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The Mizzima News: Aug 22, 2007
The Mizzima News: Aug 22, 2007
Specialising in Burma-related news and issues
www.mizzima.com,www.mizzima.tv
- INSIDE BURMA
-
Junta arrests key student leaders but protest continues
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Spontaneous demonstration in Rangoon, biggest in decade in Burma
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Junta arrest 88 Generation student leaders, including Burma's
second most prominent person Min Ko Naing
- NEIGHBOUR
-
India reviews Al-Qaeda threat in Northeast
-
NEWS IN BURMESE
-
At least 100 arrested in famine-like protest in Burma
-
Authorities seize a computer from 88 generation student
-
Situation in other parts of Burma
-
Statement by DFB and ABYMU
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Protest news get viewers' attraction, www.mizzimaburmese.com blocked
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Security tighten in Arakan state
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NLD members surrounded by 500 USDA members
-
Junta arrest 88 Generation student leaders, including Burma's
second most prominent person Min Ko Naing
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ABYMU say the the junta, destructive element
- MIZZIMA ONLINE RADIO
-
Interview with 88 Generation Student leader Ko Aung Naing
-
Interview with Su Su Nwe
-
Interview with Ko Min Zaya
-
Interview with Ko Mya Aye
http://mizzima.tv/?page_id=436
-
Junta arrests key student leaders but protest continues
-
Mungpi
Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
August 22, 2007 - Burma's 88 generation students group, today demanded
the immediate release of key leaders, including Min Ko Naing, Burma's
second most prominent democracy leader, arrested at 00:30 a.m. on
Wednesday.
While marching along the streets of Rangoon in protest against the
recent hike in fuel prices today, the 88 generation students' group,
in a press release demanded that the junta release detained student
leaders forthwith and resolve the economic crisis that stare people of
Burma in the face.
"We strongly condemn the authorities for arresting student leaders and
activists, and demand their immediate release and at the same time we
want resolution of the economic and political crisis in Burma," said
the statement released by the 88 generation students today.
Early on Wednesday, the Burmese junta arrested at least 13 key student
leaders - Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi, Pyone Cho, Min Zeya, Mya Aye,
Jimmy, Zeya, Kyaw Kyaw Htwe, Arnt Bwe Kyaw, Panneik Tun, Zaw Zaw Min,
Thet Zaw and Nyan Lin Tun, from their homes.
"Ko Jimmy called me just before he was taken in and told me that he
has been summoned by Police commander Aung Taing," said an 88
generation student, who requested anonymity.
In what is clearly the junta's propaganda, the junta's mouth-piece,
the New Light of Myanmar, on Wednesday made an announcement of the
arrest of student leaders and activists.
The junta said the activities of the student leaders were causing
civil unrest which was aimed at undermining peace and security of the
State and disrupting the ongoing National Convention.
The student leaders' activities "Amounted to breaking the law guarding
against acts undermining the efforts to successfully carry out
peaceful transfer of State power and facilitate the proceedings of the
National Convention," the junta said.
The 88 generation students' group on Sunday led over 500 people in a
peaceful protest march against the government's unannounced fuel price
hike.
Despite the arrest of key student leaders, the protest in Rangoon
continued with eyewitnesses telling Mizzima that over 1,000 protestors
in different groups marched the streets of Rangoon.
Meanwhile, Ko Htin Kyaw, who is a member of the Myanmar Development
Committee (MDC) and was arrested and detained thrice in the recent
past for protesting against steady rise of essential commodity prices,
had called for a nation-wide protest on Wednesday against the sudden
fuel price increase imposed in secrecy by the junta on August 14
night.
The fuel price hike triggered an increase in bus fares and other
essential commodity prices, creating serious consternation among the
people, particularly those at the grassroots level, as many are
finding it hard to cope with the increased prices given their low
income level.
Today's public protest was one in a series of protests by activists.
Following Sunday's protest led by 88 generation students' group,
activists and university students staged sporadic protests on Monday
and Tuesday.
