N980412

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
( Friday, 24 December 1999)

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General Maung Aye and wife offer Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and tiers of Shwehtidaw to Maha Kanbawza- Pyinyeinaye Pagoda in Kunheng
General Maung Aye pays obeisance to Buddha images at Innlay PhaungdawU Pagoda
General Maung Aye meeting national race leaders
General Maung Aye and Daw Mya Mya San plant Maha Bo Tree at Maha Kanbawza Pyinyeinaye Pagoda in Kunheng
First anniversary of U-Hla Tun Hospice (Cancer) Association held
Myanma Tatmadaw soccer team and volleyball team win championship
919.3 acres of poppy destroyed Sept to 11 Dec 99
Stimulant tablets seized in Nawnghkio
37 members resign from Kyunsu Township NLD
WEATHER

(1) General Maung Aye and wife offer Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and tiers of Shwehtidaw to Maha Kanbawza- Pyinyeinaye Pagoda in Kunheng
YANGON, 23 Dec - The upper reliquary, enshrinement, Shwehtidaw-hoisting, Myathabeikdaw and Shwekyathingan offering and consecration ceremony of Maha Kanbawza Pyinyeinaye Pagoda on Maha Dhammawdaya Hill was held at the central pandal on the platform of the pagoda in Kunheng, Shan State (South), yesterday morning.
Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San attended the ceremony and offered Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and tiers of Shwehtidaw.
Upathakas offered flowers, water and 'soon' to the pagoda at dawn.
The religious associations recited parittas, and national people and artistes sang religious songs.
State Ovadacariya Presiding Sayadaw of Nyaungshwe Kangyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik Shwekyin Nikaya Dhammasenapati Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddharnma Jotika Bhaddanta Vimalabhivamsa administered the Nine Precepts.
Then, members of the Sangha recited parittas.
The General and wife offered Seinbudaw, Shwecetidaw and offertories to State Ovadacariya Konlon Sayadaw.
The Secretary-2 and wife offered hngetmyatnadaw, Sasana Aunglandaw, Shwecetidaw and offertories to Konlon Sayadaw.
The Secretary-3 and wife offered Hsatthwaphudaw, Zunlaybon and offertories to Konlon Sayadaw.
Commander Maj-Gen Maung Bo and wife offered the tiers of Shwehtidaw to Konlon Sayadaw.
Commander Maj-Gen Maung Bo presented gifts to architects.
Engineer U Maung Maung Nyunt read the letter of transferring the care of the pagoda to the well-wishers.
Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin dictated to the congregation the letter of supplication begging the celestial beings for forgiveness in case there was any insufficiency and mistakes in building the pagoda.
The General and wife conveyed Seinbudaw and Shwecetidaw, going round the pagoda clockwise.
The Secretary-2 and wife conveyed Hngetmyatnadaw, Sasana Aunglandaw and Shwecetidaw, and the Secretary-3 and wife, Hsatthwaphudaw.
Then, the commanders, ministers, senior military officers, departmental officials and national race leaders conveyed Zunlaybon, the tiers of the Shwehtidaw, Shwekyathingan,Bodhi tree, Buddha images, Arahat images, Parikkhara and Seinbudaws and Shwehtidaws of the encircling stupas.
Commander Maj-Gen Thein Sein enshrined Kakuthan Buddha Image in the upper reliquary of the pagoda.
Then, the Secretary-3; Lt-Gen Tin Hla, commanders and ministers enshrined Konagon, Kassapa and Gotama ,Buddha Images, Datu Ceti, Dhamma Ceti, Paribawga Ceti and four Arahat images in the upper reliquary.
Afterwards, officials hoisted the first tier of the Shwehtidaw atop the pagoda.
The second, third, fourth and fifth tiers of the Shwehtidaw were hoisted atop the pagoda.
The General and wife and party sprinkled incense on the sixth and seventh tiers of the Shwehtidaw and Hsatthwaphudaw and hoisted them atop the pagoda by means of the cable carriage.
Then, the General and wife and party sprinkled incense on Zunlaybon, Hngetmyatnadaw, Seinbudaw and Sasana Aunglandaw and hoisted them atop the pagoda.
Local national people also took part in hoisting Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and tiers of the Shwehtidaw atop the pagoda.
At the auspicious time, the Secretary-3, Lt-Gen Tin Hla, commanders and ministers fixed Seinbudaw atop the pagoda.
Next, the Secretary-3 and party fixed Sasana Maha Dhajagga Sasana Aunglandaw atop the pagoda.
The departmental officials also offered Shwekyathingan to the pagoda.
The officials then hoist Shwehtidaws; atop the encircling stupas.
After that, the General, together with Lt-Gen Tin Hla and Maj-Gen Thein Sein, offered Shwekyathingan, soon and Myathabeikdaw to Kakuthan Buddha Image in the eastern prayer hall of the pagoda.
The Secretary-2 and Mai-Gen Maung Bo offered Shwekyathingan, soon and Myathabeikdaw to Konagon Buddha Image in the southern prayer hall of the pagoda, the Secretary-3 and Maj-Gen Ye Myint to Kassapa Buddha Image in the western prayer hall and Lt-Gen Kyaw Than and Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo to Gotama Buddha Image in the northern prayer hall.
Then, members of the Sangha consecrated Maha Kanbawza Pyinyeinaye Pagoda.
Staff Officer of Religious Affairs Department U Thura read the letter of sharing merits.
The General and wife and party offered rice and alms to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha.
The General and wife and the congregation recited Buddha Sasanam Ciran Thitatu three times, and the ritual of golden and silver showers was performed.
The General and wife and party offered soon to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha at the Dhammayon of the pagoda.
Daw Mya Mya San, wife of the General, and Daw Khin Than Ngwe, wife of the Secretary-2, presented donations to members of the Sangha from Kunheng to Tactical Operations Commander Col Hsan Tun.

