Prisoner Thein Win - Gambhir Winkapa

Chapter (1)

My Forestry Officer U Nay Aung and his team were based in Katha town, so when Myitkyina Forestry Officer U San Shwe retired, he ordered us to be transferred to Yangon headquarters, and we were also ordered to be transferred to Myitkyina district. The Sagaing Division, where I worked, had to be transferred from Yangon headquarters to U Hla Bu and his team.

I miss the surrounding areas of Katha, where I worked with my students for many years, including Yinke, Ngao, Indaung Kyauktaung, Phetsut, Myaung Moeta, Taung Moetagyi, as well as the Kalon Doun Waing, Nat Daeng Doun Waing, Namana Doun Waing, and Mae Hin Ko Taung Doun Waing.

Katha is a very pleasant town. There is plenty of meat and fish for food. The weather is moderate. There are many friends and companions. It is a very convenient town for us to hunt while carrying out our favorite work. Therefore, during my duty in Sagaing Region, I traveled around the country and served, but it did not last long. I usually returned to the Katha base camp after completing my duty.

However, as a government employee who has to serve whether he likes it or not, I will have to leave my beloved Katha town and the Katha forest and move to the cool northern part of Myanmar to serve. It is a different area with different habits, different natural vegetation, different water and soil, and different nature.

We go to the logging sites. Just like we do an annual survey, we cut down the trees, float the remaining logs in rafts, and adjust the log list. In addition, we have a list of machinery and vehicles, a list of buildings, a list of employees, a list of weapons and ammunition, a list of departmental property, a list of elephants and logs, a list of damaged equipment, a list of office furniture and books, a list of transactions, and a list of bank balances. It is convenient for not only the mother and wife, but also the daughter to rely on.”

"Then come with me, Ko Annie. Ko Annie is also something we can rely on. I will take full responsibility for the food and travel expenses, and I will also pay for the return trip."

"Okay... then I'll go. When will the teachers change? I want to be prepared."

“Even those who are going to be transferred from Yangon haven’t come yet. I think they will arrive tomorrow afternoon. Even if they do, they will have to spend two or three weeks in the field transferring.”

"Aye... aye... I'll be here soon. If there's a need, have the clerk call me. I'd be bored if the teachers weren't here."

“Don’t worry, Ko Ani, we won’t go quietly without you. We’ll have to show hospitality to our guests when they come, so we’ll have to go around. Ko Ani will probably be here tomorrow morning, and I want to introduce myself to the group of guests. They’ll also be going to the forest, so Ko Ani will be indispensable to them.”

"Yes... Teacher, I will come every day. I will have to eat lunch at your place."

“Eat and eat, sleep and sleep, Annie. We are also sad because we have to part with our friends who are about to move. Annie is also a source of strength.”

“Okay... Teacher, then I’ll stay here. I don’t want to be separated from you either. I’ll be back today. I’ll finish up some chores at home.”

"Yes... Koinny"

We have been together for two years, and Koenig and I are as close as brothers. We know each other without having to tell each other. We protect each other. Hunting is a life-and-death job, so it wouldn't be surprising if we love each other with our lives.

While we were busy with the lists, Ko Eni returned to her home in Patmayer Township. We were also very busy for about a week, doing fieldwork and compiling the lists.

It's been a long time since I've been around in the evening. I go to bed at 12:00 at night and wake up at 5:00 in the morning. It will be even busier if guests come. Before moving, I was the host and I would still be welcoming guests.

The next day, the telegram came. The next day, Friday, we had to prepare for the arrival of U Hla Bu, the Forest Officer from Yangon Headquarters. On Friday morning, the forest ranger, Ko Zaw Min and Ko Inni, were sent to the forest range to clear the forest. I was preparing to welcome the guests and the disciple, Kyaw Aung Bu, was preparing the cooking. Kyaw Sein Win, the young typewriter clerk, was finishing the transfer receipts.

' At around 11am, the forest ranger Zaw Min and Ko Inni returned with a deer and a wild boar.

Ko Zaw Min, “That’s lucky sir. As soon as we entered the big (3) square of this forest, we found a sow with a herd of pigs. While we were trying to carry it, we heard a roar and the boar that we had prepared ran away in panic. It seemed like a big wild animal was following us. When we heard the gunshot, we heard a roar and then it disappeared. I think it will be a good meal.” Ko Ini. “I won’t let this big animal get to us. If we enter this forest again, we will have to be careful.” I “There will be visitors coming. Thank you, Ko Ini. Now ..• I will destroy it and take your share of the hunter’s share.”

"I won't take it today, teacher. I'll cook it for the students. I'll eat it too."

"There are only (2) wild animals, Ko Ni, take them. Remember, it's easier for you to get up early and go into the forest."

"I should have known that many guests would come and say I won't take it, right, sir?"

“Oh, by the way... Ko Ini is a hunter guide. I'm just telling you to earn money.”

"Okay... okay.. I'm satisfied, let it be."

Ko Inni and Aung Bu systematically cut the wild boar and the chee and cooked it properly. While they were cooking, the Yangon visitors arrived at around 12 noon. * Me. “Ha.. U Hla Bu and I thought you would arrive in the evening. You didn’t get off the train station early, did you come early?”

“We have been in Mandalay since last night, and now we are taking the morning train, arriving at noon.”

"That's great, we've already cooked it here. Wild pork and pork belly, cooked in various ways, just eat as you like."

"Good. I want to eat wild meat. Now... should my team take a shower first or eat first?"

"I'm hungry, teacher. I'm not taking a bath. We'll just eat rice first."

The fresh wild boar curry and the fragrant chicken stew of students Kyaw Aung Bu and Ko Inni were also delicious. As usual, the Yangon team was also enjoying the delicious food and drinks they had brought. Although we were tired, their team seemed to be having a picnic.

While eating, U Hla Bu...

“U Nay Aung, did you shoot these savages?”

"'Yes, sir, before. Today, I was not able to do it, so I went to the forest with Zaw Min and the game dealer, Po Soo Ini, in the morning."

"A matchmaker, right? I've only heard of a matchmaker, but I've never seen one."

I would like to introduce the team of Ko Annie and U Hlabu.

"U Hla Bu, this teacher is a hunter named Ko Ini. He was born in the jungle and his name is Ko Ini. He is called a hunter because he can guide you to the exact location of the wild animals you want. If you go with him, you will not be able to find them. He will warn you in advance if there is danger. You can pay him a pound, a piece of ear, and 500 kyats in money for guiding you."

"I'll give it to you. But what is a beautiful ear? It's because the ear is not clean." . . .

"Every time I catch a prey, I cut off its head by dropping one of its ears."

"Oh... I'll give it to you. So where is Annie?"

"From this city. I live in the new city of Patamyar. If you ask the guys at the office, they will call me." -

“Okay. Join us, Ko Annie. Treat us like U Nay Aung. Ko Annie, would you like to work in the forest? I will immediately hire you as an employee.”

Annie didn't answer. I just went in and said.