Shan Herald Agency for News (S.H.A.N.)

1 February 2012
UN rights rapporteur Tomas Ojea Quintana will be meeting ethnic leaders including Hkun Tun Oo, Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) chairman, at the UNDP office in Rangoon, 11:00-13:00, according to SNLD sources. (SHAN)

31 January 2012
Union Peacemaking Team’s deputy leader U Thein Zaw had written to the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) two days ago with a request to open up the roads leading to its Mubon and Naphaw bases in Loije and Waingmaw townships, according to KIO sources. The troops there have been on low rations for several days now. The KIO has yet to make a decision on the request. (SHAN)

31 January 2012
President Thein Sein government will be providing rice and financial compensations to poppy farmers who promise to quit the practice, according to a police source from Monghsat, opposite Chiangmai. The superiors in Taunggyi have instructed each township to collect and submit a list of households engaging in poppy cultivation, he said. (SHAN)

27 January 2012
Ms Bronte Moules, Austratian ambassador to Myanmar, visited Hkun Tun Oo, leader of Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), at his home in Rangoon. Any suggestions from him in relation to Australian policy and activities in Burma would be welcomed, he was told. No further details given. (SHAN)

30 January 2012
The Shan State Nationalities People’s Liberation Organization (SSNPLO), commonly known as the Red PaO group, that was disarmed and disbanded in 2007 by the Burma Army, has been resurrected due to “urgings” from Burmese authorities, according to PaO sources. The rebirth took place after the death of its leader Takeley, who died in Taunggyi at the age of 84 on 1 August. It is headed by Khun Sein Shwe and Soe Aung Lwin, both in their 70’s. But there are younger leaders like Hserh Pyan, Kyi Han and Aung Kyaw Hsan. The PaO National Organization (PNO), also known as White PaO group, that is holding seats in the Parliament, is reportedly not happy about it. (SHAN)

27 January 2012
The Shan State Army (SSA) North’s 11 men delegation, backed by 54 armed security troops, arrived in Taunggyi, Shan State capital yesterday. The delegation’s peace talks with the regime is scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, 28 January. (SHAN)

25 January 2012
Thai police nabbed Niphon Kanchart in connection with the 3.8 million Speed pills and 71 kg of Ice seized on 21 January. He is suspected to be linked to what is known by Thai police as “Khun Sa network”.  He however denied any association with Charnnarong Muser who is being charged with drug offense. (ASTV Manager Online) Charnnarong Muser (Kasemthas) was arrested on 20 March 2009. Bangkok Post reported at that time he was a relative of Khun Sa and had served time in the US. - Editor

25 January 2012
For the first time in Chiangmai, the Shan community is holding a two day festival marking the 997th anniversary of the death of Khun Hsarm Law and Nang Oh-piem, known as Shan Romeo and Juliet.
The year’s 3rd Waxing Moon of the 3rd Lunar Month, when the tragic event took place, coincides with January 26. But in 1956 it came together with Valentine’s Day, February 14.
The venue is Wat Kutao. The opening will be at 19:00. (SHAN)

24 January 2012
The founder of the newly formed Taileng Nationalities Development Party (TNDP) include 4 former member of the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP): Sai Htay Aung, Sai Kyaw Sway, Saw Win Tun and Saw Min Htin, according to Sai Htay Aung. (SHAN)