their stories directly with the public through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, with audiences around the world posting comments and asking questions.

"The idea behind it is to be able to hand back the narrative to the people that we are already assisting," WFP spokeswoman Gemma Snowdon told AFP.

The Storytellers Page on Facebook has more than 30,000 followers and includes similar schemes rolled out in Chad and Uganda.

All the Rohingya posters have a similar goal -- to share with the outside world the raw, emotional ups and downs they face living in the world's largest refugee camp.

Minara, who was four months' pregnant when she fled Myanmar, shares videos of how refugees are given ropes to tie their makeshift tarpaulin roofs to bamboo poles so they are not blown away by strong winds.

Another post, by Hafsa Aktar, is a heartrending letter to her father who was left behind, in which she writes of the difficult conditions in the camp and her deep longing to return to her homeland.

Life through the lens

Being able to take photos again has put a spring in the steps of Rafiq, who wanted to continue his schooling after the 10th grade in Myanmar but was blocked by authorities.

When he was 15, Rafiq's father bought him his first-ever smartphone as a present. Thrilled with the device, he explored his town in Myanmar's northern Rakhine state, taking photos of everything he loved.

But Rafiq's life was turned upside down in 2017 when the brutal army campaign drove some 740,000 Rohingya Muslims across the border to Cox's Bazar, where another 200,000 refugees were already living in squalid camps.

During the arduous journey to neighbouring Bangladesh to escape the violence, the teenager lost his favourite possession -- his smartphone.

"I arrived in Bangladesh with my mother and three younger siblings after 10 days of harrowing walks through the hills," Rafiq recalled as he sat in a shanty inside the camp.

"I wish I could have captured the moments of anguish we had to suffer on our way out of Myanmar."

Now Rafiq is becoming a star on Facebook through his photos.

In one post that has attracted some 180,000 views, Rafiq captures a woman meditating during the month of Ramadan to show how the Muslim minority are now free to practise their religion even as they grapple with the hardships in the crammed shelters.

"International media is covering the stories in the camps but they are not here 24/7 but I am," he said, adding that his stories were more authentic.

"People learn from my stories that we are seeking justice and want to return home."

On some days, Rafiq walks to a vantage point in the camps where he can see the hills of Myanmar shrouded by clouds in the distance, and thinks of home.

"I see flashbacks of how my friends and I used to roam around the place. I feel very sad," he said, adding that he hopes to return one day and be a photojournalist.

"That will be the fulfilment of my dream."

When Mohammad Rafiq spotted two Rohingya refugee girls dusting their faces with circles of traditional thanaka powder under the warm morning light, he quickly took out his smartphone to capture the moment.

When Mohammad Rafiq spotted two Rohingya refugee girls dusting their faces with circles of traditional thanaka powder under the warm morning light, he quickly took out his smartphone to capture the moment. The 19-year-old budding photographer, who fled to Bangladesh in August 2017 after a military crackdown in Myanmar, uses his mobile phone to record the daily lives of nearly one million stateless Rohingya in a vast camp in southern Bangladesh. "I loved the photo instantly as it reflects our culture and the innocence of the little girls who barely want to remember the crisis we are facing," Rafiq told AFP. Rafiq is among some 30 Rohingya youths selected by the World Food Programme for its "Storytellers" project. For two weeks, they are taught smartphone photo and video-shooting techniques -- such as understanding light, exposure and angles -- as well as writing skills. The refugees then share their stories directly with the public through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, with audiences around the world posting comments and asking questions. "The idea behind it is to be able to hand back the narrative to the people that we are already assisting," WFP spokeswoman Gemma Snowdon told AFP. The Storytellers Page on Facebook has more than 30,000 followers and includes similar schemes rolled out in Chad and Uganda. All the Rohingya posters have a similar goal -- to share with the outside world the raw, emotional ups and downs they face living in the world's largest refugee camp. Minara, who was four months' pregnant when she fled Myanmar, shares videos of how refugees are given ropes to tie their makeshift tarpaulin roofs to bamboo poles so they are not blown away by strong winds. Another post, by Hafsa Aktar, is a heartrending letter to her father who was left behind, in which she writes of the difficult conditions in the camp and her deep longing to return to her homeland. Life through the lens Being able to take photos again has put a spring in the steps of Rafiq, who wanted to continue his schooling after the 10th grade in Myanmar but was blocked by authorities. When he was 15, Rafiq's father bought him his first-ever smartphone as a present. Thrilled with the device, he explored his town in Myanmar's northern Rakhine state, taking photos of everything he loved. But Rafiq's life was turned upside down in 2017 when the brutal army campaign drove some 740,000 Rohingya Muslims across the border to Cox's Bazar, where another 200,000 refugees were already living in squalid camps. During the arduous journey to neighbouring Bangladesh to escape the violence, the teenager lost his favourite possession -- his smartphone. "I arrived in Bangladesh with my mother and three younger siblings after 10 days of harrowing walks through the hills," Rafiq recalled as he sat in a shanty inside the camp. "I wish I could have captured the moments of anguish we had to suffer on our way out of Myanmar." Now Rafiq is becoming a star on Facebook through his photos. In one post that has attracted some 180,000 views, Rafiq captures a woman meditating during the month of Ramadan to show how the Muslim minority are now free to practise their religion even as they grapple with the hardships in the crammed shelters. "International media is covering the stories in the camps but they are not here 24/7 but I am," he said, adding that his stories were more authentic. "People learn from my stories that we are seeking justice and want to return home." On some days, Rafiq walks to a vantage point in the camps where he can see the hills of Myanmar shrouded by clouds in the distance, and thinks of home. "I see flashbacks of how my friends and I used to roam around the place. I feel very sad," he said, adding that he hopes to return one day and be a photojournalist. "That will be the fulfilment of my dream."

'I'm here 24/7': Rohingya youths share their stories on social media

A volunteer ambulance driver was killed in Myanmar's remote northeast as clashes between the army and ethnic insurgents escalated over the weekend, state media reported Sunday.

The area near the Chinese border has been riven by armed conflict for decades, but a fresh round of violence was sparked this week when a coalition of armed groups launched joint attacks against a military academy and police outposts, killing at least 15.

The army claims the attacks were retaliation for massive drug seizures in July, but insurgents say they were responding to military offensives.

An ambulance from a local philanthropy group working around the town of Lashio came under assault by an insurgent sniper and artillery fire on Saturday, the state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar reported.

The attack killed 58-year-old driver Tun Myint, his wife Tin Tin Aye told AFP.

"The car was hit when they were trying to turn back from the mission because of intense fighting," she said.

The video circulating online that could not be independently verified showed an overturned ambulance on the side of a road and workers frantically transferring a limp body to another vehicle.

The Taaung National Liberation Army, one of the members of the Northern Alliance coalition of insurgent groups, said it was unclear who was responsible for the attack.

"As the fighting was intensifying, it is hard to say who to blame," the TNLA's Mai Aik Kyaw told AFP.

Myanmar security forces clearing mines near a bridge also found a weapons cache with dozens of explosive devices, detonators and grenades, according to state media.

The US Embassy in Yangon has issued a travel warning for areas near the recent fighting and on Friday urged "restraint" from all sides in the conflict.&nbsp;

The area around Lashio is crisscrossed by a patchwork of ethnic rebel groups fighting the military for more autonomy and control over land and resources.&nbsp;

It is also home to what experts believe to be the world's largest methamphetamine-producing region, fuelling a complex web of conflict. &nbsp;

Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi pledged to secure&nbsp;a peace agreement with insurgent groups when she took office in 2016, but no major progress has been made.

A volunteer ambulance driver was killed in Myanmar's remote northeast as clashes between the army and ethnic insurgents escalated over the weekend, state media reported Sunday.

A volunteer ambulance driver was killed in Myanmar's remote northeast as clashes between the army and ethnic insurgents escalated over the weekend, state media reported Sunday. The area near the Chinese border has been riven by armed conflict for decades, but a fresh round of violence was sparked this week when a coalition of armed groups launched joint attacks against a military academy and police outposts, killing at least 15. The army claims the attacks were retaliation for massive drug seizures in July, but insurgents say they were responding to military offensives. An ambulance from a local philanthropy group working around the town of Lashio came under assault by an insurgent sniper and artillery fire on Saturday, the state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar reported. The attack killed 58-year-old driver Tun Myint, his wife Tin Tin Aye told AFP. "The car was hit when they were trying to turn back from the mission because of intense fighting," she said. The video circulating online that could not be independently verified showed an overturned ambulance on the side of a road and workers frantically transferring a limp body to another vehicle. The Taaung National Liberation Army, one of the members of the Northern Alliance coalition of insurgent groups, said it was unclear who was responsible for the attack. "As the fighting was intensifying, it is hard to say who to blame," the TNLA's Mai Aik Kyaw told AFP. Myanmar security forces clearing mines near a bridge also found a weapons cache with dozens of explosive devices, detonators and grenades, according to state media. The US Embassy in Yangon has issued a travel warning for areas near the recent fighting and on Friday urged "restraint" from all sides in the conflict. The area around Lashio is crisscrossed by a patchwork of ethnic rebel groups fighting the military for more autonomy and control over land and resources. It is also home to what experts believe to be the world's largest methamphetamine-producing region, fuelling a complex web of conflict. Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi pledged to secure a peace agreement with insurgent groups when she took office in 2016, but no major progress has been made.

Ambulance driver killed in Myanmar as army battles rebels

Cradling her one-year-old daughter in a house in southern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-bangladesh-agree-to-start-rohingya-repatriation-next-week-243215">Myanmar</a>, 22-year-old Nu Nu Aye recalled the reasons her husband gave for beating her. She hadn`t looked after his rooster. She wouldn`t have sex with him.

In a meeting brokered by a village elder, he said he would beat her when "necessary". "His abuse got worse after that," she said. Finally, he tried to strangle her while she was sleeping.

In Myanmar, where the US-funded Demographic and Health Survey suggested at least one-fifth of women are abused by a partner - a figure activists say is likely an underestimate because many cases are not reported – there is no specific law against domestic violence.

Women such as Nu Nu Aye, whose account Reuters could not independently verify, usually rely on intervention by local leaders to arrange settlements with partners whose abuse is largely regarded as a private affair.

Activists hope the first National Prevention and Protection of Violence Against Women law, which the government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has been working on, will give women more protection from violence, including domestic abuse.

But the law, first proposed in 2013, remains stuck in the drafting stage, its provisions debated and revised over issues such as whether to outlaw marital rape.

The delays are a growing source of frustration for activists disappointed by the sluggish pace of reforms in an area entirely under the control of the civilian government, which rules with the military in an awkward power-sharing arrangement.

"We have been waiting too long for this law and are still waiting," said one of the activists, Nang Phyu Phyu Lin.

The Ministry for Social Welfare and Resettlement did not respond to questions sent by Reuters and did not answer phone calls seeking comment.

"No protection"

Socially conservative and male-dominated, Myanmar lived under military rule for half a century until the election of the first fully civilian government in 2015.&nbsp;

With the obvious exception of Suu Kyi, women are largely absent from public leadership roles - there are no other women in the cabinet and just 10 per cent of lawmakers elected in 2015 were female.

A local saying, sometimes used in jest and sometimes seriously, posits, "If you beat your wife until her bones are broken, she will love with all her heart."

Myanmar`s Penal Code, which dates back to the British colonial era, is vague and rarely used to prosecute cases of domestic violence. Its definition of rape is narrow and excludes marital rape.

"There is no protection as a woman in Myanmar society," one 28-year-old woman, who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation, told Reuters.&nbsp;

When arguing with her husband over his drug use, she was forced to protect herself and her baby son with a kitchen knife, she said. "I didn`t know who to call for help."

Enforcement of the law is especially weak in conservative rural areas, where women are often regarded as the property of their husbands, activists say.

Of 27 cases of domestic violence reported to police in southeastern Karen state in recent years, for example, just one reached the courts, said Naw Htoo Htoo, the programme director at Karen Human Rights Defenders. The other cases were settled by a village elder, imposing "little or no fine" on perpetrators, she said, adding that those reported likely represent just a fraction of the total number cases.&nbsp;

In Dawei, a sleepy coastal town further to the south, 31-year-old Kyu Kyu Win recalled how her husband, accusing her of flirting with other men, dragged her along the ground by her hair. "If we have to stay together again, I will kill myself," she said.

As she spoke, her brother interrupted. "I don`t believe her," he said. "Why do people always talk about women`s rights? What about men`s rights?"

Local police often ignore or play down complaints of domestic abuse, said Nu Nu Hlaing, the general secretary of the Tavoyan Women`s Union, which runs one of the country`s nine safe houses in the town.

Police at the two stations in Dawei declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.

"Duties after marriage"

During discussions between government officials and women`s rights activists drafting the Prevention of Violence Against Women Law, both men and women disputed whether rape within marriage should be a crime, several people present in the meetings said.

"They said this is one of our duties after marriage, whether we like it or not," said Pansy Tun Thein, an activist on the drafting committee.&nbsp;

Some men questioned what the problem was with a man hitting his wife, said May Sabe Phyu, director of the Gender Equality Network, another member of the committee.

Three activists said the draft has been approved by the attorney general's office and would likely pass, but a date for debate in parliament has not been set. The attorney-general`s office did not return a request for comment from Reuters.