Called by the MDC, today's protest is so far the largest public
demonstration in a decade in military-ruled Burma. However, the junta
deployed its puppet civil organizations – the Union Solidarity and
Development Association and Swan Arrshin, people's militia – to
crackdown on today's protestors.
Over 100 peaceful demonstrators were arrested and several others
injured. Seven activists including two monks received severe injuries
during the crackdown by the two junta-backed civil society groups.
Despite the brutal crackdown, activists vowed to continue the protest
demanding a roll back of the fuel prices.
"We won't let the people down; we will continue what we have started
as we know the expectations of the people. We will continue with our
peaceful demonstration," said an activist and member of the National
League for Democracy, Daw Tin Yee, in an interview with Mizzima.
Meanwhile, another activists group called 'Committee for Peaceful
Protest Against Famine' has called for a public protest gathering on
Thursday in front of Rangoon's city hall.
The 88 generation students' group condemned the junta for arresting
key leaders and said, "It is political violence on the peaceful
transition in Burma."
The students' also urged the people to continue to stand by them in
the struggle for democratic changes in Burma.
-
Spontaneous demonstration in Rangoon, biggest in decade in Burma
-
Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
August 22, 2007 - Indian Time - 6:00 p.m - Seven protestors, arrested
and detained today, including Naw Ohn Hla have been released. However,
some key protestors including Ma Phyu Phyu Thinn, Ko Yazar, and Ma
Nilar Thein, have gone underground to evade arrest.
4:50 p.m - Veteran Burmese politician U Win Naing and Myanmar
Development Committee members led over 400 protestors, beginning from
Hledan traffic point, on a march to Sule pagoda in downtown Rangoon
today. However, at 4:00 p.m. local time, the demonstration was
called-off for the day.
"The situation is that, it is starting to rain and is getting dark, so
at about 4:00 p.m we dispersed. Some people have begun to move out and
we are also going back home now," said the self-styled nationalist, U
Win Naing.
At least 100 people have been arrested in different locations in
Rangoon by the authorities today.
3:45 p.m - While the military junta has not used the army to crackdown
on peaceful demonstrators, as was done in the 1988 uprising, the junta
has effectively deployed its stooges, the USDA and Saw Arrshin, who
claim to represent the people of Burma.
Wednesday's public protest in Rangoon was mainly subject to crackdown
by the two junta-backed Burmese civil society organizations – USDA and
Swan Arrshin – who violently attacked protestors, arresting them and
forcing them to disperse. Included among the several arrested are Naw
Ohn Hla, Ma Yin Yin Myat, Ma Cho Cho Lwin, Ma San San Myint, Daw Kyin
Yi, Than Zaw Myint and Ma Htet Htet Oo.
Interview with Daw Tin Yee (one of the protestors)
"I did not see any weapons that the Union Solidarity and Development
Association and Swan Arrshin are using but, what I saw and experienced
was that they used their fists and we were pulled and pushed onto the
trucks. They used abusive language, and snatched cameras. And when
they did that the people started telling them not to act that way. But
they forced the people to get on the vehicles.
Among the many injured were two Monks and a small boy, the boy being
hit so badly that blood streamed down him. Then Ma Nilar Than [wife of
88 generation student Jimmy] said we should disperse as things were
getting worse, so we caught any vehicle and left the place.
The people were brutally beaten and their [USDA and Swan Arrshin]
actions were inhumane. They called themselves the 'people' and did
whatever they wanted. The people on our side were angry with them and
told them that they do not represent the people. Then these people
again forced us to disperse by pulling and pushing. I was also pulled
by them and from my side they pulled me again, so my arms were really
badly hurt.
Among those that blocked us and violently beat us, there were people
who I had seen several times in front of our office [NLD office] and
those taking camera records when we used to go to pagodas for prayers.
Civilians and the people applauded us and welcomed our movement, and
therefore, we have faith in the people. We won't let the people down;
we will continue what we have started as we know the expectations of
the people. We will continue with our peaceful demonstration."
2:56 p.m - Authorities have enacted tight security. Two army trucks
have been positioned near Sule Pagoda, in downtown Rangoon, beside
Rangoon City Hall. According to observers, the junta seems to be ready
for a vioent crackdown on protestors.
