Francis Khoo Thwe

The violence took place in the village of Shabuk-Kaunghka, Shan State. In their 20s, the two teaching volunteers had come to the village to provide education to locals. Revenge for clashes between regular army units and rebels appears to be the reason for the incident. Burma's Churches condemn the crime, noting the work Christian volunteers do in the field of education.

From November 21 to 23 in the final stage of celebrations for the 500th anniversary of the Catholic presence in Myanmar will be held. A reality that has taken 500 years, born and nurtured by missionary institutes. From the "sacrifices” in order to proclaim the Gospel gushed "seed" of faith. The prelate calls for a renewal, "according to the guidelines laid down by Pope Francis."

In a letter, Kachin activists, including the bishop of Myitkyina, call for constitutional reforms, a ceasefire and respect for the rights of minorities. They want partners for "genuine democratic change". The UN secretary general, in Myanmar for the ASEAN and East Asia summits, talks about the plight of the Rohingya.

2014-15 forecasts for Myanmar put growth at 8.5%, higher than all the countries in East Asia, including China. For the Asian Bank, the data will peak at 9.5% by 2030. Inflation must be kept under control, essential to promote infrastructure. But behind the facade of optimism there is a situation of violations of freedom, abuse and exploitation.

The presidential amnesty covers 3,073 prisoners, freed in the name of "peace and stability". These include "six or seven" former senior intelligence officers and dozens of foreigners. At least 80 prisoners in Burmese prisons for crimes of opinion; September 11 new convictions.

Mgr Charles Bo hopes to see in-depth discussions on "communion for divorced and remarried couples." Separated people, he told AsiaNews, can still "live a deep relationship with the faith" and wish to receive the sacrament. In Myanmar, the traditional family is not the subject of threats and "in 95% of cases" marriages are long lasting. The Church has been active in the promotion of meetings for couples and pre-marriage councelling. Bearing witness among non-Christians remains a challenge for Catholics.

For Aye Chan Naing, director of the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB), the Nobel Peace Laureate will “lead" the party in elections; however, the possibility of constitutional change to allow it to run for head of state are "very poor". For the presidential race he predicts the presence of personalities from the "Generation 88" student movement.

Msgr. Charles Bo lashes out against this modern form of slavery, particularly widespread in South-East Asia. The Burmese dictatorship created a "nation of the Exodus" and the current government also shows nothing but "indifference". Harsh accusations against China and its one-child policy, the cause of an "abominable" trafficking.

President Thein Sein had promised the release of all prisoners of conscience by the end of 2013. In reality, the number has increased and is expected to grow even in these last months of the year. There are currently 122 people on trial for crimes of a "political" nature. In August, 28 new trials, five prisoners tortured in prison.

The bishops of Banmaw, Myitkyina and Lashio revived the project of a "true federalism" that respects "ethnic groups, cultures and resources." They denounce human trafficking and the drug problem that has affected young people. Glimmers of a national ceasefire talks between the government and ethnic militias.

On the third anniversary of the resumption of the conflict in the Northern State movements and associations came together to ask for an end to conflict. Catholics and Protestants among those involved. Call for government to punish rape used as a weapon of war. A "federal" system for the country.

A group of 70 takes case to court to block the sale of two colonial era buildings, the former police headquarters and the former High Court. The idea is to turn them into luxury hotels and commercial buildings. Lawyers: symbols of the "rule of law" and must remain at the disposal of the judiciary.