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Karens Return to Delta Many Karen refugees and members of the Karen National Union (KNU) have returned to the Irrawaddy delta to assist the humanitarian relief effort and visit their families in the wake of Cyclone Nargis. Taking advantage of security lapses in Burma during the crisis, Karens who have been living along the Thai-Burmese border were able to sneak back to the delta region, where many have become actively involved in the relief mission, according to Karen sources. Several Rangoon-based Christian churches have played an important role in delivering aid to refugees and cyclone victims in the delta. A large number of Karens, both Buddhist and Christian, live in the Irrawaddy delta, which was a KNU stronghold until the 1970s. High IQs May be Needed for Officers Seeking Plum Jobs Three army officers who served as rectors at Burmese military academies were transferred to regional commander positions in the recent military reshuffle in June. Drug Scam Suspected
Police and customs officials believe ecstasy pills are being smuggled into Burma as part of shipments of relief aid from Burmese communities abroad. Sources said six customs officials were suspected of involvement but were released after interrogation. Investigation of the suspected scam is holding up the clearance of containers at Rangoon port, and humanitarian agencies are reported to be worried that their relief supplies could also be delayed. In May, the son of a senior general and a business crony were caught in a police dragnet operation searching for drug users among Burma’s high rollers. Aung Zaw Ye Myint, son of Lt-Gen Ye Mint, and a business friend, Maung Waik, were arrested on suspicion of trafficking in ecstasy pills. Lt-Gen Ye Myint is reported to have lost his job in a recent military reshuffle, but it’s not known if his son’s activities had anything to do with his dismissal. |
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