( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Iran

Yangon, 11 Feb- Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Seyed Mohammad Khatami, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the occasion of the National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran which falls on 11 February 2001.

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( 2 ) Newly-inaugurated Ngamoeyeik Bridge living proof that Tatmadaw has practically and successfully carried out very noble task beneficial to the people

Yangon, 9 Feb- A ceremony to commission into service Ngamoeyeik Bridge built across Ngamoeyeik Creek linking Htaukkyant in Mingaladon Township and Laydauntkan Village in Dagon Myothit (East) Township, was held at the pandal near the bridge at 7.20 am today, attended by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla unveiled the stone plaque of the bridge.

Also present on the occasion were Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, Secretary-1  Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Rear-Admiral Kyi Min,   Vice-Admiral Maung Maung Khin and Lt-Gen Tin Tun, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, ministers, deputy ministers , Others  Association,  local people from Hlegu, Mingaladon, Thingangyun, South Okkalapa, North Okkalapa, Dagon Myothit (East) and Dagon Myothit (South) totalling over 17,000.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla delivered an address.

He expressed his pleasure for the opening of Ngamoe-yeik Bridge as a gesture hailing the 54th Anniversary Union Day. He said that the State Peace and Development Council is endeavouring for emergence of a modern developed nation with added momentum, upholding Our Three Main National Causes, after laying down the twelve objectives. The government is practically laying better foundations for improvement of socio-economic life of the people and it is also making efforts not only for present benefits but also for the interests of generations to come, he said.

He said that dams, reservoirs, roads and bridges are essential infrastructures for national development, and transport in particular plays an important role in building a peaceful, modern and developed nation. With the improvement of transport, there will be greater progress in economy, trade, social sectors. Therefore, priority is being given to construction of roads and bridges.

After 1988, altogether 170 bridges 114 bridges with the length of from 100 feet up to 500 feet, 29 bridges with the length of 500 feet up to 1,000 feet and 27 bridges with the length of 1,000 feet and over  were opened in the time of the Tatmadaw government, he said.

The people can now enjoy the benefits of the bridges built nationwide for their long-term interests, he added. In the past, the main area of Yangon and its boundary were located between Hline River and Ngamoeyeik Creek also known as Pazundaung Creek.

He stated that there were two highways leading to the entrance of Yangon previously; another four highways have been built and No 7 Highway is in course of construction, which will serve as a bypass and link other highways leading to the entrances of Yangon. The Ngamoeyeik Bridge is situated on No 7 Highway that will link No 2 Highway in Thingangyun, Dagon Myothit and Laydaunkkan, No 3 Highway in Mingaladon, Laydaun-kkan and Hlegu, No 1 Highway in Mingaladon, Htauk-kyant and Hmawby and No 4 Highway in Shwepyitha and Hmawby. The bridge will contribute towards the development of agriculture and other trading sectors of local people in suburban areas and towards development of production work in the industrial zones. Thilawa Port will become easily accessible and goods can be transported to all parts of the country from Thilawa Container Port in a short time.

Construction of the bridge was started by Military Engineering Unit and Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Unit under the guidance of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe on 11 September 1999. The stake-driving ceremony was held on 18 November 1999 under the supervision of the Quartermaster-General, the Director of Military Engineers and engineers, and construction work was completed on 15 January 2001.

Lt-Gen Tin Hla said that Tatmadaw engineers themselves created a computer-aided design for the bridge, and it is the first ever computer-aided design of its kind in the country; Tatmadaw engineers themselves undertook almost cent-percent construction work of the bridge such as designing the bridge and producing steel girders to be used at the bridge; steel girders were successfully manufactured with the application of high technology at the steel factory for the first time; it is the herald feat of high technology for the State; the bridge was built by military engineers and new generation youth engineers, so it can be said that the Tatmadaw is actively and energetically participating in the nation building task.

Newly-inaugurated Ngamoeyeik Bridge, though small in size, is living proof of the fact that the Tatmadaw has practically and successfully carried out a very noble task beneficial to the people. Therefore, Ngamoeyeik Bridge is not only an achievement of the Tatmadaw Engineering Unit and the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Unit but also still another victory of the State, the people and the Tatmadaw. In conclusion, he thanked the Tatmadawmen, government employees and departmental officials who worked hard day and night at Ngamoeyeik Bridge Project and called on local people and departments concerned to maintain the bridge.

Then,  Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than said that Yangon-Bago No 1 Highway and Yangon-Indaing-Bago No 2 Highway are extending from the south to the north on either side of Ngamoeyeik Creek, and they are also entrances and exists of Yangon City.

