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ABSDF: 15 Officers Arrested



Media Release
September 13, 1998

15 Senior Military Officers Arrested for Planning to Meet With Suu Kyi

Burma's State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) has arrested 15 senior
military officers for planning to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, according
to military sources in Rangoon.

The officers, including seven from the Army, three from the Navy and five
from the Air Force, have been accused by the SPDC of deviating from
official policy on the current political situation. 

The officers were arrested in Rangoon on September 5. The group includes
six Colonels and a Lieutenant-Colonel from the Army, three Majors from the
Navy, and five Colonels from the Air Force. 

ABSDF Vice-Chairman Moe Thee Zun says the arrests do not represent the
attitude of the rank and file.

"We know that these officers were planning to discuss the political
situation with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and their actions show the growing
desire by soldiers and officers alike for genuine political reform in Burma. 

"We praise these 15 officers for having the courage to stand up for their
beliefs and hope that many other members of the armed forces will now step
forward and show their desire for change and restore the tainted image of
Burma's military."

Regional and divisional commanders have been informed about the arrests but
have been told to prevent this news from reaching the rank and file.
Officers have also been warned of the possibility of a mass movement
developing soon, and every Battalion  has been told to prepare a fully
equipped and alert counter force.

One Major or Captain and three Sergeants from each Battalion throughout the
country were ordered to come to Rangoon by September 4 to attend
counter-riot training. Over 1000 officers from different Battalions are
currently participating in the training.

Sources on the front-line also state that many soldiers, and even some
officers, no longer want to fight. Some soldiers have openly complained
about daily hardships due to their low salaries, ration cuts and the
current economic crisis. Dissatisfaction due to inequalities between
officers and soldiers is apparently also widespread.

All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF)

For further information call 01 960 4026, 01 312 0325 or 01 654 4984.