Media Release on 26 Jan 99

[caroline@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

Media Release - 09/99
January 26, 1998

Military Warns Parents of Student Run Over By Military Truck

Burmese military authorities have warned the parents of a female high
school student run over by a military truck not to release her picture or
talk to anyone about her death. Local sources believe the military fears an
angry response from the people, particularly students.

Ma Phyu Phyu, 18, a high school student from State High School No.4, was
riding her bicycle home from school with friends on January 15, 1999 in
Pegu (Bago), about 50 miles north of Rangoon.  A speeding military truck
from Light Infantry 77 hit her and one of her friends when it drove through
a red light at the junction between Daiwoo supermarket and State High
School No.3.

Ma Phyu Phyu died at the scene, while her friend sustained serious head and
arm injuries.  As the accident occurred during the afternoon rush hour, the
military truck was unable to drive away from the busy intersection.
Students leaving from the nearby school quickly realised what had happened,
and began to throw rocks at the truck and hit it with sticks. Many people,
including passersby, joined in the onslaught. 

Officers from Military Intelligence Service (MIS) Unit 3 and police arrived
at the crime scene and attempted to calm the crowd.  At the same time
students from Ma Pyhu Phyu's school arrived and began beating the truck.
Eventually police were able to drive the truck away.

The funeral service for Ma Phyu Phyu was held on January 17, and was
attended by more than 3000 students, teachers, civil servants and civilians.  

Following the incident, officers from MIS Unit 3 directed Ma Phyu Phyu's
parents not to spread any information about the death of their daughter,
including photos, for fear of creating negative publicity for the army. The
family was also warned not to take the case to court and not to receive
visitors who might ask for information about the death.

The incident has angered townspeople in Pegu, and there are reports that
students have begun anti-military campaigns.  

All Burma Students' Democratic Front 

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