On that bypass, four over-100-foot-long bridges and two under-100-foot-long bridges have been constructed. Ngamoeyeik Bridge, 660 feet long, has a 1,700-foot-long approach road each on either side of the creek, and it is the biggest and longest on the bypass. As Ngamoeyeik Bridge has been opened, townships in Dagon Myothit are accessible through the bypass in all weathers. The transport between the eastern part and the western part of Yangon City has become easier.

In addition, the townships in Dagon Myothit and the eastern part of Yangon can be reached within a short time from townships in Ayeyawady Division through Nyaungdon Highway, No 4 Highway, Hlawga Short-cut and Htaukkyant Bypass and from townships in Rakhine State through Yangon-Pyay Highway and Htaukkyant Bypass. Therefore, transport will become speedy and commercial activities will be brisk. Village-tracts in the vicinity of the bridge will be able to make greater progress in the social, health, education and economic sectors. In conclusion, on behalf of local people, the commander thanked Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe for his guidance and permission to build roads and bridges.

Then, Dagon Myothit Township USDA member U Thet Naing Oo spoke words of thanks. Later, Col Khin Maung Myint of Directorate of Electrical Engineering presented the blue print of Ngamoyeik Bridge to Senior Than Shwe to mark the opening of the bridge.

Afterwards, Col Khin Maung Myint presented the blue prints of the bridge to Vice-Chairman General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo. Next, Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Military Affairs Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla presented gifts to In-Charge Engineer Maj Aung Myint of No 3 Construction Engineering Unit. The opening of the bridge was then held in front of its archway on the side of Laydauungkan. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Brig-Gen Win Aung Tint of Directorate of Military Engineering and Director Brig-Gen Aung Hlaing of Directorate of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering formally opened the bridge.

Then, Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Military Affairs Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla unveiled the monument of the bridge and sprinkled it with scented water. Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected the bridge and cordially greeted those present at the opening ceremony. Later, the Senior General and party had a souvenir photo taken at the archway of the bridge. The steel girder bridge is 660 feet long and 28 feet wide with two four-feet pedestrian lanes on both sides. It can bear 60 ton-trucks with the clearance of 90 feet. A total of 680 tons of steel beams and 21,500 Angle Bolts (High Tension Bolts) were used in the project and so did STAAD III software for Computer Aided Design. The project saves cost as steel beams and the blue print are locally produced.

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( 3 ) Secretary-2 inspects agriculture and livestock breeding tasks in Ayeyawady Division

Yangon, 10 Feb - Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo met with departmental officials of Ayeyawady Division, Districts and Townships and discussed matters related to development of the agriculture and livestock breeding sectors in Ayeyawady Division, at the office of Kyaiklatt Township Peace and Development Council, Ayeyawady Division, 8 February.

Also present were Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, the ministers, the deputy minister, officials of the State Peace Development Council Office, heads of departments and departmental officials of Pyapon Maubin and Myaungmya Districts and townships.

Ayeyawady Division Agriculture Manager U Ohn Than reported on cultivation of monsoon paddy, summer paddy and other crops in Ayeyawady Division, Head of Division Land Records Department U Myint Swe on the condition of fallow and virgin lands and agriculture and livestock breeding work, Veterinary Surgeon Dr Khin Maung Kyaw of the model livestock breeding village in Pyapon Township on requirements for livestock breeding work. Chairman of Pyapon District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myo Myint gave an additional report on agricultural and livestock breeding work in Pyapon District. Minister Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Minister Maj-Gen Maung Maung Thein, the deputy ministers and the officials explained matters pertaining to agriculture and livestock breeding, education and health.

Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann reported on implementation of agriculture and livestock breeding plans, cultivation of summer paddy on 160,000 acres of land in Ayeyawady Division in 2000-2001 and 16,000 acres of prawn ponds. Then, the Secretary-2 gave instructions. Afterwards, the Secretary-2 and party, together with the commander and officials, inspected the 100-acre model field of summer paddy at Hleseik Village, Kyaiklatt Township, and about 2,000 acres of summer paddy on both sides of Kyaiklatt-Maubin Motor Road. The Secretary-2 attended the opening ceremonies of Gonnyindan Bridge, Khanaung Bridge, Thaleikgyi Bridge, Thaleikgalay Bridge and Chaungdwin Bridge this morning.