"They are preparing batons to beat us with, and at every junction
there are many pro-government groups, they are prepared to attack
[protestors]," a Rangoon resident told Mizzima.
2:55 p.m - Demonstration continued in and around the Suule Pagoda and
Shwegonedaing junctions, Hlaing and Hantharwaddy circles.
1:56 p.m - With protestors originating from several parts of Rangoon,
from outlying areas to downtown, sources say the government is
considering imposing a curfew in a bid to effectively control the
demonstrations.
12:47 p.m - Su Su Nway – "Special Branch Police have arrived at our
location and I may not be able to give anymore information if I am
arrested". Su Su Nway has not been participating in the protest this
morning. She said she was unable to go out as the Special Branch has
been waiting for her to leave her residence.
12:40 p.m - About 300 protestors marching through the Oat Kyin traffic
point were confronted by over 400 Swan Arrshin and USDA members and
subsequently attacked and forced onto lorry trucks. During the attack
at least seven protestors, including two monks, were severely injured.
And several protestors, including Naw Ohn Hla, Ma Yin Yin Mya, Ma Cho
Lwin, Ma San San Myint, Than Zaw Myint and Ma Htet Htet Oo, were
arrested, a protestor told Mizzima.
"They told us to disperse and tried to load us onto buses. They
threatened us, saying that if we don't disperse, they will use more
violence," said a student protestor.
Protestors said junta-backed thugs turned violent and began severely
beating the protestors.
"I had to flee for my live," a protestor who fled the brutal attack
told Mizzima.
12:15 p.m - A Rangoon protestor has sent an email message to Mizzima,
saying: "This is the Hledan to Insein group. A mass of more than 500
have reached Hlaing Yadana market. A lady leader who wore a 'Pinni'
spoke to the audience. Most of the people encouraged her. But on the
other side there were soldiers with two lorry trucks and civilian
thugs, who get about 3000 kyat per day as members of groups such as
Kyant Phut (USDA) & Swan Arrshin (peoples' militia). They commanded
the people to go back home. My informer says she has seen a lot of
people and thugs, hired with money, on the Yangon-Insein Road."
12:05 p.m - U Win Naing and his group reached downtown Rangoon near
Sule Pagoda, while the rest are still marching toward downtown. "Our
group has reached near Sule, everything is fine so far but we are not
able to start anything much in downtown yet," U Win Naing told
Mizzima.
11:9 a.m - National League for Democracy, Burma's main opposition
party, NLD leaders joining in the demonstration at Hledan.
11:00 a.m - Veteran Burmese politician U Win Naing led over 300
protestors in a march from eight-mile junction to Heldan traffic
point, where they joined other protesters.
10:50 a.m - "This morning, when I went out to eat some breakfast, I
saw a group of people demonstrating and when I discovered their
demands I realized that it was what we the people of Burma need, so I
joined them. I am from Hlaing Township." – Ko Sithu, a bystander and
university student with an economics major who joined the
demonstration, in a telephone interview with Mizzima.
New Delhi: In what is turning out to be the biggest public
demonstration in Burma in a decade, over 500 people in Rangoon on
Wednesday began a protest march venting the people's grievance against
the government's massive fuel price increase.
Though authorities last night arrested 13 key student leaders, the
demonstrations were organised at various locations in Rangoon –
Insein, Myay Ni Gone, and Hledan - at about 10 a.m. (local time). The
agitators have joined hands to form a larger group in Hledan and
marched along the streets towards Thamine traffic point.
"We are now moving back to Hledan and we will head downtown, where we
expect to join forces with other demonstrators," a protester told
Mizzima over telephone.
A number of other demonstrations were staged in other parts of Rangoon
including South Dagon and San Pya bazaar, he added.
Mizzima was able to procure a live recording of one protester who
spoke to the people at the demonstration saying, "The government has
raised fuel prices without giving any prior notice, and due to this
hike, all the people are suffering. Therefore, we, the 88 generation
students, NLD members, University students, high school students and
civilians are protesting and demanding an immediate roll back in the
prices of fuel."