(2) General Maung Aye pays obeisance to Buddha images at Innlay PhaungdawU Pagoda
YANGON, 23 Dec - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, together with Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council , Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council, members of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief (Air), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs, commanders and ministers, left Kunheng by helicopter for Innlay PhaungdawU Pagoda in Nyaungshwe Township yesterday afternoon.
First; General Maung Aye and party inspected the site chosen for the construction of Dhammayon in the precinct of PhaungdawU Pagoda and gave instructions.
Then, General Maung Aye and party paid obeisance to Buddha images at PhaungdawU Pagoda and offered Shwekya Thingan to the Buddha images.
Afterwards, General Maung Aye and party left there for Taunggyi by helicopter.

(3) General Maung Aye meeting national race leaders
YANGON, 23 Dec - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye met national race leaders of Shan State (North) Special Region 2, Special Region 3, Special Region 4, Special Region 5, Shan State (South) Special Region 6, Special Region 7, Special Region 13 and MTA peace group in Kanbawza Yeiktha, Kunheng Township, on 22 December afternoon.
Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Than Shwe and Tactical Operation Commander Col Hsan Tun and officials.
National race leaders greeted the General and party in group-wise.
General Maung Aye said the Union of Myanmar is a home to various national races. Since time immemorial, the national races have lived in amity and with the union Spirit under the single union flag.
The present government since its assumption of power has given priority to the national solidarity which had become degenerated due to colonialists divide-and- rule policy.
Spending large sums of money, the government is implementing tasks to develop the economy, education and health of the brethren especially those living in border areas.
With the guidance of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, universities and colleges and technological universities and colleges have been opened in all States and Divisions for proportionate emergence of intellectuals and intelligentsia.
Earnest efforts are being made in building roads and bridges as progress of transport links in the length and breadth of the nation will lead to enhancing the love and unity among the national races.
As the dams are being built to ensure adequate water for agriculture and to fulfil basic food, clothing and shelter requirements, so also industries are being set up for national modernization and development.
The Ministry of Science and Technology has been formed separately to bring out more technicians and intellectuals. If the national race groups will continue to join hands with the government in actively expediting the national development tasks as in the present, a new modern and developed nation will emerge in the near future.
Shan State (North) Special Region 2 presented K 2 million for Maha Kanbawza Pyinyeinaye Pagoda, MTA peace group K 1.1 million, Special Region 13 K 100,000 and Special Region 5 K 100,000.
Commander Maj-Gen Maung Bo accepted the donations. The General and party cordially greeted the national race leaders.

(4) General Maung Aye and Daw Mya Mya San plant Maha Bo Tree at Maha Kanbawza Pyinyeinaye Pagoda in Kunheng
YANGON, 23 Dec - A Maha Bo Tree was planted in the compound of Maha Kanbawza Pyinyeinaye Pagoda on Maha Dhammawdaya Hill in Kunheng Township, Shan State (South), on 21 December.
Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San attended the ceremony and planted the Maha Bo Tree.
On arrival at Namhsan, the General and party were welcomed by Brig-Gen Kyaw Aung of Namhsan, officials, families and departmental personnel.
The General and party then helicoptered to Kunheng.
They first paid homage to Maha Kanbawza Pyinyeinaye Pagoda.
The Secretary-2 and wife donated a gold ceti to be enshrined in the pagoda.
Led by Sayadaws, the General and party went to the south-east corner where the ceremony will be held.
Also present on the occasion were members of the committee to hold the ceremony and national race leaders of Wa Special Region-2, Shan State (North) Special Region-3, Special Region, Special Region-5, Special Region-6, Special Region-7, MTA peace group and Pa-O
Townselders of Kunheng and disciples of the Sayadaws were included in the congregation.
State Ovadacariya Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Vimalabhivamsa administered the Five Precepts.
General Maung Aye and Daw Mya Mya San presented offertories to State Ovadacariya Sayadaw Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Tejaniya.
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and Daw Khin Than Nwe presented offertories to Security of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Ranha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Kumara.
Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint and Daw Khin Cho Oo presented offertories to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vimala bhivamsa.
Ministers and officials then presented offertories to Sayadaws.
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara delivered a sermon.
The General and party paid respects and presented gifts to over-75-year persons who attended the ceremony.
In the evening, the General and party met chairmen of State/Division Peace and Development Councils in Kanbawza Yeiktha.