Next, the Secretary-2 and party went to the 100-ton cold storage factory of Pinle Kyapaik Company Ltd on the bank of Pyapon River at Chaungdwin Village in Pyapon Township. The Secretary-2 and party inspected the functions of the cold storage factory. Managing Director of the company U Kyaw Oo reported on the purpose of the cold storage factory, investment, the strength of the staff and production work. Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein reported on the condition of private cold storage in Pyapon Township and assistance being provided by the ministry. Then, the Secretary-2 gave instructions and left there for Pyapon.

The Secretary-2 and party, together with the commander and the officials, left Pyapon at 12.45 pm for the wetland reclamation camp of Zinbaung Company Ltd at Banggwe Kyun in Pyapon Township. Managing Director of the company U Aung Tin Tun reported on reclamation of wetlands, cultivation of crops and arrangements for the breeding of fish and prawns. Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann reported on the condition of land reclamation work and crop production at wetlands by entrepreneurs.

Then, the Secretary-2 gave instructions on agriculture and livestock breeding work. Zinbaung Company has been granted the permit to reclaim about 8,000 acres of land in Pyapon, Kyaiklatt and Dedaye Townships and summer paddy has been grown on over 6,000 acres of land. Afterwards, the Secretary-2 and party left there for the sea prawn breeding camp of Yuzana Prawn Breeding Group in the region of Thilawa in Kyauktan Township by helicopter. The Secretary-2 inspected the digging of prawn ponds and breeding of prawns. In the briefing hall, Head of Yangon Division Fishery Department U Khin Maung Win reported on the breeding of prawns on 1,093.37 acres of land by 10 national companies, and assistance being given by the department. Chairman of Yuzana Livestock Breeding Group U Htay Myint and officials of prawn breeding companies reported on the breeding of sea prawns. Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein gave a supplementary report. The Secretary-2 gave instructions.

Next, the Secretary-2 and party inspected the prawn breeding research laboratory of Yuzana Prawn Breeding Group. The Secretary-2 and party arrived back here in the evening. Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, who accompanied the Secretary-2, attended the meeting on rural health care at Kyaiklatt People's Hospital yesterday evening. The deputy minister also met with the specialists and medical staff of Pyapon District People's Hospital. Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs U Kyaw Tin inspected development tasks in Kyaiklatt. The deputy minister also met with the employees of Pyapon Township Development Affairs Department at the office of the department. Director-General of No 1 Basic Education Department U Tin Nyo met with the teachers of No 2 Basic Education High School in Pyapon and gave instructions.

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( 4 ) Union Flag conveyed from Yangon West District to Yangon North District

Yangon, 10 Feb-The Union Flag, which rested overnight on the stage of Salin Sports Grounds, Kyimyindine Township, Yangon West District, was conveyed to Hmawby Township, Yangon North District, by the Union Flag relay team this morning . The Union Flag conveying ceremony to Hmawby Township, Yangon North District, was held at the Salin Sports Grounds, attended by Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein and members, Commissioner of Yangon West District General Administration Department U Yan Myo Aung Thein, the chairmen and members of township Peace and Development Councils of 13 townships in Yangon West District, district/township level departmental officials, Secretary of Yangon West District Union Solidarity and Development Association U Tin Win and executives, the secretaries and executives of the township USDA, members of NGOs, teachers and students and local residents.

They saluted the Flag with the Guard of Honour of Yangon Command while Tatmadaw (Air) band was playing the National Anthem. Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein took the Flag out of the silver bowl on the stage at 6.45 am, and carried it flanked by Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and police officers, Union nationals and USDA members. He handed it over to Chairman of Yangon North District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col San Matu. He planted it in the silver bowl on Union Boat at 7.15 am.

Then, the Flag was conveyed by Pyidaungsu Boat to Yangon North District through Kyimyindine, Kamayut, Hline, Mayangon, Insein, Mingaladon and Hmawby Townships. Along the route, the Flag was saluted and accorded a rousing welcome by over 80,000 people. The Union Boat conveying the Flag arrived at the welcoming archway in Hmawby Township, corner of Yangon-Pyay Road and No-4 Highway, at 8.20 am. Afterwards, Lt-Col San Matu took it out of the silver bowl and conveyed it flanked by Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and police officers and  Union nationals. The band of No 2 BEHS in Hmawby Township welcomed it playing National Anthem. Lt-Col San Ma Tu handed over the Flag to Flag relay team led by Hmawby Township Peace and Development Council U Ye Hla.