Under the current draft, they said, marital rape would finally be outlawed. The pending law would also include guarantees of services for survivors of domestic violence, such as legal and medical support and access to safe houses.&nbsp;

In the meantime, Nu Nu Aye and her baby daughter are sheltering at the home of two elderly women. "She can stay as long as she wants," one of the women, Po Kyi, said. "We have deep sympathy for her, as we are women."

Cradling her one-year-old daughter in a house in southern Myanmar, 22-year-old Nu Nu Aye recalled the reasons her husband gave for beating her. She hadn`t looked after his rooster.

Cradling her one-year-old daughter in a house in southern Myanmar, 22-year-old Nu Nu Aye recalled the reasons her husband gave for beating her. She hadn`t looked after his rooster. She wouldn`t have sex with him. In a meeting brokered by a village elder, he said he would beat her when "necessary". "His abuse got worse after that," she said. Finally, he tried to strangle her while she was sleeping. In Myanmar, where the US-funded Demographic and Health Survey suggested at least one-fifth of women are abused by a partner - a figure activists say is likely an underestimate because many cases are not reported – there is no specific law against domestic violence. Women such as Nu Nu Aye, whose account Reuters could not independently verify, usually rely on intervention by local leaders to arrange settlements with partners whose abuse is largely regarded as a private affair. Activists hope the first National Prevention and Protection of Violence Against Women law, which the government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has been working on, will give women more protection from violence, including domestic abuse. But the law, first proposed in 2013, remains stuck in the drafting stage, its provisions debated and revised over issues such as whether to outlaw marital rape. The delays are a growing source of frustration for activists disappointed by the sluggish pace of reforms in an area entirely under the control of the civilian government, which rules with the military in an awkward power-sharing arrangement. "We have been waiting too long for this law and are still waiting," said one of the activists, Nang Phyu Phyu Lin. The Ministry for Social Welfare and Resettlement did not respond to questions sent by Reuters and did not answer phone calls seeking comment. "No protection" Socially conservative and male-dominated, Myanmar lived under military rule for half a century until the election of the first fully civilian government in 2015. With the obvious exception of Suu Kyi, women are largely absent from public leadership roles - there are no other women in the cabinet and just 10 per cent of lawmakers elected in 2015 were female. A local saying, sometimes used in jest and sometimes seriously, posits, "If you beat your wife until her bones are broken, she will love with all her heart." Myanmar`s Penal Code, which dates back to the British colonial era, is vague and rarely used to prosecute cases of domestic violence. Its definition of rape is narrow and excludes marital rape. "There is no protection as a woman in Myanmar society," one 28-year-old woman, who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation, told Reuters. When arguing with her husband over his drug use, she was forced to protect herself and her baby son with a kitchen knife, she said. "I didn`t know who to call for help." Enforcement of the law is especially weak in conservative rural areas, where women are often regarded as the property of their husbands, activists say. Of 27 cases of domestic violence reported to police in southeastern Karen state in recent years, for example, just one reached the courts, said Naw Htoo Htoo, the programme director at Karen Human Rights Defenders. The other cases were settled by a village elder, imposing "little or no fine" on perpetrators, she said, adding that those reported likely represent just a fraction of the total number cases. In Dawei, a sleepy coastal town further to the south, 31-year-old Kyu Kyu Win recalled how her husband, accusing her of flirting with other men, dragged her along the ground by her hair. "If we have to stay together again, I will kill myself," she said. As she spoke, her brother interrupted. "I don`t believe her," he said. "Why do people always talk about women`s rights? What about men`s rights?" Local police often ignore or play down complaints of domestic abuse, said Nu Nu Hlaing, the general secretary of the Tavoyan Women`s Union, which runs one of the country`s nine safe houses in the town. Police at the two stations in Dawei declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. "Duties after marriage" During discussions between government officials and women`s rights activists drafting the Prevention of Violence Against Women Law, both men and women disputed whether rape within marriage should be a crime, several people present in the meetings said. "They said this is one of our duties after marriage, whether we like it or not," said Pansy Tun Thein, an activist on the drafting committee. Some men questioned what the problem was with a man hitting his wife, said May Sabe Phyu, director of the Gender Equality Network, another member of the committee. Three activists said the draft has been approved by the attorney general's office and would likely pass, but a date for debate in parliament has not been set. The attorney-general`s office did not return a request for comment from Reuters. Under the current draft, they said, marital rape would finally be outlawed. The pending law would also include guarantees of services for survivors of domestic violence, such as legal and medical support and access to safe houses. In the meantime, Nu Nu Aye and her baby daughter are sheltering at the home of two elderly women. "She can stay as long as she wants," one of the women, Po Kyi, said. "We have deep sympathy for her, as we are women."

'Until her bones are broken': Myanmar activists fight to outlaw domestic violence

Myanmar and Bangladesh will start a fresh attempt next week to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/talks-were-positive-says-bangladesh-refugee-commissioner-after-myanmar-rohingya-discussion-over-repatriation-239048">repatriate thousands of Rohingya Muslims</a> who fled violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state, officials said on Thursday, nearly a year after a major attempt failed.&nbsp;

More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Rakhine for neighbouring Bangladesh after a military-led crackdown in August 2017 the United Nations has said was perpetrated with "genocidal intent", but many refugees refuse to go back, fearing more violence.

A total of 3,540 refugees have been cleared for return by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-14-dead-in-unprecedented-rebel-attack-on-myanmar-military-town-243181">Myanmar</a> from a list of more than 22,000 names recently sent by Bangladesh, officials from both countries told Reuters.

The first group of refugees would return to Myanmar next week, providing any agree to go back.

"We have agreed to the repatriation of 3,540 people on August 22," Myint Thu, a spokesman for Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Reuters by phone.

Previous attempts at persuading Rohingya to return to Rakhine have failed due to opposition from refugees. An effort in November sowed fear and confusion in the camps and finally failed after refugee protests.

A senior Bangladeshi official told Reuters the new effort was a "small-scale" repatriation plan, adding that nobody will be forced to return.

"Bangladesh wants nothing but safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation," said the official, who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak to media.

Mohammed Eleyas, a Rohingya activist with the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights, said refugees had not been consulted about the process.

Myanmar should agree to the key demands of the community before repatriation begins, he said in a message.

UN officials have been asked to survey the refugees verified by Myanmar to determine whether they want to return, according to internal emails by the refugee agency, UNHCR, seen by Reuters.

"UNHCR will provide refugees with the relevant and reliable information available on the conditions in Myanmar, subject to current constraint on access in the areas of return," one of the emails said.

A UNHCR spokeswoman referred questions to Myanmar's ministry of foreign affairs.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya remain inside Myanmar, confined to camps and villages across Rakhine state where they are denied citizenship and their movements restricted.

Cleaning camps

The UN has said conditions in Rakhine state, where government troops have been fighting an insurgency for months, are not conducive for the return of refugees.&nbsp;

The region has been enveloped in a new war, with government troops fighting Arakan Army insurgents, members of an ethnic armed group that recruits from the mostly Buddhist Rakhine, who make up the majority in the area.

A UN investigator said in July that human rights violations against civilians by security forces and insurgents may amount to fresh war crimes, citing reports of deaths during army interrogations.

Myanmar authorities have blocked most humanitarian agencies, including the UN, from the area.

In July, an Australian think-tank said the government had made "minimal preparations" for the return of refugees.

An analysis of satellite imagery showed no signs of reconstruction in the overwhelming majority of former Rohingya settlements, while destruction of homes continued as recently as this year, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said.&nbsp;

Min Thein, a director at Myanmar's social welfare ministry, said officials had been sent to reinforce several centres built on the border with Bangladesh that have sat empty for months.

"We are preparing to be ready – cleaning the transit camps, reinforcing the staff levels," said Min Thein.

Myanmar and Bangladesh will start a fresh attempt next week to repatriate thousands of Rohingya Muslims who fled violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state, officials said on Thursday, nearly a year after a major attempt failed.

Myanmar and Bangladesh will start a fresh attempt next week to repatriate thousands of Rohingya Muslims who fled violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state, officials said on Thursday, nearly a year after a major attempt failed. More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Rakhine for neighbouring Bangladesh after a military-led crackdown in August 2017 the United Nations has said was perpetrated with "genocidal intent", but many refugees refuse to go back, fearing more violence. A total of 3,540 refugees have been cleared for return by Myanmar from a list of more than 22,000 names recently sent by Bangladesh, officials from both countries told Reuters. The first group of refugees would return to Myanmar next week, providing any agree to go back. "We have agreed to the repatriation of 3,540 people on August 22," Myint Thu, a spokesman for Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Reuters by phone. Previous attempts at persuading Rohingya to return to Rakhine have failed due to opposition from refugees. An effort in November sowed fear and confusion in the camps and finally failed after refugee protests. A senior Bangladeshi official told Reuters the new effort was a "small-scale" repatriation plan, adding that nobody will be forced to return. "Bangladesh wants nothing but safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable repatriation," said the official, who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak to media. Mohammed Eleyas, a Rohingya activist with the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights, said refugees had not been consulted about the process. Myanmar should agree to the key demands of the community before repatriation begins, he said in a message. UN officials have been asked to survey the refugees verified by Myanmar to determine whether they want to return, according to internal emails by the refugee agency, UNHCR, seen by Reuters. "UNHCR will provide refugees with the relevant and reliable information available on the conditions in Myanmar, subject to current constraint on access in the areas of return," one of the emails said. A UNHCR spokeswoman referred questions to Myanmar's ministry of foreign affairs. Tens of thousands of Rohingya remain inside Myanmar, confined to camps and villages across Rakhine state where they are denied citizenship and their movements restricted. Cleaning camps The UN has said conditions in Rakhine state, where government troops have been fighting an insurgency for months, are not conducive for the return of refugees. The region has been enveloped in a new war, with government troops fighting Arakan Army insurgents, members of an ethnic armed group that recruits from the mostly Buddhist Rakhine, who make up the majority in the area. A UN investigator said in July that human rights violations against civilians by security forces and insurgents may amount to fresh war crimes, citing reports of deaths during army interrogations. Myanmar authorities have blocked most humanitarian agencies, including the UN, from the area. In July, an Australian think-tank said the government had made "minimal preparations" for the return of refugees. An analysis of satellite imagery showed no signs of reconstruction in the overwhelming majority of former Rohingya settlements, while destruction of homes continued as recently as this year, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said. Min Thein, a director at Myanmar's social welfare ministry, said officials had been sent to reinforce several centres built on the border with Bangladesh that have sat empty for months. "We are preparing to be ready – cleaning the transit camps, reinforcing the staff levels," said Min Thein.

Myanmar, Bangladesh agree to start Rohingya repatriation next week

At least 65 people were killed in a landslide triggered by monsoon rains in Myanmar's state of Mon, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

"A landslide in Paung Township in Mon State last Friday resulted in the deaths of at least 65 people," the United Nations Office of the Spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday.

On Friday, the mountainside of Ma-lat mountain buried residents, buildings and vehicles in the town of Paung after collapsing due to torrential monsoon downpour.&nbsp;

Earlier reports said that 59 people died in the disaster.

Myanmar has been hit with heavy rains during this year`s monsoon season.&nbsp;

Over 105,000 people have been displaced due to floods since June, according to data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.&nbsp;

At least 65 people were killed in a landslide triggered by monsoon rains in Myanmar's state of Mon, the United Nations said on Tuesday. "A landslide in Paung Township in Mon State last Friday resulted in the deaths of at least 65 people," the United Nations Office of the Spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday.

At least 65 people were killed in a landslide triggered by monsoon rains in Myanmar's state of Mon, the United Nations said on Tuesday. "A landslide in Paung Township in Mon State last Friday resulted in the deaths of at least 65 people," the United Nations Office of the Spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday. On Friday, the mountainside of Ma-lat mountain buried residents, buildings and vehicles in the town of Paung after collapsing due to torrential monsoon downpour. Earlier reports said that 59 people died in the disaster. Myanmar has been hit with heavy rains during this year`s monsoon season. Over 105,000 people have been displaced due to floods since June, according to data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

65 killed in Myanmar's landslide: United Nations

Vast swathes of southeastern Myanmar lie under <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-troops-help-flood-rescue-after-landslide-kills-51-242207">floodwaters that have already</a> forced tens of thousands to flee their homes as the death toll from a massive landslide hit 59, firefighters said Monday.

Seasonal monsoon rains batter the country every year, but the recent deluge has submerged entire communities, with drone footage showing only the tops of houses visible.

There are currently more than 80,000 people sheltering at evacuation sites across the country, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

In the town of Ye in Mon state, people scrambled to stay afloat as they tried to swim to safety through swirling, muddy waters. Others fled to rooftops or to higher ground, calling out to rescue boats for help.

Several workers were desperately trying to repair roads damaged or washed away by the floods.

Rescuers also found more victims three days after a deadly landslide flattened 27 homes in Mon's Ye Pyar Kone village Friday morning.&nbsp;

"Another dead body was found at 16:27 bringing the death toll to 59," the fire service posted Monday afternoon on Facebook, adding that search operations were still ongoing.