While no particular individuals are spearheading the protest, the
demonstration has been joined by prominent activists including Naw Ohn
Hla, 88 generation student leader Ko Jimmy's wife Nilar Thein, and
veteran politician Amyotharyee U Win Naing.
Nearly half of the demonstrators are women wearing the traditional
Burmese Pinni -- white shirt and plain clothes
-
Junta arrest 88 Generation student leaders, including Burma's second
most prominent person Min Ko Naing
-
Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
August 22, 2007 - Prominent Burmese student leaders – Min Ko Naing, Ko
Ko Gyi, Ko Mya Aye, Ko Pyone Cho, Ko Jimmy and Ko Yin Htun have been
arrested by police in Rangoon at 00:30 a.m Wednesday.
"Ko Jimmy called me just before he was taken, telling me that he has
been summoned by Police commander Aung Taing," said a source who is
close to the student leaders.
While Mizzima was talking to one of the 88 generation student leaders,
someone knocked on the door and the phone line was disconnected.
A home ministry source told Mizzima the students are being detained in
Kyaikkasan ground in Rangoon.
The student leaders led over 500 people in a mass protest rally on
Sunday against the sudden increase in fuel prices that have
subsequently impacted an increase in bus fares and other essential
commodities.
It is, however, still unconfirmed the exact number of student leaders
arrested. Remaining influential leaders such as Min Zeya and Htay Kywe
are unable to be contacted and the fear is they are also being
detained.
Two members of the Myanmar Development Committee (MDC), who have
called for a nationwide protest against the sudden increase of fuel
prices, were also arrested and are being held in a separate location.
Five university students, Kyaw Ko Ko, Nyan Oo, Yar Zar Mon, Nyan Linn
and Nyi Linn Oo, were also arrested today at 10:00 a.m at the Kaung
Teashop, at the corner of Shwe Pyi Thar and Danyin Gone Junction in
Rangoon.
They were arrested by USDA members and plain clothes police while
pasting a poster demanding a reduction in the price of fuel and basic
commodities.
Two members of Ko Htin Kyaw, who have called for a nationwide protest
against the sudden increase of fuel prices, are additionally being
detained at another separate location.
Kyaw Ko Ko is from Dagon University while the rest are from the Yangon
Institute of Medicine 2.
-
India reviews Al-Qaeda threat in Northeast
Syed Ali Mujtaba
Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
August 22, 2007 - The Union Home Ministry, on Tuesday, had a high
level meeting to discuss the developments in Manipur following reports
of the arrest of more than 15 suspected Al-Qaeda militants – a rumor
subsequently discredited.
The meeting was chaired by the Union Home Secretary, Mr. Madhukar
Gupta. Attendees discussed the issue, and a future course of action,
for over two hours.
"The Union Home Ministry is not taking any chance in the future and
has reviewed the possible threat that may emanate through such
sources," said an official on condition of anonymity.
On August 17th the 24th, Assam Rifles posted at Moreh arrested 15
Muslim Burmese nationals from Arakan, who had entered Moreh after
detouring through Bangladesh and the Tripura and Barak valleys in
south Assam.
They were arrested for not possessing valid travel documents and were
handed over to the Moreh police who interrogated them to verify their
identities.
The IG of Assam Rifles (South), Major General B.K. Chenggapa,
dismissed media reports that those arrested were members of Al-Qaeda.
"It has been found that they had no connection at all with Al-Qaeda,"
Chenggapa said.
"Some money in the form of Indian rupees and US dollars were recovered
from them and one of those arrested possessed some documents from
Thailand," he confirmed.
According to sources, Arakanese seeking jobs outside the country find
it difficult to leave Burma due to tight border checking by the
military junta, often resorting to the Bangladesh-Tripura-
Manipur-Mandalay- Thailand route.
The group may be part of a human trafficking operation and could be on
their way to Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries, sources
said.
There have been instances of small groups infiltrating into Burma in a
similar fashion in the past, a source added.
-
NEWS IN BURMESE
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