A total of 32 Flag relay teams relayed the Flag along the Yangon-Pyay Road where teachers and students, members of organizations and local people saluted it. On arrival at the welcoming archway, the Flag relay team led by U Ye Hla handed it over to Lt-Col San Ma Tu. Next, Lt-Col San Ma Tu, flanked by Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and police officers and Union nationals, conveyed and planted the Flag in the silver bowl on the stage of Hmawby Sports Grounds and saluted it together with Phugyi Station Guard of Honour and the public while the Phugyi Station band was playing the National Anthem. The visitors were entertained to movies in the evening.

Union Day delegates visit Dagon University, University of Culture (Yangon)

Yangon, 10 Feb - The members of cultural troupe and delegates of Union Solidarity and Development Associations from states and divisions, who will attend the 54th Anniversary Union Day ceremony, led by Commandant of No 1 Transit Centre Lt-Col Tin Kyaing and officials, visited Dagon University and University of Culture today. They arrived at the Dagon University in Dagon Myothit (East) Township at 8 am. Rector of the university Dr Maung Thin extended greetings. The delegation members visited the university. They proceeded to University of Culture in Dagon Myothit (South) Township. Rector of the university U Tin Soe extended greetings. Pro-rector (Admin) U Myat Thu Ya and Pro-rector (Academic) Daw Khin Hla Htay explained facts about their work. Then, the students of the university presented entertainment programme to the delegation members. They viewed the painting and sculpture of students and left there.

Union Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony rehearsed

Yangon, 10 Feb- The dress rehearsal for the Flag hoisting ceremony of the 54th Anniversary Union Day was held at People's Square on Pyay Road this morning. Present on the occasion were Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint, members of the Sub-committee for Observance of Union Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony, military region commanders, senior military officers of Yangon Command, senior police officers of Myanmar Police Force and the chairmen of four district Peace and Development Councils. The rehearsal included taking position of State Military Band, arrival of the Union Flag, saluting the Union Flag, taking position of Union Flag relay team comprising Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and police officers, reading of message sent by the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, relay of the flag and departure of State Military Band.

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( 5 ) Mindhamma Hill packed with monks, Buddhist devotees

Yangon, 10 Feb - Mindhamma Hill was packed with monks and devout people, who were there to pay homage to Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image, in Insein Township today. Altogether 50 students from the International School, accompanied by teachers, paid homage to the Image. Historian Dr Khin Maung Nyunt and Stone Sculptor U Taw Taw explained matters relating to the Image. Then, the students made cash donations for the Image. Stone sculptor U Taw Taw and sons and party continued carving the Image from 7 am till night. The engineers and workers of Public Works carried out construction works such as building of Gandakuti Kyaungdawgyi, the southern and northern stairways. Myanmar handicraft technician U Ohn Maung and party and U Hla Kyu and party were also making sculptural decorations to be installed at the stairways. Wut associations recited religious verses from 7 am to 10 pm. Book shops of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Information were open at the hill. U Myint Naing Kyaw-Daw Cho Cho Win and family donated K 200,000 for the second time for the Image yesterday and U Kyaw Oo-Daw Aye Aye Myint and family of Bago, K 180,000 today. Donations received from 5 August to date amounted to K 140, 569, 031.

Two more Tipitakadhara Arzanis emerge

Biography of Sasana Arzani Ashin Indapala

Ashin Indapala was born in Magyikyun Village, Yanbye Township, Rakhine State, on 10th Waning of Waso 1322 ME of U Ngwe Tin Aung-Daw Pe Sein.

He was novitiated by North Magyikyun Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sasana (Sasanadhaja Dhammacariya) with the sponsorship of his grandmother Daw Aye Mya Oo and parents in Magyikyun Village, Yanbye Township, on the Fullmoon Day of Tazaungmon 1334 ME.

He was ordained by Myetnadawkyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Naginda Maha Thera of Bago at Khanda Ordination Hall of Minkyaung in Bago on 8th Waning (Tuesday) of Kason 1343 ME.

He studied Buddhist literature under North Magyikyun Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sasana of Yanbye Township; Minkyaungtaik Presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Suriya (Pali Paragu-BA) of Bago; Taikthit Pitzawtayon Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara (Pangon Treatise compiler Sayadaw) of Myaungmya; Sayadaw U Nanda (Pali Paragu); Mingun Tipitakadhara Sayadawgyi Bhaddanta Vicittasarabhivamsa and Bhamo Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumarabhivamsa (Thirawmani-BA). He passed Dhammacariya examination held by the Government, and obtained Sasanadhara Dhammacariya and Sasanadhaja Siripavara Dhammacariya Titles. He took the Tipitakadhara examination and passed the following courses of Tipitaka treatise.