Recovery teams have worked round-the-clock over the weekend, hindered by continuing downpours and deep mud as the stench of decaying bodies worsened. Vice President Henry Van Thio visited Mon and pledged more boats for flood relief efforts, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported.

Bago, Tanintharyi, and Karen states and regions have also been badly hit, leaving emergency responders severely stretched.

Climate scientists in 2015 ranked Myanmar at the top of a global list of nations hardest hit by extreme weather.

That year more than 100 people died in floods that also displaced hundreds of thousands.

Vast swathes of southeastern Myanmar lie under floodwaters that have already forced tens of thousands to flee their homes as the death toll from a massive landslide hit 59, firefighters said Monday.

Vast swathes of southeastern Myanmar lie under floodwaters that have already forced tens of thousands to flee their homes as the death toll from a massive landslide hit 59, firefighters said Monday. Seasonal monsoon rains batter the country every year, but the recent deluge has submerged entire communities, with drone footage showing only the tops of houses visible. There are currently more than 80,000 people sheltering at evacuation sites across the country, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). In the town of Ye in Mon state, people scrambled to stay afloat as they tried to swim to safety through swirling, muddy waters. Others fled to rooftops or to higher ground, calling out to rescue boats for help. Several workers were desperately trying to repair roads damaged or washed away by the floods. Rescuers also found more victims three days after a deadly landslide flattened 27 homes in Mon's Ye Pyar Kone village Friday morning. "Another dead body was found at 16:27 bringing the death toll to 59," the fire service posted Monday afternoon on Facebook, adding that search operations were still ongoing. Recovery teams have worked round-the-clock over the weekend, hindered by continuing downpours and deep mud as the stench of decaying bodies worsened. Vice President Henry Van Thio visited Mon and pledged more boats for flood relief efforts, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported. Bago, Tanintharyi, and Karen states and regions have also been badly hit, leaving emergency responders severely stretched. Climate scientists in 2015 ranked Myanmar at the top of a global list of nations hardest hit by extreme weather. That year more than 100 people died in floods that also displaced hundreds of thousands.

Myanmar floods: Death toll due to landslide climbs to 59

Myanmar troops and emergency responders scrambled to provide aid in flood-hit parts of the country Sunday after rising waters forced residents to flee by boat and a landslide killed at least 52 people.

Every year monsoon rains hammer Myanmar and other countries across Southeast Asia, submerging homes, displacing residents and triggering landslides.

But this season's deluge has tested disaster response after a fatal landslide on Friday in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-landslide-kills-41-many-more-feared-missing-242080">southeastern Mon state was followed by heavy flooding</a> that reached the roofs of houses and treetops in nearby towns.

Hundreds of soldiers, firefighters, and local rescue workers were still pulling bodies and vehicles out of the muddy wreckage of Paung township on Sunday.

"The latest death toll we have from the landslide in Mon state was 52," Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun told AFP.

As the rainy season reaches its peak, the country's armed forces are pitching in and have readied helicopters to deliver supplies.

"Access to affected regions is still good. Our ground forces can reach the areas so far," Zaw Min Tun said.

Heavy rains pounded other parts of Mon, Karen and Kachin state, flooding roads and destroying bridges that crumbled under the weight of the downpour.

But the bulk of the relief effort is focused on hard-hit Mon, which sits on the coast of the Andaman sea.

About two-thirds of the state's Ye township remained flooded, an administrator said, as drone footage showed only the tops of houses, tree branches and satellite dishes poking above the waters.

We thought we were dead

Families realised they had to leave in the early hours Sunday, packing possessions into boats, rowing towards the higher ground or swimming away.&nbsp;

Than Htay, a 40-year-old from Ye town told AFP that water rose to their waists around 02:00 am and she and her family members started shouting for help.

The heavy rains muffled their pleas but a boat happened to pass by and gave them a ride.

"That’s why we survived. We thought we were dead,” she said. 
Another resident said this year's flooding was the worst they had experienced.

Floodwaters have submerged more than 4,000 houses in the state and displaced more than 25,000 residents who have sought shelter in monasteries and pagodas, according to state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar.

Vice President Henry Van Thio visited landslide survivors in a Paung township village on Saturday and "spoke of his sorrow" while promising relief, the paper reported.

The search for victims continued later Sunday though the rain has made the process more difficult.

“We are still working. We will continue searching in the coming days as well," Paung township administrator Zaw Moe Aung said.

Climate scientists in 2015 ranked Myanmar at the top of a global list of nations hardest hit by extreme weather.

That year more than 100 people died in floods that also displaced hundreds of thousands.

Myanmar troops and emergency responders scrambled to provide aid in flood-hit parts of the country Sunday after rising waters forced residents to flee by boat and a landslide killed at least 52 people.

Myanmar troops and emergency responders scrambled to provide aid in flood-hit parts of the country Sunday after rising waters forced residents to flee by boat and a landslide killed at least 52 people. Every year monsoon rains hammer Myanmar and other countries across Southeast Asia, submerging homes, displacing residents and triggering landslides. But this season's deluge has tested disaster response after a fatal landslide on Friday in southeastern Mon state was followed by heavy flooding that reached the roofs of houses and treetops in nearby towns. Hundreds of soldiers, firefighters, and local rescue workers were still pulling bodies and vehicles out of the muddy wreckage of Paung township on Sunday. "The latest death toll we have from the landslide in Mon state was 52," Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun told AFP. As the rainy season reaches its peak, the country's armed forces are pitching in and have readied helicopters to deliver supplies. "Access to affected regions is still good. Our ground forces can reach the areas so far," Zaw Min Tun said. Heavy rains pounded other parts of Mon, Karen and Kachin state, flooding roads and destroying bridges that crumbled under the weight of the downpour. But the bulk of the relief effort is focused on hard-hit Mon, which sits on the coast of the Andaman sea. About two-thirds of the state's Ye township remained flooded, an administrator said, as drone footage showed only the tops of houses, tree branches and satellite dishes poking above the waters. We thought we were dead Families realised they had to leave in the early hours Sunday, packing possessions into boats, rowing towards the higher ground or swimming away. Than Htay, a 40-year-old from Ye town told AFP that water rose to their waists around 02:00 am and she and her family members started shouting for help. The heavy rains muffled their pleas but a boat happened to pass by and gave them a ride. "That’s why we survived. We thought we were dead,” she said. Another resident said this year's flooding was the worst they had experienced. Floodwaters have submerged more than 4,000 houses in the state and displaced more than 25,000 residents who have sought shelter in monasteries and pagodas, according to state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar. Vice President Henry Van Thio visited landslide survivors in a Paung township village on Saturday and "spoke of his sorrow" while promising relief, the paper reported. The search for victims continued later Sunday though the rain has made the process more difficult. “We are still working. We will continue searching in the coming days as well," Paung township administrator Zaw Moe Aung said. Climate scientists in 2015 ranked Myanmar at the top of a global list of nations hardest hit by extreme weather. That year more than 100 people died in floods that also displaced hundreds of thousands.

Myanmar battles rising floodwaters after landslide kills 52

Rescue workers pulled bodies from the rubble of homes in a village in Myanmar on Saturday (August 10) where a landslide a day earlier killed at least 32 people, with dozens still missing.

Bodies pulled out from landslide-struck town in southern Myanmar

Myanmar troops deployed to flood-hit parts of the country on Sunday to help with relief efforts after rising waters left thousands stranded and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-landslide-kills-41-many-more-feared-missing-242080">death toll from a landslide </a>jumped to 51.&nbsp;

Every year monsoon rains hammer Myanmar and other countries across Southeast Asia, submerging homes, displacing residents and triggering landslides.

But this year's deluge has tested the government's ability to respond after a fatal landslide on Friday in southeastern Mon state was followed by heavy flooding that reached the roofs of houses and the tops of street signs in nearby towns.

Hundreds of emergency response workers were still pulling victims out of the muddy wreckage in Paung township on Sunday.

"Three more dead bodies were found at 11:50 am. The total death toll has reached 51 people," the Myanmar fire services department said on its Facebook page.

Heavy rains pounded other parts of Mon, Karen and Kachin states, flooding roads, destroying bridges and forcing people to flee by boat.

As the rainy season reaches its peak, the country's armed forces are pitching in.

"Our regional military commands are working to help with the search and rescue process in disaster areas," Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun told AFP.&nbsp;

"Helicopters will be used to supply food."

The bulk of the effort is focused on hard-hit Mon state, which sits on the coast of the Andaman sea.

"This year is the worst," a resident of Ye township told AFP.

"There are some casualties at nearby villages. But we can't reach those villages yet."

Pictures from the area show residents swimming away or bundling their possessions onto small boats and rowing to higher ground.

Floodwaters have submerged more than 4,000 houses in the state and displaced more than 25,000 residents who have sought shelter in monasteries and pagodas, according to state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar.

Vice President Henry Van Thio visited landslide survivors in a Paung township village on Saturday and "spoke of his sorrow" while promising relief assistance, the paper reported.

Myanmar troops deployed to flood-hit parts of the country on Sunday to help with relief efforts after rising waters left thousands stranded and the death toll from a landslide jumped to 51.

Myanmar troops deployed to flood-hit parts of the country on Sunday to help with relief efforts after rising waters left thousands stranded and the death toll from a landslide jumped to 51. Every year monsoon rains hammer Myanmar and other countries across Southeast Asia, submerging homes, displacing residents and triggering landslides. But this year's deluge has tested the government's ability to respond after a fatal landslide on Friday in southeastern Mon state was followed by heavy flooding that reached the roofs of houses and the tops of street signs in nearby towns. Hundreds of emergency response workers were still pulling victims out of the muddy wreckage in Paung township on Sunday. "Three more dead bodies were found at 11:50 am. The total death toll has reached 51 people," the Myanmar fire services department said on its Facebook page. Heavy rains pounded other parts of Mon, Karen and Kachin states, flooding roads, destroying bridges and forcing people to flee by boat. As the rainy season reaches its peak, the country's armed forces are pitching in. "Our regional military commands are working to help with the search and rescue process in disaster areas," Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun told AFP. "Helicopters will be used to supply food." The bulk of the effort is focused on hard-hit Mon state, which sits on the coast of the Andaman sea. "This year is the worst," a resident of Ye township told AFP. "There are some casualties at nearby villages. But we can't reach those villages yet." Pictures from the area show residents swimming away or bundling their possessions onto small boats and rowing to higher ground. Floodwaters have submerged more than 4,000 houses in the state and displaced more than 25,000 residents who have sought shelter in monasteries and pagodas, according to state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar. Vice President Henry Van Thio visited landslide survivors in a Paung township village on Saturday and "spoke of his sorrow" while promising relief assistance, the paper reported.

Myanmar troops help flood rescue after landslide kills 51

The death toll from a landslide triggered by monsoon rains in eastern Myanmar rose to at least 41, an official said late Saturday, as emergency workers continued for a second night their desperate search through thick mud for the scores feared missing.

A huge brown gash on the hillside marked where the deluge of mud flooded onto Ye Pyar Kone village in Mon state on Friday, wiping out 27 homes.

Search and rescue teams worked through Friday night and into late Saturday, using excavators and their bare hands to recover bodies from the deep sludge.&nbsp;

"The death toll has risen to 41," township administrator Zaw Moe Aung told AFP on Saturday.

Some farm animals, like cows and goats, were found alive, but "there are no humans left alive," he said, adding that the search operations will push through for a second night.&nbsp;

So far, 47 people have been injured while officials believe that about 80 people could still be missing.&nbsp;

Myanmar is battered annually by a monsoon season which strikes countries across Southeast Asia, leaving tens of thousands displaced from flooded homes and setting off deadly landslides.

Aerial pictures of Ye Pyar Kone village showed shattered remnants of rooftops and other debris from the houses strewn next to trucks knocked over by the force of the onslaught.

Its hillside temple was left inundated, leaving the pagoda's golden spire peeking out from beneath the mud.

Htay Htay Win, 32, told AFP that two of her daughters and five other relatives had still not been found.

She only survived because she had left her home minutes earlier to look at the flooding nearby.

"I heard a huge noise and turned round to see my home being hit by the mud," she said, crying.

- Mud and water -

Rescue workers on Saturday continued to carry out excavated bodies wrapped in plastic to waiting ambulances, wading through pools of water and ankle-deep sludge.

Crying relatives of the missing watched on helpless under a steady torrent of rain, as nearby floodwaters edged closer to the village.&nbsp;

Tin Htay, who escaped with his family from their home, described his efforts to rescue others trapped by the mud.

"I dragged a woman and two children from a car but I could not reach two other people, so I had to leave them," the 30-year-old said.

Emergency crews had to unblock the main highway from Yangon to Mawlamyine, buried under six feet (1.8 metres) of sludge.

Torrential downpours have burst riverbanks across the country while coastal communities have been warned of higher tides.

In the town of Shwegyin in eastern Bago region, residents waded out through waist-deep waters or waited to be rescued by boat after the Sittaung river burst its banks, swallowing entire homes.

Around 89,000 people have been displaced by floods in recent weeks, although many have since been able to return home, according to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Vietnam has also experienced heavy flooding this week with at least eight people killed in the country's central highlands and rescuers using a zipline to carry dozens of others to safety.