(5) First anniversary of U-Hla Tun Hospice (Cancer) Association held
YANGON, 23 Dec - The first anniversary of U Hla Tun Hospice (Cancer) Association was held at the National Theatre on Myomakyaung Road this evening, attended by Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Also present on the occasion were ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, department heads medical superintendents and officials of hospitals, well-wishers, U Hla Tun and members of the association, employees and guests.
Chairman of U Hla Tun Hospice (Cancer) Association U Hla Tun extended greetings.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt accepted; the donation.
U Hla Tun also presented $ 10,000 to Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin for International Theravada Buddhist Missionary 5,000 to Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association for MMCWA.
The association then presented K 100,000 each to (Mawlamyine), Leprosy Hospital (Mandalay), Mary Chapman School for the Deaf and Dumb, School for the Blind, the Directorate of Medical Services of Defence Services and Thanmyanthu.
Well-wishers presented donations for the association.

(6) Myanma Tatmadaw soccer team and volleyball team win championship
YANGON, 23 Dec - Myanma Tatmadaw soccer team and volleyball team arrived back here by air this evening from Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Myanma Tatmadaw soccer team and volleyball team won the first prizes in, the Tatmadaw Soccer Tournament and Volleyball Tournament of ASEAN Countries to mark the 55th Anniversary Armed Forces Day of SRV.
The Tatmadaw soccer and volleyball teams were welcomed back at Mingaladon Air Force Base by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo, member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, senior Tatmadaw officers, Military Attache of Vietnam Embassy Senior Col Nguyen Ngoe Lu, Chairman of Tatmadaw Volleyball Committee Col Myo Myint and committee members, members of Myanmar Tatmadaw Football Committee, nursing officers, Tatmadaw families of Yangon and Mingaladon Stations, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, artistes of Myanma Motion Picture Asiayon and Myanmar Music Asiayon and officials.

(7) 919.3 acres of poppy destroyed Sept to 11 Dec 99
YANGON, 23 Dec - The government is resolved to eradicate narcotic drugs as national duty, and the combined teams comprising members of Tatmadaw columns, local intelligence units, Myanmar Police Force and local people with the leadership of the respective military commands have been incessantly destroying the poppy plantations illegally grown in far-flung areas of Shan State (South), Shan State (North), Kayah State and Chin State.
A total of 46 acres in Muse Township, 42 acres in Loilem Township, 634 acres in Phekhon Township, 25.5 acres in Hopong Township, 171.5 acres in Loikaw Township and 0.3 acre in Mindat Township were destroyed from September to 11 December 1999.
A total of 919.3 acres of poppy plantations illegally grown have been destroyed, and efforts are continuing to search and destroy the illegal poppy plantations.

(8) Stimulant tablets seized in Nawnghkio
YANGON, 23 Dec - A total of 135,360 stimulant tablets were seized at the check point in Nawnghkio from a car bound for Mandalay from Lashio on 6 December.
Members of Defence Services Intelligence Unit and Myanmar Police Force found the drugs from the car of Shweyadana Mann Passenger Line with Than Naing, 21, son of U Sein, of Aungmyethazan Township, at the wheel.
The authorities searched the car at the check point.
Further investigations led to the arrest of narcotics owner Daw San San (a) Ma Kyin Hsu, daughter of U Yan Su Shaw, of Taunggyi.
Action has been taken against those who were involved in the case.

(9) 37 members resign from Kyunsu Township NLD
YANGON, 23 Dec - Thirty-seven members resigned from the National League for Democracy of Kyunsu, Township, Taninthayi-Division.
Thirty-seven members of Kyunsu Township NLD, Taninthayi Division, of their own volition, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission and the party concerned on 22 October 1999 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.

(10) WEATHER
Maximum temperature on Dec 22 was 28.0 C (82F)
Minimum temperature on Dec 23 was 13.5 C(56F)

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