Vinayadhara Title in 1346 ME Vinara Kovida Title in 1351 ME

Visittha Dighabhanaka Title in 1353 ME

Dighanikaya Kovida Title in 1354 ME

Abhidhamma Part-1five treatises (oral) in 1357 ME

Abhidhamma Part-1 five treatises(written) in 1360 ME Abhidhamma Part-2 (oral) in 1362 ME and he will obtain Tipitakadhara Title and certificate. He is now staying in Tipitaka Kyaungdaw in Dagon Township, Yangon, and striving for Tipitaka Kovida Title under the Ovada of Mingun Tipitakadhara Sayadawgyi.

Biography of Sasana Arzani Ashin Sundara

Ashin Sundara was born in Kyauktai Village, Myaing Township, Pakokku District, Magway Division, on 8th Waxing of Kason 1317 ME (Friday) of U Tha Don and Daw Khin Phwa. He was novitiated at the age of 12 by Magyicho Kyaung Sayadaw U Kovida at Magyicho Village, Myaing Township on 1329 ME with the sponsorship of his parents.

On 2nd Waxing of Tazaungmon 1336 ME, he was ordained by Sayadaw U Kovida at Khanda Ordination Hall of Tumaungtaik in Amarapura.

He studied Buddhist literature under Magyicho Kyaung Sayadaw U Kovida at Magyicho Village, Myaing Township, Pyintha Sayadaw U Jotika, Sayadaw U Nandiya of Tumaungtaik in Amarapura, U Kovidabhivamsa of Masoeyeintaik, Bhamo Sayadaw U Kumarabhivamsa and Ywama Pariyatti Sarthintaik Sayadaw U Tilokabhivamsa. He passed Government Dhammacariya examination and obtained Sasanadhaja Dhammacariya and Sasanadhaja Siripavara Dhammacariya Titles.

He took the Tipitakadhara examination and passed the following courses of Tipitaka treatise.

Dighabhanaka Title in 1337 ME
Dighanikaya Kovida Title in 1340 ME
Vinayadhara Title in 1342 ME
Vinayakovida Title in 1351 ME Abhidhamma Part-1 (oral) in 1355 ME Abhidhamma Part-1 (written) in 1360 ME Abhidhamma Part-2 (oral) in 1362 ME and he will obtain Tipitakadhara Title and certificate. He is now staying in Sunlun Vipassana Kyaungtaik in Thingangyun Township, Yangon, and shouldering the missionary work as the Predising Sayadaw of the Kyaungtaik.

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( 6 ) Minister inspects hotels in PyinOoLwin

Yangon, 10 Feb - Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, together with officials, inspected hotels in PyinOoLwin yesterday. He met with hoteliers at Nanmyaing Hotel there and gave instructions. He also inspected Ganda-myaing Hotel, Royal Park View Hotel, Dahlia Hotel, Thirimyaing Hotel, Eden Hotel, Myananda Hotel and Thiri Myanmar Hotel, and gave instructions on improvement of the standard of hotels.

Trainees of CICS visit National Indoor Stadium-1

Yangon, 10 Feb- Trainees of Special Refresher Course No 43 for Basic Education Teachers from Central Institute of Civil Service, accompanied by Pro-rector Dr Kan Shein (Training/Academic) and supervisor teachers, visited National Indoor Stadium-1 of Sports and Physical Education Department in Thuwunna this morning. Director-General U Thaung Htaik extended greetings. Then, Director U Than Zaw explained facts about construction of the stadium and the gymnasium. Skills demonstration in Myanma martial arts, chinlon, karatedo, advanced aerobic, taekwondo and gymnastics were presented to the trainees by athletes.

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( 7 ) Minister inspects Micro-bio Pharmaceutical Unit, Dyeing and Printing Factory

Yangon, 10 Feb -Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung arrived at Micro-bio Pharmaceutical Unit of Myanma Pharmaceutical Industries in Twintaung, Budalin Township, Sagaing Division, yesterday evening. At the briefing hall of Micro-bio Pharmaceutical Unit, Factory Manger Dr Myint Thein reported to the minister on research programme, extension of spirulina ponds, production of blue green algae (spirulina) and breeding of spirulina. Minister U Aung Thaung gave instructions to officials and inspected production process of spirulia. Minister U Aung Thaung then inspected Monywa Dyeing and Printing Factory and Win Thuzar Shop in Monywa Department Store. The minister gave necessary instructions to officials.

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