The death toll from a landslide triggered by monsoon rains in eastern Myanmar rose to at least 41, an official said late Saturday, as emergency workers continued for a second night their desperate search through thick mud for the scores feared missing.

The death toll from a landslide triggered by monsoon rains in eastern Myanmar rose to at least 41, an official said late Saturday, as emergency workers continued for a second night their desperate search through thick mud for the scores feared missing. A huge brown gash on the hillside marked where the deluge of mud flooded onto Ye Pyar Kone village in Mon state on Friday, wiping out 27 homes. Search and rescue teams worked through Friday night and into late Saturday, using excavators and their bare hands to recover bodies from the deep sludge. "The death toll has risen to 41," township administrator Zaw Moe Aung told AFP on Saturday. Some farm animals, like cows and goats, were found alive, but "there are no humans left alive," he said, adding that the search operations will push through for a second night. So far, 47 people have been injured while officials believe that about 80 people could still be missing. Myanmar is battered annually by a monsoon season which strikes countries across Southeast Asia, leaving tens of thousands displaced from flooded homes and setting off deadly landslides. Aerial pictures of Ye Pyar Kone village showed shattered remnants of rooftops and other debris from the houses strewn next to trucks knocked over by the force of the onslaught. Its hillside temple was left inundated, leaving the pagoda's golden spire peeking out from beneath the mud. Htay Htay Win, 32, told AFP that two of her daughters and five other relatives had still not been found. She only survived because she had left her home minutes earlier to look at the flooding nearby. "I heard a huge noise and turned round to see my home being hit by the mud," she said, crying. - Mud and water - Rescue workers on Saturday continued to carry out excavated bodies wrapped in plastic to waiting ambulances, wading through pools of water and ankle-deep sludge. Crying relatives of the missing watched on helpless under a steady torrent of rain, as nearby floodwaters edged closer to the village. Tin Htay, who escaped with his family from their home, described his efforts to rescue others trapped by the mud. "I dragged a woman and two children from a car but I could not reach two other people, so I had to leave them," the 30-year-old said. Emergency crews had to unblock the main highway from Yangon to Mawlamyine, buried under six feet (1.8 metres) of sludge. Torrential downpours have burst riverbanks across the country while coastal communities have been warned of higher tides. In the town of Shwegyin in eastern Bago region, residents waded out through waist-deep waters or waited to be rescued by boat after the Sittaung river burst its banks, swallowing entire homes. Around 89,000 people have been displaced by floods in recent weeks, although many have since been able to return home, according to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Vietnam has also experienced heavy flooding this week with at least eight people killed in the country's central highlands and rescuers using a zipline to carry dozens of others to safety.

Myanmar landslide kills 41, many more feared missing

The death toll from a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/police-among-18-feared-killed-in-landslide-at-myanmar-jade-mine-238967"> landslide triggered by monsoon rains in eastern Myanmar </a>rose to at least 34, an official said Saturday, as emergency workers continued a desperate search through thick mud for scores more feared to miss.&nbsp;

Myanmar's monsoon season brings an annual torrent of heavy downpours, which often leaves tens of thousands displaced from flooded homes and triggering deadly landslides across its more hilly regions.

A huge brown gash on the hillside marked where the deluge of mud flooded onto Ye Pyar Kone village in Mon state on Friday, wiping out 16 homes.

Search and rescue teams worked through the night with excavators and their bare hands trying to find survivors and recover bodies from the deep sludge, continuing through Saturday.&nbsp;

'We found 34 dead, and the search for dead bodies is still ongoing,' local administrator Myo Min Tun told AFP.

So far, 47 people have been left injured while officials believe that more than 80 people could still be missing.&nbsp;

Aerial pictures showed broken remnants of rooftops and other debris from the houses strewn next to trucks knocked over by the force of the mudslide.

The village's hillside temple was left inundated, leaving the pagoda's golden spire peeking out from beneath the mud.

Htay Win, 32, told AFP that two of her daughters and five other relatives had still not been found.

She only survived because she had left her home minutes earlier to go look at the flooding nearby.

'I heard a huge noise and turned round to see my home being hit by the mud,' she said, crying.

Rescue workers spent Saturday morning loading bodies wrapped in plastic onto the back of flatbed trucks as worried villagers looked on. 
&nbsp; 
Tin Htay described how he and his family managed to escape when the landslide hit his house and his efforts to rescue others trapped by the mud.

'I dragged a woman and two children from a car but I could not reach two other people, so I had to leave them,' the 30-year-old said.

Emergency crews had to unblock the main highway from Yangon to Mawlamyine, buried under six feet (1.8 metres) of sludge.

Torrential downpours have burst riverbanks across the country while coastal communities have been warned of higher tides.

In the town of Shwegyin in the eastern Bago region, residents waded out through waist-deep waters or waited to be rescued by boat after the Sittaung river burst its banks, swallowing entire homes.

Around 89,000 people have been displaced by floods in recent weeks, although many have since been able to return home, according to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Vietnam has also experienced heavy flooding this week with at least eight people killed in the country's central highlands and rescuers using a zip line to carry dozens of others to safety.

The death toll from a landslide triggered by monsoon rains in eastern Myanmar rose to at least 34, an official said Saturday, as emergency workers continued a desperate search through thick mud for scores more feared to miss.

The death toll from a landslide triggered by monsoon rains in eastern Myanmar rose to at least 34, an official said Saturday, as emergency workers continued a desperate search through thick mud for scores more feared to miss. Myanmar's monsoon season brings an annual torrent of heavy downpours, which often leaves tens of thousands displaced from flooded homes and triggering deadly landslides across its more hilly regions. A huge brown gash on the hillside marked where the deluge of mud flooded onto Ye Pyar Kone village in Mon state on Friday, wiping out 16 homes. Search and rescue teams worked through the night with excavators and their bare hands trying to find survivors and recover bodies from the deep sludge, continuing through Saturday. 'We found 34 dead, and the search for dead bodies is still ongoing,' local administrator Myo Min Tun told AFP. So far, 47 people have been left injured while officials believe that more than 80 people could still be missing. Aerial pictures showed broken remnants of rooftops and other debris from the houses strewn next to trucks knocked over by the force of the mudslide. The village's hillside temple was left inundated, leaving the pagoda's golden spire peeking out from beneath the mud. Htay Win, 32, told AFP that two of her daughters and five other relatives had still not been found. She only survived because she had left her home minutes earlier to go look at the flooding nearby. 'I heard a huge noise and turned round to see my home being hit by the mud,' she said, crying. Rescue workers spent Saturday morning loading bodies wrapped in plastic onto the back of flatbed trucks as worried villagers looked on. Tin Htay described how he and his family managed to escape when the landslide hit his house and his efforts to rescue others trapped by the mud. 'I dragged a woman and two children from a car but I could not reach two other people, so I had to leave them,' the 30-year-old said. Emergency crews had to unblock the main highway from Yangon to Mawlamyine, buried under six feet (1.8 metres) of sludge. Torrential downpours have burst riverbanks across the country while coastal communities have been warned of higher tides. In the town of Shwegyin in the eastern Bago region, residents waded out through waist-deep waters or waited to be rescued by boat after the Sittaung river burst its banks, swallowing entire homes. Around 89,000 people have been displaced by floods in recent weeks, although many have since been able to return home, according to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Vietnam has also experienced heavy flooding this week with at least eight people killed in the country's central highlands and rescuers using a zip line to carry dozens of others to safety.

Myanmar landslide kills 34, many more feared missing

A Myanmar court on Friday charged eight people with financing terrorism, including six deported from Singapore last month over allegations they had sent money to ethnic rebels in the conflict-torn Rakhine region.

Rakhine state came to global attention after about 730,000 Rohingya Muslims crossed into Bangladesh fleeing a military crackdown in response to militant attacks in 2017.

More recently, civilians have been caught up in clashes between the military and the Arakan Army, an insurgent group that recruits from the mainly Buddhist ethnic Rakhine population and is fighting for greater autonomy for the state.

Myanmar has designated the Arakan Army a terrorist organisation and authorities have deployed thousands of troops to the region.

Speaking outside the courtroom in the commercial capital of Yangon, one defendant said they ran a legitimate association in Singapore raising funds for people displaced by the fighting. The UN says 35,000 people have been forced from their homes.

"We are the Arakan Association. They mixed us up with the Arakan Army," said Tin Hlaing Oo, one of the six deported from Singapore.

Their lawyer, Kyaw Myo Tun, said they were sending money to support those displaced by the violence and recent flooding in the region.

Singapore's home ministry said in July the group - five men and one woman - had "organized and mobilised" some members of the Myanmar community in the city-state to support the Arakan Army.

The Myanmar army has battled various autonomy-seeking ethnic minority insurgent groups for decades but several have agreed to make peace in recent years.

&nbsp;

A Myanmar court on Friday charged eight people with financing terrorism, including six deported from Singapore last month over allegations they had sent money to ethnic rebels in the conflict-torn Rakhine region.

A Myanmar court on Friday charged eight people with financing terrorism, including six deported from Singapore last month over allegations they had sent money to ethnic rebels in the conflict-torn Rakhine region. Rakhine state came to global attention after about 730,000 Rohingya Muslims crossed into Bangladesh fleeing a military crackdown in response to militant attacks in 2017. More recently, civilians have been caught up in clashes between the military and the Arakan Army, an insurgent group that recruits from the mainly Buddhist ethnic Rakhine population and is fighting for greater autonomy for the state. Myanmar has designated the Arakan Army a terrorist organisation and authorities have deployed thousands of troops to the region. Speaking outside the courtroom in the commercial capital of Yangon, one defendant said they ran a legitimate association in Singapore raising funds for people displaced by the fighting. The UN says 35,000 people have been forced from their homes. "We are the Arakan Association. They mixed us up with the Arakan Army," said Tin Hlaing Oo, one of the six deported from Singapore. Their lawyer, Kyaw Myo Tun, said they were sending money to support those displaced by the violence and recent flooding in the region. Singapore's home ministry said in July the group - five men and one woman - had "organized and mobilised" some members of the Myanmar community in the city-state to support the Arakan Army. The Myanmar army has battled various autonomy-seeking ethnic minority insurgent groups for decades but several have agreed to make peace in recent years.

Myanmar court charges eight over alleged ties to insurgents

Myanmar's foreign ministry on Tuesday denounced a United Nations report that urged world leaders to cut ties with military-linked companies and impose an arms embargo over the Rohingya crisis, saying it was intended to harm the country.

A panel of UN experts urged world leaders on Monday to impose targeted financial sanctions on companies linked to the military and said foreign firms doing business with them could be complicit in international crimes.

More than 730,000 Rohingya, members of a persecuted Muslim minority, fled Myanmar's Rakhine state into neighbouring Bangladesh amid a military-led crackdown in August 2017 that the UN and western countries have said included mass killings and gang-rapes.

The investigators identified at least 59 foreign companies with commercial ties to the Myanmar military and 14 companies that have sold weapons and related equipment to security forces since 2016, including state-owned entities in Israel, India, North Korea and China.

Any foreign business activity involving the army and its conglomerates "posts a high risk of contributing to, or being linked to, violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law", the report said.

Myanmar's foreign ministry said on Tuesday the UN had exceeded its mandate in setting up the Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, which produced the report. The same panel in 2018 determined the crackdown on Rohingya was carried out with "genocidal intent".

"The Government of Myanmar categorically rejects the latest report and its conclusions," the ministry said in a statement, calling the report an "action intended to harm the interests of Myanmar and its people".

"We adhere firmly to the position that cooperation should be the basis for the resolution of international issues, including that of human rights," the ministry said.

"We do not believe that economic sanctions will resolve the challenges that need to be overcome," it added.

Myanmar's foreign ministry on Tuesday denounced a United Nations report that urged world leaders to cut ties with military-linked companies and impose an arms embargo over the Rohingya crisis, saying it was intended to harm the country.

Myanmar's foreign ministry on Tuesday denounced a United Nations report that urged world leaders to cut ties with military-linked companies and impose an arms embargo over the Rohingya crisis, saying it was intended to harm the country. A panel of UN experts urged world leaders on Monday to impose targeted financial sanctions on companies linked to the military and said foreign firms doing business with them could be complicit in international crimes. More than 730,000 Rohingya, members of a persecuted Muslim minority, fled Myanmar's Rakhine state into neighbouring Bangladesh amid a military-led crackdown in August 2017 that the UN and western countries have said included mass killings and gang-rapes. The investigators identified at least 59 foreign companies with commercial ties to the Myanmar military and 14 companies that have sold weapons and related equipment to security forces since 2016, including state-owned entities in Israel, India, North Korea and China. Any foreign business activity involving the army and its conglomerates "posts a high risk of contributing to, or being linked to, violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law", the report said. Myanmar's foreign ministry said on Tuesday the UN had exceeded its mandate in setting up the Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, which produced the report. The same panel in 2018 determined the crackdown on Rohingya was carried out with "genocidal intent". "The Government of Myanmar categorically rejects the latest report and its conclusions," the ministry said in a statement, calling the report an "action intended to harm the interests of Myanmar and its people". "We adhere firmly to the position that cooperation should be the basis for the resolution of international issues, including that of human rights," the ministry said. "We do not believe that economic sanctions will resolve the challenges that need to be overcome," it added.

