3 MONKS HURT, 12 ARRESTED IN MANDAL

[lurie@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Media Release
September 8, 1998


              3 MONKS HURT, 12 ARRESTED IN MANDALAY PROTEST

At least 12 Buddhist monks have been arrested and three others
sustained injuries after riot police violently broke up a protest
in Mandalay in support of the National League for Democracy's
(NLD) call to convene a 'Peoples' Parliament'.

Some 200 Buddhist monks from three monasteries in the city staged
a rally last Friday September 4, on the corner of 41st Street in
Mandalay. Some 50 students also participated in the protest. The
monks and students shouted anti-military slogans and distributed
leaflets supporting the NLD's call to convene parliament.  

Riot police used force to break up the protest and as a result
three monks sustained injuries and at least 12 others were
arrested. The monks who participated in the protest were from the
Phaya-Gyi Kyaung-tite, Mya Daung and Wisok Dayone Kyaung-tite
monasteries.

On the same day, smaller demonstrations were also staged in
nearby cities in central Burma including Monywer, Sagaing,
Myangyan and Pakkoku. There were no reports of riot police
breaking up these other protests. 

The Chairman of the All Burma Young Monks Union (ABYMU), Shin
Kemersara, said that monks have been targeted by the authorities
because of their historically important role in social and
political change.

"Buddhists monks have suffered a lot under the military regime.
Despite their status, they have suffered extra-judicial killings,
torture, forced labour under brutal conditions, and been used a
porters for the army in frontline military operations."

Monks played a major role in organising the August 1988
pro-democracy movement and in maintaining law and order up prior
to the military coup on September 18, 1998, when the State Law
and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) seized power. 

Meanwhile, authorities in Mandalay Division have been instructed
to arrest anyone wearing T-shirts with a picture of Daw Aung San
Suu Kyi, or anyone in possession of her picture. This order comes
amid increasing public displays of support for the NLD in
Mandalay. 

All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF)

For more information please contact 01-253 9082, 01-654 4984.