media release 52/99

[caroline@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

Media Release
7 September 1999

Strong signs of 9999 popular movement despite increased security 

On 5 September 1999 a demonstration by monks was reported to have taken
place in Mandalay.  Following this the authorities imposed a curfew on the
city.  A few days prior to this, several posters were found calling for
monks to gather for a meeting aiming to enforce the popular action call on
September 9 (9999) in `Ma Soe Yein monastery`.  The monk gathering ended
with a harsh crackdown and according to informed sources, several monks were
arrested and hurt at the scene.

In Rangoon, three satellite towns - Daw Bon, Dala and Dagon Myo Thit - had
curfews under Section 144 of Criminal Procedure imposed upon them  following
demonstrations by students from several high schools.  

Since the beginning of September, in Mon Ywa, a major city on the route to
India in Sagaing Division, an unknown number of people were detained after a
harsh crack down on rice donations.  The detentions were made after a verbal
confrontation between the authorities and local people.  The confrontation
started after the authorities ordered the end of donation of rice by local
rich people to the low-waged weavers who have recently lost their jobs
because of the economic crisis.  It was thought that the local authorities
stopped the event due to embarrassment.

Meanwhile, posters, leaflets and pamphlets calling for people to join in the
9999 popular movement and to end military rule in Burma were widespread in
Shan State (Taung Gyi, Si Saing, Kalaw, Aung Ban), Kachin State (Ban Maw,
Shwe Ku, Moe Mauk), Karenni State (Loikaw, Phe Khon), Pegu State, Sagaing
Division (Mon Ywa), Magwe Division, (Pakokku), Mandalay and in Tennasserim
Division.  All distribution was carried out under tight security. 

Information has been received regarding heated debate over the 9999 popular
action inside the ranks and files of army and police units.  Posters and
leaflets calling the soldiers to stand by the side of the people and to join
in the democracy movement have been widespread in the units.  Information
regarding the arrest of three junior officers in the military base of Light
Infantry Division (101), in Pakokku, has been received.  The junior officers
were reportedly debating the 9999 action.

Aung Thu Nyein, general secretary of the ABSDF said, "these actions have
occurred even under harsh security control.  The military government seems
to be losing ground and this shows in their overreaction.  The ABSDF feels
very optimistic regarding the call for popular action (9999) and hope this
momentum of popular political awareness will overcome the current regime.
We will enforce this momentum and believe 1999 will be a new era for
democracy in Burma.".


For more information, please contact:01-308 2398, 01-951 9405, 01-960 4026