Myanmar says UN calls for sanctions, arms embargo bid to harm country

Raids on jungle drug labs have been met with heavy artillery fire, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-ngo-worker-shot-in-restive-rakhine-state-239511">Myanmar</a> narcotics police said Thursday, in an area riddled with armed groups accused of pumping out much of the world's methamphetamine.

Myanmar is under increasingly intense pressure from its neighbours to close down the meth labs festooning lawless parts of Shan State, the heart of the notorious "Golden Triangle".

A major crackdown kicked off last month in Kutkai Township, northern Shan, the army has said, where an entwined network of drug lords, ethnic rebel groups and security forces are accused of running a shadow drug economy worth billions of dollars.

Huge stockpiles of chemicals as well as millions of dollars of ice the highly addictive crystalised form of meth were seized in one raid on homespun labs buried deep in the jungle.&nbsp;

"The crackdown is ongoing," a senior police officer from the anti-drugs squad told AFP, requesting anonymity.

The army and drug police initially conducted raids in the area on July 21 but were repelled by "heavy artillery" at the site, the officer said.&nbsp;

They returned several days later, busting a massive production site of nearly 100 huts.&nbsp;

Police seized 750 kilograms (1,650 pounds) of ice worth an estimated $10.5 million along with 9,000 yaba pills caffeine-laced meth tablets the army said.

They also found thousands of acid barrels and bottles, stoves, fridges, power generators and tea bags, which are often used to disguise drugs for smuggling.&nbsp;

Rare photos of the cook houses showed rudimentary huts made from tree trunks and tarps.

The country's largest-ever drug bust was in the same area last year where police seized 30 million yaba pills, 1,750 kilograms of crystal meth and 500 kilograms of heroin with a domestic value of around $54 million.&nbsp;

The "Golden Triangle" a lawless wedge of land intersecting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-tears-into-china-on-twitter-as-trade-talks-resume-239492">China</a>, Myanmar, Thailand and Laos has long served as a base for opium and heroin production.

But methamphetamine production from Myanmar has risen to "alarming levels", according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).&nbsp;

The country is now believed to be the world's biggest producer of meth.

Drugs fan out across Southeast Asia thanks to porous borders, weak law enforcement and sophisticated money laundering networks often run out of casinos.

Made-in-Myanmar meth is being trafficked as far afield as Australia, where its price surges.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Raids on jungle drug labs have been met with heavy artillery fire, Myanmar narcotics police said Thursday, in an area riddled with armed groups accused of pumping out much of the world's methamphetamine.

Raids on jungle drug labs have been met with heavy artillery fire, Myanmar narcotics police said Thursday, in an area riddled with armed groups accused of pumping out much of the world's methamphetamine. Myanmar is under increasingly intense pressure from its neighbours to close down the meth labs festooning lawless parts of Shan State, the heart of the notorious "Golden Triangle". A major crackdown kicked off last month in Kutkai Township, northern Shan, the army has said, where an entwined network of drug lords, ethnic rebel groups and security forces are accused of running a shadow drug economy worth billions of dollars. Huge stockpiles of chemicals as well as millions of dollars of ice the highly addictive crystalised form of meth were seized in one raid on homespun labs buried deep in the jungle. "The crackdown is ongoing," a senior police officer from the anti-drugs squad told AFP, requesting anonymity. The army and drug police initially conducted raids in the area on July 21 but were repelled by "heavy artillery" at the site, the officer said. They returned several days later, busting a massive production site of nearly 100 huts. Police seized 750 kilograms (1,650 pounds) of ice worth an estimated $10.5 million along with 9,000 yaba pills caffeine-laced meth tablets the army said. They also found thousands of acid barrels and bottles, stoves, fridges, power generators and tea bags, which are often used to disguise drugs for smuggling. Rare photos of the cook houses showed rudimentary huts made from tree trunks and tarps. The country's largest-ever drug bust was in the same area last year where police seized 30 million yaba pills, 1,750 kilograms of crystal meth and 500 kilograms of heroin with a domestic value of around $54 million. The "Golden Triangle" a lawless wedge of land intersecting China, Myanmar, Thailand and Laos has long served as a base for opium and heroin production. But methamphetamine production from Myanmar has risen to "alarming levels", according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The country is now believed to be the world's biggest producer of meth. Drugs fan out across Southeast Asia thanks to porous borders, weak law enforcement and sophisticated money laundering networks often run out of casinos. Made-in-Myanmar meth is being trafficked as far afield as Australia, where its price surges.

Drug lab raids in Myanmar's meth capital met with artillery fire

A Plan International aid worker was shot by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-25-dead-after-myanmar-land-dispute-238718">Myanmar</a> security forces in Rakhine state, the army said Tuesday, the first time an NGO employee has been swept up in violence plaguing the area.

Rakhine state is one of Myanmar's poorest regions and NGOs provide aid to tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims still languishing in displacement camps as well as other local communities.

But Myanmar's army has deployed thousands of troops there in recent months to try and crush rebels from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-myanmars-conflict-torn-rakhine-fresh-allegations-of-war-crimes-235359">Arakan Army (AA)</a>, who are fighting for more autonomy for ethnic Rakhine Buddhists.&nbsp;

Myanmar national Ye Lin Naing, 25, was driving a motorcycle in Mrauk U township Sunday when "a security forces member opened fire... as a warning shot" when he did not stop, according to a statement from the commander-in-chief's office.&nbsp;

He was wounded and taken to the hospital, but the army says he was carrying a grenade and charged him under a counterterrorism law.&nbsp;

Plan International, a prominent aid agency that provides aid to displaced households and children affected by the conflict in Rakhine, said it was "extremely concerned" about their employee who remains in the custody of security forces.&nbsp;

Fighting between the Arakan Army and the military prompted a weeks-long internet shutdown that rights groups say is being used to provide cover for abuses including extrajudicial killings and torture.

The military says it fighting insurgents and dealing with a sophisticated group that uses modern technology and is heavily armed.

The clashes follow an army crackdown in 2017 against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/satellite-images-show-myanmars-minimal-preparations-for-rohingya-return-report-238127">Rohingya Muslim</a> minority in northern Rakhine, when more than 740,000 were driven into Bangladesh.

A UN probe has called for genocide prosecutions against Myanmar's top brass for overseeing the expulsions.

A Plan International aid worker was shot by Myanmar security forces in Rakhine state, the army said Tuesday, the first time an NGO employee has been swept up in violence plaguing the area.

A Plan International aid worker was shot by Myanmar security forces in Rakhine state, the army said Tuesday, the first time an NGO employee has been swept up in violence plaguing the area. Rakhine state is one of Myanmar's poorest regions and NGOs provide aid to tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims still languishing in displacement camps as well as other local communities. But Myanmar's army has deployed thousands of troops there in recent months to try and crush rebels from the Arakan Army (AA), who are fighting for more autonomy for ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. Myanmar national Ye Lin Naing, 25, was driving a motorcycle in Mrauk U township Sunday when "a security forces member opened fire... as a warning shot" when he did not stop, according to a statement from the commander-in-chief's office. He was wounded and taken to the hospital, but the army says he was carrying a grenade and charged him under a counterterrorism law. Plan International, a prominent aid agency that provides aid to displaced households and children affected by the conflict in Rakhine, said it was "extremely concerned" about their employee who remains in the custody of security forces. Fighting between the Arakan Army and the military prompted a weeks-long internet shutdown that rights groups say is being used to provide cover for abuses including extrajudicial killings and torture. The military says it fighting insurgents and dealing with a sophisticated group that uses modern technology and is heavily armed. The clashes follow an army crackdown in 2017 against the Rohingya Muslim minority in northern Rakhine, when more than 740,000 were driven into Bangladesh. A UN probe has called for genocide prosecutions against Myanmar's top brass for overseeing the expulsions.

Myanmar NGO worker shot in restive Rakhine state

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bodies-of-23-myanmar-landslide-victims-found-official-155663">landslide at a Myanmar jade mine</a> killed 14 people including at least one policemen in the early hours of Sunday as earth and mud engulfed a guard post, and four people were missing and feared dead, police said.

The jade hub of Hpakant, in Kachin State in the north of the country, is frequently hit by deadly accidents, despite government pledges to clean up the lucrative mining industry.

In April, 55 mining company employees were killed when a pond up to a slope from where they were digging breached its banks, leading authorities to suspended 17 mining blocks over safety concerns.

The police chief in the area, Than Win Aung, told Reuters from the accident site that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/landslide-at-myanmar-jade-mine-kills-at-least-15-injures-45-official-151691">14 bodies had been recovered </a>and four people, two of them policemen who were guarding the mining site, were missing and feared dead.

"We were able to rescue two members of the police who only injured their heads, and sent them to hospital," he said.

One policeman was confirmed dead, he said.

The government has ordered all mining activity in Hpakant to cease during Myanmar's May-October monsoon season, but people in the area say scavengers still scour tailing piles for jade.

"The companies aren't operating because of the water," said Than Win Aung. "Security people are on duty to prevent landslides due to illegal mining."

Yau Dau, 25, who lives next to the mining site, said the landslide happened after midnight.

"I was still awake. The sound of the landslide was frightening. I thought we're gone ... our house was shaking," he said.

Official sales of jade in Myanmar were worth 671 million euros ($750.04 million) in 2016-17, according to the most recent data published by the government as part of an Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

But analysts believe the true value of the industry, which mainly exports to China, is much larger.

A landslide at a Myanmar jade mine killed 14 people including at least one policemen in the early hours of Sunday as earth and mud engulfed a guard post, and four people were missing and feared dead, police said.

A landslide at a Myanmar jade mine killed 14 people including at least one policemen in the early hours of Sunday as earth and mud engulfed a guard post, and four people were missing and feared dead, police said. The jade hub of Hpakant, in Kachin State in the north of the country, is frequently hit by deadly accidents, despite government pledges to clean up the lucrative mining industry. In April, 55 mining company employees were killed when a pond up to a slope from where they were digging breached its banks, leading authorities to suspended 17 mining blocks over safety concerns. The police chief in the area, Than Win Aung, told Reuters from the accident site that 14 bodies had been recovered and four people, two of them policemen who were guarding the mining site, were missing and feared dead. "We were able to rescue two members of the police who only injured their heads, and sent them to hospital," he said. One policeman was confirmed dead, he said. The government has ordered all mining activity in Hpakant to cease during Myanmar's May-October monsoon season, but people in the area say scavengers still scour tailing piles for jade. "The companies aren't operating because of the water," said Than Win Aung. "Security people are on duty to prevent landslides due to illegal mining." Yau Dau, 25, who lives next to the mining site, said the landslide happened after midnight. "I was still awake. The sound of the landslide was frightening. I thought we're gone ... our house was shaking," he said. Official sales of jade in Myanmar were worth 671 million euros ($750.04 million) in 2016-17, according to the most recent data published by the government as part of an Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. But analysts believe the true value of the industry, which mainly exports to China, is much larger.

Police among 18 feared killed in landslide at Myanmar jade mine

Nine people subject to a police probe over fundraising for a rebel group fighting Myanmar's military in restive Rakhine state were remanded in custody Friday, including several recently deported from Singapore.

Among the deportees is Aung Myat Kyaw, who is believed to be the brother of Brigadier General Tun Myat Naing, the chief of the Arakan Army (AA).

Myanmar's army has deployed thousands of troops across Rakhine to try and crush the AA, which claims to be fighting for more autonomy for the state's ethnic Rakhine Buddhists.

Scores have died -- including civilians -- in shootings, ambushes and military strikes, although the conflict area is under strict lockdown making independent reporting impossible.

On July 10, Singaporean authorities said they had detained "several" Myanmar nationals -- including one with a "direct relationship with a key AA leader" -- for coordinating the "AA's fundraising efforts" among the Rakhine expatriate community.

Tens of thousands of Myanmar migrants work in the city-state, mainly in construction.

On Friday Yangon deputy district judge, Min Thant said the nine were being investigated by police under the Counterterrorism Law.

"We have issued an order to remand them from today to August 9 in police custody," Min Thant told reporters.

The nine are being investigated for financing terrorism and three -- Aung Myat Kyaw, Tun Aye and Hein Zaw -- over an extra charge of involvement with the AA.

If charged and found guilty, the maximum sentence is seven years in prison.

Min Thant did not clarify if they were all detained in Singapore and declined to say where the group was being held in Yangon.

The father of the only female suspect Aye Myat Mon, who works as an engineer in Singapore, told AFP he was worried about the lack of information over his daughter's whereabouts.

"We worry about injustices happening," Kyaw Maung said from the Rakhine capital Sittwe. "The authorities should let us know."

The AA could not be reached for comment on Friday.&nbsp;

Violence between the military and the rebel group has forced more than 30,000 people from their homes in recent months.

The rebellion, which has simmered since the group's formation in 2009, has widespread support from ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, who have felt marginalised for decades in one of the country's poorest states.

Little is known about how the AA raises funds, though "diasporas are often targeted for offshore revenue-raising", said independent analyst David Mathieson

Nine people subject to a police probe over fundraising for a rebel group fighting Myanmar's military in restive Rakhine state were remanded in custody Friday, including several recently deported from Singapore.

Nine people subject to a police probe over fundraising for a rebel group fighting Myanmar's military in restive Rakhine state were remanded in custody Friday, including several recently deported from Singapore. Among the deportees is Aung Myat Kyaw, who is believed to be the brother of Brigadier General Tun Myat Naing, the chief of the Arakan Army (AA). Myanmar's army has deployed thousands of troops across Rakhine to try and crush the AA, which claims to be fighting for more autonomy for the state's ethnic Rakhine Buddhists. Scores have died -- including civilians -- in shootings, ambushes and military strikes, although the conflict area is under strict lockdown making independent reporting impossible. On July 10, Singaporean authorities said they had detained "several" Myanmar nationals -- including one with a "direct relationship with a key AA leader" -- for coordinating the "AA's fundraising efforts" among the Rakhine expatriate community. Tens of thousands of Myanmar migrants work in the city-state, mainly in construction. On Friday Yangon deputy district judge, Min Thant said the nine were being investigated by police under the Counterterrorism Law. "We have issued an order to remand them from today to August 9 in police custody," Min Thant told reporters. The nine are being investigated for financing terrorism and three -- Aung Myat Kyaw, Tun Aye and Hein Zaw -- over an extra charge of involvement with the AA. If charged and found guilty, the maximum sentence is seven years in prison. Min Thant did not clarify if they were all detained in Singapore and declined to say where the group was being held in Yangon. The father of the only female suspect Aye Myat Mon, who works as an engineer in Singapore, told AFP he was worried about the lack of information over his daughter's whereabouts. "We worry about injustices happening," Kyaw Maung said from the Rakhine capital Sittwe. "The authorities should let us know." The AA could not be reached for comment on Friday. Violence between the military and the rebel group has forced more than 30,000 people from their homes in recent months. The rebellion, which has simmered since the group's formation in 2009, has widespread support from ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, who have felt marginalised for decades in one of the country's poorest states. Little is known about how the AA raises funds, though "diasporas are often targeted for offshore revenue-raising", said independent analyst David Mathieson

Nine held in Myanmar in Rakhine rebel fundraising probe

Security at Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh will be tightened during the visit of a high-level Myanmar delegation this weekend for repatriation talks, officials said Thursday.

Some 740,000 Rohingya fled a crackdown by Myanmar's military in 2017 in Rakhine state and are living in nearly three dozen refugee camps in Bangladesh's southeastern border district of Cox's Bazar.

Many still fear for their safety if they return to Myanmar, where the Muslim minority has faced decades of repression and erosion of rights.

"We have stepped up security in the camps during their tour," Bangladesh's refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam told AFP.

He added that the delegation would meet with Rohingya leaders this weekend to inform them of measures they have taken for their return to Rakhine.

The camps -- where the Rohingya population has grown to nearly a million -- have sparked tensions between the neighbouring countries with Bangladesh blaming Myanmar for delays in repatriating the refugees.

The two governments signed a repatriation deal in November 2017, but so far virtually no Rohingya have volunteered to return. Bangladesh has said it will not force any Rohingya to leave.

Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen told reporters in the capital Dhaka on Wednesday he hoped the "repatriation will begin by September".

Myanmar has faced international pressure to allow the Rohingya to return to Rakhine and grant them citizenship rights.&nbsp;

The United Nations has complained that progress to address the refugee crisis has been far too slow.

Last November a move to start the repatriation process fell through after none of the Rohingya agreed to return to their country. It followed a visit to the camps in October last year by a Myanmar delegation.

The new visit comes in the wake of talks between Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

China is a key ally of Myanmar, and Hasina said then that Beijing would "do whatever is required" to help resolve the Rohingya crisis.

Security at Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh will be tightened during the visit of a high-level Myanmar delegation this weekend for repatriation talks, officials said Thursday.

Security at Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh will be tightened during the visit of a high-level Myanmar delegation this weekend for repatriation talks, officials said Thursday. Some 740,000 Rohingya fled a crackdown by Myanmar's military in 2017 in Rakhine state and are living in nearly three dozen refugee camps in Bangladesh's southeastern border district of Cox's Bazar. Many still fear for their safety if they return to Myanmar, where the Muslim minority has faced decades of repression and erosion of rights. "We have stepped up security in the camps during their tour," Bangladesh's refugee commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam told AFP. He added that the delegation would meet with Rohingya leaders this weekend to inform them of measures they have taken for their return to Rakhine. The camps -- where the Rohingya population has grown to nearly a million -- have sparked tensions between the neighbouring countries with Bangladesh blaming Myanmar for delays in repatriating the refugees. The two governments signed a repatriation deal in November 2017, but so far virtually no Rohingya have volunteered to return. Bangladesh has said it will not force any Rohingya to leave. Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen told reporters in the capital Dhaka on Wednesday he hoped the "repatriation will begin by September". Myanmar has faced international pressure to allow the Rohingya to return to Rakhine and grant them citizenship rights. The United Nations has complained that progress to address the refugee crisis has been far too slow. Last November a move to start the repatriation process fell through after none of the Rohingya agreed to return to their country. It followed a visit to the camps in October last year by a Myanmar delegation. The new visit comes in the wake of talks between Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Xi Jinping in Beijing. China is a key ally of Myanmar, and Hasina said then that Beijing would "do whatever is required" to help resolve the Rohingya crisis.

Security tightened as Myanmar delegation visits Rohingya camps

Six Myanmar nationals deported from Singapore over alleged links to an ethnic minority insurgent group were remanded in custody in Yangon on Friday, a court spokesman said, as relatives of the accused said they were being held incommunicado.

"We issued another remand this morning for them," Min Thant, an information officer at the Western District Court in the commercial capital of Yangon, told Reuters by telephone, without giving further details.

The five men and one woman were arrested in Singapore in early July and later deported to Myanmar, where they were arrested shortly after arriving.

They are being held in an undisclosed location along with two other people including a driver, according to relatives and a lawyer.

Authorities in Myanmar have declined to provide details about the case or give the whereabouts of the detainees.

Singapore’s home ministry said the group, members of the Rakhine Buddhist minority, had "organised and mobilised" some members of the Myanmar community in Singapore to support the Arakan Army (AA), an insurgent group fighting for greater autonomy in Rakhine and Chin states, and its political wing, the United League of Arakan.

Rakhine State, also known as Arakan, came to global attention after about 730,000 Rohingya Muslims crossed from there into Bangladesh, fleeing a military crackdown in response to Rohingya militant attacks in 2017.

More recently, civilians there have been caught up in clashes between the military and the AA, which recruits mostly from Rakhine Buddhists, the majority community in Rakhine State.

The latest clashes have displaced more than 35,000 people this year according to the United Nations.

Yanghee Lee, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, said last month that both sides may be committing war crimes during the conflict, citing reports of deaths during interrogations.

'Very sad'

Myo Thu Soe, a spokesman for the Myanmar police, did not answer calls seeking comment about the detained group.

Previously, he told Reuters he did not know why authorities in Singapore had detained them.

Their relatives and the lawyer said they had been unable to meet them since they were taken into custody. On Friday, family members were waiting with journalists at one court, only to hear later the suspects had appeared briefly at another one.

"The accused have rights including the right to prove they are innocent and for a fair trial," said the lawyer, Kyaw Myo Tun.

Ohn Thin, the mother of one of the detained men, said the last she had heard from him was a phone call in which he said, "Mom, I am coming back."

"I didn’t get a chance to meet him, at the airport or up to now," she said. "The officials haven’t told us anything about them. I feel very sad as a mother."

Myanmar nationals demonstrated outside the Singapore embassies in Tokyo and Washington last week protesting against the deportations. Some carried placards accusing Singapore of "selling Arakanese to the Myanmar army".

Singapore said at the time people involved in "activities of security concern" would be deported.

The Myanmar army has battled various autonomy-seeking ethnic minority insurgent groups for decades but several have agreed to peace in recent years.

But fighting has flared in Kachin State in the north and in Rakhine State.

Six Myanmar nationals deported from Singapore over alleged links to an ethnic minority insurgent group were remanded in custody in Yangon on Friday, a court spokesman said, as relatives of the accused said they were being held incommunicado.

Six Myanmar nationals deported from Singapore over alleged links to an ethnic minority insurgent group were remanded in custody in Yangon on Friday, a court spokesman said, as relatives of the accused said they were being held incommunicado. "We issued another remand this morning for them," Min Thant, an information officer at the Western District Court in the commercial capital of Yangon, told Reuters by telephone, without giving further details. The five men and one woman were arrested in Singapore in early July and later deported to Myanmar, where they were arrested shortly after arriving. They are being held in an undisclosed location along with two other people including a driver, according to relatives and a lawyer. Authorities in Myanmar have declined to provide details about the case or give the whereabouts of the detainees. Singapore’s home ministry said the group, members of the Rakhine Buddhist minority, had "organised and mobilised" some members of the Myanmar community in Singapore to support the Arakan Army (AA), an insurgent group fighting for greater autonomy in Rakhine and Chin states, and its political wing, the United League of Arakan. Rakhine State, also known as Arakan, came to global attention after about 730,000 Rohingya Muslims crossed from there into Bangladesh, fleeing a military crackdown in response to Rohingya militant attacks in 2017. More recently, civilians there have been caught up in clashes between the military and the AA, which recruits mostly from Rakhine Buddhists, the majority community in Rakhine State. The latest clashes have displaced more than 35,000 people this year according to the United Nations. Yanghee Lee, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, said last month that both sides may be committing war crimes during the conflict, citing reports of deaths during interrogations. 'Very sad' Myo Thu Soe, a spokesman for the Myanmar police, did not answer calls seeking comment about the detained group. Previously, he told Reuters he did not know why authorities in Singapore had detained them. Their relatives and the lawyer said they had been unable to meet them since they were taken into custody. On Friday, family members were waiting with journalists at one court, only to hear later the suspects had appeared briefly at another one. "The accused have rights including the right to prove they are innocent and for a fair trial," said the lawyer, Kyaw Myo Tun. Ohn Thin, the mother of one of the detained men, said the last she had heard from him was a phone call in which he said, "Mom, I am coming back." "I didn’t get a chance to meet him, at the airport or up to now," she said. "The officials haven’t told us anything about them. I feel very sad as a mother." Myanmar nationals demonstrated outside the Singapore embassies in Tokyo and Washington last week protesting against the deportations. Some carried placards accusing Singapore of "selling Arakanese to the Myanmar army". Singapore said at the time people involved in "activities of security concern" would be deported. The Myanmar army has battled various autonomy-seeking ethnic minority insurgent groups for decades but several have agreed to peace in recent years. But fighting has flared in Kachin State in the north and in Rakhine State.

Myanmar citizens deported from Singapore over alleged insurgent ties remanded in custody

Hundreds of people demonstrated in Myanmar's largest city, Yangon, on Wednesday in support of proposed constitutional amendments that would reduce the power of the military.

A separate protest against the reforms was planned for later in the day.

Aung San <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-myanmar-military-takes-critics-to-court-some-want-suu-kyi-to-act-228334">Suu Kyi’s ruling National League for Democracy</a> (NLD) party is pushing for change despite objections from military lawmakers, who hold a veto over amendments.

The demonstrators, led by activists not aligned to the party, wore red headbands printed with the words "Amend the 2008 Constitution".

"The current government is trying to move forward, but they can't because of the 2008 constitution," said protest organiser Pyae Phyo Zaw, who also called for elected leaders to be given oversight of the security forces.

After decades of military rule, Nobel laureate Suu Kyi took the reins in 2016 after an electoral landslide but is forced to share power with the generals.

Under the constitution drafted by the former junta, the military chief nominates a quarter of lawmakers and the ministers of defence, home affairs, and border affairs.

It also blocks Suu Kyi from becoming president, with a prohibition on presidential candidates with foreign spouses or children. Suu Kyi had two sons with her late husband, Michael Aris, a British academic.

A flyer for Wednesday's separate counter-protest called on "those who love their race and religion" to turn out to help preserve that clause.

A nationalist movement led by Buddhist monks is critical of Suu Kyi and casts the military as a protector of the Buddhist-majority nation.

A report containing thousands of amendments proposed by various political parties was submitted on Monday for debate at the parliament in the capital, Naypyitaw, but has not been made public.

Nay Phone Latt, an NLD lawmaker in Yangon's regional parliament, told Reuters one of the party's key proposals was to set a timeline for the gradual reduction of military seats in parliament, beginning with a move from 25 per cent to 15 per cent in 2021.

The NLD holds most seats in parliament, but the military lawmakers mean it lacks the 75 per cent majority needed to amend the constitution.

"We need military men’s support, so it depends on the stance of the military," Nay Phone Latt said. "But we hope that it can be accepted by the military as it would reduce bit by bit over time."

Kyaw Khine Win, another demonstrator, said he rallied in favour of amending the charter because it was written to bar Suu Kyi from leading the country and imposed "forcefully".

"We want a country which is commanded by the people," he said.

Hundreds of people demonstrated in Myanmar's largest city, Yangon, on Wednesday in support of proposed constitutional amendments that would reduce the power of the military.

Hundreds of people demonstrated in Myanmar's largest city, Yangon, on Wednesday in support of proposed constitutional amendments that would reduce the power of the military. A separate protest against the reforms was planned for later in the day. Aung San Suu Kyi’s ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party is pushing for change despite objections from military lawmakers, who hold a veto over amendments. The demonstrators, led by activists not aligned to the party, wore red headbands printed with the words "Amend the 2008 Constitution". "The current government is trying to move forward, but they can't because of the 2008 constitution," said protest organiser Pyae Phyo Zaw, who also called for elected leaders to be given oversight of the security forces. After decades of military rule, Nobel laureate Suu Kyi took the reins in 2016 after an electoral landslide but is forced to share power with the generals. Under the constitution drafted by the former junta, the military chief nominates a quarter of lawmakers and the ministers of defence, home affairs, and border affairs. It also blocks Suu Kyi from becoming president, with a prohibition on presidential candidates with foreign spouses or children. Suu Kyi had two sons with her late husband, Michael Aris, a British academic. A flyer for Wednesday's separate counter-protest called on "those who love their race and religion" to turn out to help preserve that clause. A nationalist movement led by Buddhist monks is critical of Suu Kyi and casts the military as a protector of the Buddhist-majority nation. A report containing thousands of amendments proposed by various political parties was submitted on Monday for debate at the parliament in the capital, Naypyitaw, but has not been made public. Nay Phone Latt, an NLD lawmaker in Yangon's regional parliament, told Reuters one of the party's key proposals was to set a timeline for the gradual reduction of military seats in parliament, beginning with a move from 25 per cent to 15 per cent in 2021. The NLD holds most seats in parliament, but the military lawmakers mean it lacks the 75 per cent majority needed to amend the constitution. "We need military men’s support, so it depends on the stance of the military," Nay Phone Latt said. "But we hope that it can be accepted by the military as it would reduce bit by bit over time." Kyaw Khine Win, another demonstrator, said he rallied in favour of amending the charter because it was written to bar Suu Kyi from leading the country and imposed "forcefully". "We want a country which is commanded by the people," he said.

Suu Kyi's bid to reform charter sparks rival protests in Myanmar

Tripura Police have arrested two Myanmar nationals for not having proper Indian documents.

KR Deb, officer-in-charge, Battala police outpost said, "They are unable to tell how they came here but they have IDs showing their Myanmar nationality."

Both the arrested persons will be produced before the court as they do not have documents to be in India, Deb added.&nbsp;

Tripura Police have arrested two Myanmar nationals for not having proper Indian documents. KR Deb, officer-in-charge, Battala police outpost said, "They are unable to tell how they came here but they have IDs showing their Myanmar nationality.

Tripura Police have arrested two Myanmar nationals for not having proper Indian documents. KR Deb, officer-in-charge, Battala police outpost said, "They are unable to tell how they came here but they have IDs showing their Myanmar nationality." Both the arrested persons will be produced before the court as they do not have documents to be in India, Deb added.

Tripura police arrest two Myanmar nationals without proper documents

India has handed over 250 prefabricated houses it built in Myanmar's Rakhine state as part of a broader effort to help tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims to return, an Indian official said on Thursday.

A campaign by Myanmar's military in response to insurgent attacks in 2017 drove 730,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh, where they live in squalid camps, fearing further persecution if they return.

But an Indian official said the conditions had to be created for the Rohingyas' return and India had started its $25 million development plan with a cluster of houses.

The houses, which were handed over to Myanmar authorities earlier this week, are in the villages of Shwe Zar, Kyein Chaung Taung and Nant Thar Taung.

Activists say that development projects in Rakhine will have little impact unless human rights issues are addressed.

The Indian official said Myanmar authorities had given New Delhi a list of 21 more projects for Rakhine, including schools and marketplaces.

India has deepened ties with Myanmar in recent years, including military cooperation, as a way to push back against China’s expansive involvement in infrastructure development across South Asia.

India has handed over 250 prefabricated houses it built in Myanmar's Rakhine state as part of a broader effort to help tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims to return, an Indian official said on Thursday.

India has handed over 250 prefabricated houses it built in Myanmar's Rakhine state as part of a broader effort to help tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims to return, an Indian official said on Thursday. A campaign by Myanmar's military in response to insurgent attacks in 2017 drove 730,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh, where they live in squalid camps, fearing further persecution if they return. But an Indian official said the conditions had to be created for the Rohingyas' return and India had started its $25 million development plan with a cluster of houses. The houses, which were handed over to Myanmar authorities earlier this week, are in the villages of Shwe Zar, Kyein Chaung Taung and Nant Thar Taung. Activists say that development projects in Rakhine will have little impact unless human rights issues are addressed. The Indian official said Myanmar authorities had given New Delhi a list of 21 more projects for Rakhine, including schools and marketplaces. India has deepened ties with Myanmar in recent years, including military cooperation, as a way to push back against China’s expansive involvement in infrastructure development across South Asia.

India hands over 250 houses for Rohingya in Myanmar's Rakhine

When 35-year-old Ah Hla showed up to a police station in western <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-hands-over-250-houses-for-rohingya-in-myanmars-rakhine-235201">Myanmar</a> in late April hoping to see her husband among the prisoners, she didn't know whether he was alive or dead.

Several dozen men, including her fisherman husband, had been detained weeks earlier when the military raided their village in central Rakhine state's Mrauk-U township and accused them of belonging to a rebel army, residents told Reuters.

"I went there with the hope that I am going to see my husband, but he was not there," said Ah Hla, who had walked to the police station with a group of relatives of the detained men. When she arrived, police told her that her husband of 15 years had hanged himself in his cell and that his body had already been disposed of.

"I passed out on the floor of the police station," she said, cradling her six-month-old son and choking back tears.

An army spokesman told Reuters that three of the detainees had died in custody, saying one, a 24-year-old man, had a heart attack, while another died from drug withdrawal and a third, 40-year-old Thein Tun Sein - Ah Hla's husband - killed himself.

In <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-donates-houses-to-displaced-people-in-myanmars-rakhine-state-234795&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiopc79uK_jAhUVUd4KHcmACowQFjAFegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1H2JbfcCF0CnMJn4ws_6I_">Rakhine state</a>, where security forces expelled more than 700,000 ethnic <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-police-kill-three-suspected-rohingya-traffickers-rescue-15-refugees-230535&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjK-9-Sua_jAhWPfysKHRG5A9kQFjAGegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0zTKL2FVWxctv80N6OGoyY">Rohingya Muslims</a> in a 2017 campaign the United Nations says was carried out with "genocidal intent", Myanmar's military is waging a new war.

This time, the target is the Arakan Army, an armed group that recruits from among state's mostly Buddhist ethnic Rakhines and has been fighting for greater autonomy for the region that was an independent kingdom for centuries.

In its calls for an armed "revolution", the Arakan Army draws on deep-seated historical resentment felt by some Rakhines towards the ethnic Bamar majority that dominates the central government and their sense that Myanmar's faltering transition to democracy has not brought the western state greater prosperity or self-determination.

The authorities imposed an unprecedented internet shutdown across the region in late June, citing the need to avert unrest. Yanghee Lee, the UN expert on human rights in Myanmar, said last week that both sides may be committing "war crimes" under the cover of the blackout, citing reports of deaths during army interrogations.

During a rare trip by Reuters to the conflict zone, much of which is off-limits to journalists and humanitarian agencies, 10 residents gave accounts of soldiers firing weapons indiscriminately, killing and wounding civilians, and torturing detainees.

Reuters was unable to independently verify the accounts, which were similar - though on a smaller scale - to those of Rohingya refugees who fled the violence in 2017.

According to three lawmakers in the region and Amnesty International, the military has deployed as many as five Light Infantry Divisions - shock troops famed for brutal counter-insurgency campaigns against the nation's myriad ethnic armed groups.

In 2017, two LIDs were accused of leading a scorched earth campaign against the Rohingya, burning hundreds of villages to the ground and raping and killing women and children. The military denies ethnic cleansing and genocide.

"What's astonishing is that some of the same military units responsible for atrocities against the Rohingya are now committing new abuses in Rakhine," said Laura Haigh, Amnesty's Myanmar researcher.

Contacted by phone, Zaw Min Tun, a military spokesman, said such abuse of detainees "might happen or might not happen", adding that allegations would be investigated.

"I am not denying there is abuse or torture during the period of arrest, because this kind of thing might be happening on the ground level, whatever we order," he said.

"If that kind of thing happens, we can go through the legal process. We always take action against our military men who unjustly torture people."

TORTURED IN MANY WAYS

Three hours by boat from the state capital of Sittwe up the languid Kaladan river, Mrauk-U was for more than 300 years the capital of an independent Rakhine kingdom, until it was annexed by the Burmese in 1784.

Despite rich <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-rise-over-storm-barry-middle-east-tensions-235170&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjK0aTQuq_jAhVZfd4KHdZUAXwQFjAGegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1hzvvSnoacKLrTLsR3PDaC">oil</a> reserves and a strategic location on the Bay of Bengal, the state is one of Myanmar's poorest.

Before the recent fighting, the town was popular with tourists who came to see the ancient temples that dot the landscape.

Now, displaced villagers camp in tents in the shadows of the monuments and, in the town, families sleep in bunkers loaded with sandbags to escape shelling and gunfire.

In Lekkar, the village where Ah Hla lived with her husband, half a dozen residents said troops from the 22nd and 55th LIDs fired indiscriminately into the village, driving inhabitants into a monastery where they were detained, separated by gender, questioned, and forced to squat for hours under the hot sun. Reuters was unable to contact local officials to seek comment.

Soldiers then took 27 men and held them for several weeks in an interrogation center where, according to three of the detainees and six family members of the arrested men, they were kept in darkness, deprived of food and water, and subjected to beatings and electrocution. One man told his wife a fellow detainee was forced to stand on his tip-toes with a noose tied around his neck.

Ah Hla said police officers gave her a photo, seen by Reuters, showing her husband's bone-thin dead body, so she could explain to her children what had happened to him.

"I don't know even know what they did with his body or if they did a funeral for him," she said.

National police spokesman Colonel Myo Thu Soe did not answer calls seeking comment. A police officer in the state capital Sittwe hung up the phone.

Outside a courtroom in Sittwe last week, the detained men taken in the same raid said they were innocent and urged journalists to "tell the truth" about what had happened to them. They have been charged with breaking the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cosmetic-steps-says-india-as-pakistan-books-hafiz-saeed-in-terror-funding-cases-233030">Terrorism</a> Act, punishable with up to 10 years in prison, and are on remand awaiting trial.

"They tortured us in many ways," one of the men shouted. "We were beaten in so many ways."

Khin Shwe Than, the mother of one of the detainees, a 16-year-old boy, said he told her he was kept in a dark cell, deprived of food and water and beaten.

BEHIND A LOCKED DOOR

The central government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has little support in an area where her National League for Democracy party lost to the Arakan National Party in the 2015 election that brought her to power.

Suu Kyi called for the armed forces to "crush" the rebels during a meeting with the military chief in January, her spokesman said.

On June 21, the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications directed all telecoms companies to "temporarily" disable internet services in nine townships across Rakhine and neighbouring Chin state, citing "disturbances of the peace and use of internet activities to coordinate illegal activities".

Human Rights Watch says as many as 1 million people have been affected.

Myo Swe, a spokesman for the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, told Reuters the shutdown was in the "public interest" and connectivity would be restored when "rule of law and security" could be ensured.

Khine Thu Ka, a spokesman for the Arakan Army, said the military had sent in reinforcements in recent days overland and by boat. "We can say fighting and clashes are happening frequently since the internet shutdown," he said.

The group has been accused of abuses including the abduction of dozens of civilians. Khine Thu Ka said it had eight people in its custody but was planning to release them.

Since internet access was cut off, activists say news about the escalating conflict has been slower to trickle out.

The UN says more than 35,000 people have been forced to flee their homes since January because of the fighting.

Aung Than Tun, who runs a volunteer ambulance service in the town, said he has driven dozens of wounded people to the hospital after clashes in villages since the conflict began in January, most with mortar and gunshot injuries.

The shutdown meant he could no longer post appeals for blood donors on Facebook, he said.

Some residents said they were resorting to travelling hours by road to the state capital, risking landmines and gunfire, to get access to the internet.

Oo Twan Hla, a lawyer, said he took the road regularly to check court dates and communicate with a growing number of clients – including many arrested over alleged ties to the Arakan Army.

"It's like we are in the dark, behind a locked door," he said.

When 35-year-old Ah Hla showed up to a police station in western Myanmar in late April hoping to see her husband among the prisoners, she didn't know whether he was alive or dead.

When 35-year-old Ah Hla showed up to a police station in western Myanmar in late April hoping to see her husband among the prisoners, she didn't know whether he was alive or dead. Several dozen men, including her fisherman husband, had been detained weeks earlier when the military raided their village in central Rakhine state's Mrauk-U township and accused them of belonging to a rebel army, residents told Reuters. "I went there with the hope that I am going to see my husband, but he was not there," said Ah Hla, who had walked to the police station with a group of relatives of the detained men. When she arrived, police told her that her husband of 15 years had hanged himself in his cell and that his body had already been disposed of. "I passed out on the floor of the police station," she said, cradling her six-month-old son and choking back tears. An army spokesman told Reuters that three of the detainees had died in custody, saying one, a 24-year-old man, had a heart attack, while another died from drug withdrawal and a third, 40-year-old Thein Tun Sein - Ah Hla's husband - killed himself. In Rakhine state, where security forces expelled more than 700,000 ethnic Rohingya Muslims in a 2017 campaign the United Nations says was carried out with "genocidal intent", Myanmar's military is waging a new war. This time, the target is the Arakan Army, an armed group that recruits from among state's mostly Buddhist ethnic Rakhines and has been fighting for greater autonomy for the region that was an independent kingdom for centuries. In its calls for an armed "revolution", the Arakan Army draws on deep-seated historical resentment felt by some Rakhines towards the ethnic Bamar majority that dominates the central government and their sense that Myanmar's faltering transition to democracy has not brought the western state greater prosperity or self-determination. The authorities imposed an unprecedented internet shutdown across the region in late June, citing the need to avert unrest. Yanghee Lee, the UN expert on human rights in Myanmar, said last week that both sides may be committing "war crimes" under the cover of the blackout, citing reports of deaths during army interrogations. During a rare trip by Reuters to the conflict zone, much of which is off-limits to journalists and humanitarian agencies, 10 residents gave accounts of soldiers firing weapons indiscriminately, killing and wounding civilians, and torturing detainees. Reuters was unable to independently verify the accounts, which were similar - though on a smaller scale - to those of Rohingya refugees who fled the violence in 2017. According to three lawmakers in the region and Amnesty International, the military has deployed as many as five Light Infantry Divisions - shock troops famed for brutal counter-insurgency campaigns against the nation's myriad ethnic armed groups. In 2017, two LIDs were accused of leading a scorched earth campaign against the Rohingya, burning hundreds of villages to the ground and raping and killing women and children. The military denies ethnic cleansing and genocide. "What's astonishing is that some of the same military units responsible for atrocities against the Rohingya are now committing new abuses in Rakhine," said Laura Haigh, Amnesty's Myanmar researcher. Contacted by phone, Zaw Min Tun, a military spokesman, said such abuse of detainees "might happen or might not happen", adding that allegations would be investigated. "I am not denying there is abuse or torture during the period of arrest, because this kind of thing might be happening on the ground level, whatever we order," he said. "If that kind of thing happens, we can go through the legal process. We always take action against our military men who unjustly torture people." TORTURED IN MANY WAYS Three hours by boat from the state capital of Sittwe up the languid Kaladan river, Mrauk-U was for more than 300 years the capital of an independent Rakhine kingdom, until it was annexed by the Burmese in 1784. Despite rich oil reserves and a strategic location on the Bay of Bengal, the state is one of Myanmar's poorest. Before the recent fighting, the town was popular with tourists who came to see the ancient temples that dot the landscape. Now, displaced villagers camp in tents in the shadows of the monuments and, in the town, families sleep in bunkers loaded with sandbags to escape shelling and gunfire. In Lekkar, the village where Ah Hla lived with her husband, half a dozen residents said troops from the 22nd and 55th LIDs fired indiscriminately into the village, driving inhabitants into a monastery where they were detained, separated by gender, questioned, and forced to squat for hours under the hot sun. Reuters was unable to contact local officials to seek comment. Soldiers then took 27 men and held them for several weeks in an interrogation center where, according to three of the detainees and six family members of the arrested men, they were kept in darkness, deprived of food and water, and subjected to beatings and electrocution. One man told his wife a fellow detainee was forced to stand on his tip-toes with a noose tied around his neck. Ah Hla said police officers gave her a photo, seen by Reuters, showing her husband's bone-thin dead body, so she could explain to her children what had happened to him. "I don't know even know what they did with his body or if they did a funeral for him," she said. National police spokesman Colonel Myo Thu Soe did not answer calls seeking comment. A police officer in the state capital Sittwe hung up the phone. Outside a courtroom in Sittwe last week, the detained men taken in the same raid said they were innocent and urged journalists to "tell the truth" about what had happened to them. They have been charged with breaking the Terrorism Act, punishable with up to 10 years in prison, and are on remand awaiting trial. "They tortured us in many ways," one of the men shouted. "We were beaten in so many ways." Khin Shwe Than, the mother of one of the detainees, a 16-year-old boy, said he told her he was kept in a dark cell, deprived of food and water and beaten. BEHIND A LOCKED DOOR The central government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has little support in an area where her National League for Democracy party lost to the Arakan National Party in the 2015 election that brought her to power. Suu Kyi called for the armed forces to "crush" the rebels during a meeting with the military chief in January, her spokesman said. On June 21, the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications directed all telecoms companies to "temporarily" disable internet services in nine townships across Rakhine and neighbouring Chin state, citing "disturbances of the peace and use of internet activities to coordinate illegal activities". Human Rights Watch says as many as 1 million people have been affected. Myo Swe, a spokesman for the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, told Reuters the shutdown was in the "public interest" and connectivity would be restored when "rule of law and security" could be ensured. Khine Thu Ka, a spokesman for the Arakan Army, said the military had sent in reinforcements in recent days overland and by boat. "We can say fighting and clashes are happening frequently since the internet shutdown," he said. The group has been accused of abuses including the abduction of dozens of civilians. Khine Thu Ka said it had eight people in its custody but was planning to release them. Since internet access was cut off, activists say news about the escalating conflict has been slower to trickle out. The UN says more than 35,000 people have been forced to flee their homes since January because of the fighting. Aung Than Tun, who runs a volunteer ambulance service in the town, said he has driven dozens of wounded people to the hospital after clashes in villages since the conflict began in January, most with mortar and gunshot injuries. The shutdown meant he could no longer post appeals for blood donors on Facebook, he said. Some residents said they were resorting to travelling hours by road to the state capital, risking landmines and gunfire, to get access to the internet. Oo Twan Hla, a lawyer, said he took the road regularly to check court dates and communicate with a growing number of clients – including many arrested over alleged ties to the Arakan Army. "It's like we are in the dark, behind a locked door," he said.

In Myanmar's conflict-torn Rakhine, fresh allegations of 'war crimes'

The Indian government has donated 250 pre-fabricated houses to be used by displaced people in Myanmar's conflict-torn Rakhine state, officials said during a handover ceremony on Tuesday (July 9).

India donates houses to displaced people in Myanmar's Rakhine state

India, in its continued support to Rohingya refugees, has handed over 250 pre-fabricated houses to the government of Myanmar. These houses are for the displaced Rohingya refugees who have returned from Bangladesh.

Indian envoy to Myanmar Saurabh Kumar handed over the documents related to the houses to joint-chairman of Returnee Resettlement Work Committee U Aung Kyaw Zan at a ceremony in Maung Daw of Myanmar's Rakhine State.&nbsp;

These pre-fabricated houses will be in northern Rakhine and the break up is 148 units in Shwe Zar, 60 units in Kyein Chaung Taung and 42 units in Nant Thar Taung.

Under the Indian government's project - Rakhine State Development Programme (RSDP) - 25 million dollars will be allocated for a period of five years. Both India and Myanmar signed an MoU for the programme in December 2017 which aims to contribute to the development of the Rakhine region.

The construction of 250 houses was the first initiative under the RSDP. Another 22 proposals include solar power related projects, construction-related projects and agriculture mechanization projects which are under consideration.

In June 2019, India handed over 40 computers to local Rakhine government that are being used in Sittwe Computer University. As many as 15 tractors and crawlers for the farm sector were also given. In addition to this, New Delhi has provided medical equipment at Sittwe General Hospital in Rakhine. Sittwe is a port city in Myanmar which is being connected with India and gives a fillip to the economic growth in the region.

India's support to Rohingyas comes even as it supports Dhaka under 'Operation Insaniyat' to deal with the massive influx of refugees.

India, in its continued support to Rohingya refugees, has handed over 250 pre-fabricated houses to the government of Myanmar. These houses are for the displaced Rohingya refugees who have returned from Bangladesh.

India, in its continued support to Rohingya refugees, has handed over 250 pre-fabricated houses to the government of Myanmar. These houses are for the displaced Rohingya refugees who have returned from Bangladesh. Indian envoy to Myanmar Saurabh Kumar handed over the documents related to the houses to joint-chairman of Returnee Resettlement Work Committee U Aung Kyaw Zan at a ceremony in Maung Daw of Myanmar's Rakhine State. These pre-fabricated houses will be in northern Rakhine and the break up is 148 units in Shwe Zar, 60 units in Kyein Chaung Taung and 42 units in Nant Thar Taung. Under the Indian government's project - Rakhine State Development Programme (RSDP) - 25 million dollars will be allocated for a period of five years. Both India and Myanmar signed an MoU for the programme in December 2017 which aims to contribute to the development of the Rakhine region. The construction of 250 houses was the first initiative under the RSDP. Another 22 proposals include solar power related projects, construction-related projects and agriculture mechanization projects which are under consideration. In June 2019, India handed over 40 computers to local Rakhine government that are being used in Sittwe Computer University. As many as 15 tractors and crawlers for the farm sector were also given. In addition to this, New Delhi has provided medical equipment at Sittwe General Hospital in Rakhine. Sittwe is a port city in Myanmar which is being connected with India and gives a fillip to the economic growth in the region. India's support to Rohingyas comes even as it supports Dhaka under 'Operation Insaniyat' to deal with the massive influx of refugees.

India continues its help to Rohingya refugees; provides houses in Myanmar 

More than 60 people were found stranded near a boat in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-calls-to-end-internet-blackout-in-myanmars-two-states-231612">Myanmar's Rakhine state</a>, an official said Monday, as a trafficking route for persecuted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-police-kill-three-suspected-rohingya-traffickers-rescue-15-refugees-230535">Rohingya Muslims</a>, appears open for business despite a crackdown.

Each year thousands of Rohingya and stateless Bangladeshis try to reach Malaysia or Indonesia by sea.

But boatloads commonly wash up on the shores of Myanmar or Thailand, especially in the treacherous conditions brought by the monsoon season.

Sixty-three "Muslims" were found early Sunday and taken to a nearby police outpost, district administrator Soe Aung told AFP from northern Rakhine's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/systemic-failure-of-un-ahead-of-myanmar-military-crackdown-review-228223">Maungdaw</a> township.

"We found four men on the boat and the rest nearby. In total there were 63 people," he said by phone, adding it was not yet clear if they were Bangladeshi or Rohingya.

Myanmar officials do not recognise the Rohingya as an ethnic group and refer to them as Bengalis or Muslims from Rakhine state.

Authorities tried to close down the multi-million dollar people smuggling route in 2015 after the discovery of mass graves in southern Thailand.

But many still spend their life savings to embark on the risky sea voyages.

Rohingya remaining in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-stops-84-rohingyas-from-perilous-sea-journey-219586">Myanmar also fall prey to human smugglers</a>.

Many have been confined to camps for years, are denied citizenship and lack access to work, healthcare, and schools.

Most people escaping by sea attempt the journey before March, but some are also ready to risk rougher waters.

A Thai boat captain was charged last month for smuggling a group of 65 Rohingya.

On Saturday almost two-dozen Rohingya Muslims were among a larger group of migrants found hiding in a Thai jungle after being abandoned by traffickers, police said.

Myanmar's army drove 740,000 of the stateless minority into Bangladesh in a bloody crackdown in 2017, where they joined some 300,000 more from previous expulsions.

United Nations investigators have called for the prosecution of top generals for "genocide".&nbsp;

Myanmar says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants. 
&nbsp;

More than 60 people were found stranded near a boat in Myanmar's Rakhine state, an official said Monday, as a trafficking route for persecuted Rohingya Muslims, appears open for business despite a crackdown.

More than 60 people were found stranded near a boat in Myanmar's Rakhine state, an official said Monday, as a trafficking route for persecuted Rohingya Muslims, appears open for business despite a crackdown. Each year thousands of Rohingya and stateless Bangladeshis try to reach Malaysia or Indonesia by sea. But boatloads commonly wash up on the shores of Myanmar or Thailand, especially in the treacherous conditions brought by the monsoon season. Sixty-three "Muslims" were found early Sunday and taken to a nearby police outpost, district administrator Soe Aung told AFP from northern Rakhine's Maungdaw township. "We found four men on the boat and the rest nearby. In total there were 63 people," he said by phone, adding it was not yet clear if they were Bangladeshi or Rohingya. Myanmar officials do not recognise the Rohingya as an ethnic group and refer to them as Bengalis or Muslims from Rakhine state. Authorities tried to close down the multi-million dollar people smuggling route in 2015 after the discovery of mass graves in southern Thailand. But many still spend their life savings to embark on the risky sea voyages. Rohingya remaining in Myanmar also fall prey to human smugglers. Many have been confined to camps for years, are denied citizenship and lack access to work, healthcare, and schools. Most people escaping by sea attempt the journey before March, but some are also ready to risk rougher waters. A Thai boat captain was charged last month for smuggling a group of 65 Rohingya. On Saturday almost two-dozen Rohingya Muslims were among a larger group of migrants found hiding in a Thai jungle after being abandoned by traffickers, police said. Myanmar's army drove 740,000 of the stateless minority into Bangladesh in a bloody crackdown in 2017, where they joined some 300,000 more from previous expulsions. United Nations investigators have called for the prosecution of top generals for "genocide". Myanmar says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants.

Dozens of people found stranded in Myanmar's Rakhine: Official

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