Sittwe, 15th July 03: "The ruling SPDC junta of Burma has begun formation of a civil defence force named as Pyithu-seik (People?s Army) as a preparatory measure for a ‘possible war?, as feared by the junta, from last month. From a number of townships in the western Burmese state of Rakhine reports have confirmed the formation of paramilitary force named as Pyithu-seik or People?s Army in recent weeks. Alerting the people of an ‘imminent war?, without any clear definition made to what war it is, the junta officials have already conscripted two hundred and twenty full-time members of the People?s Army and four hundred and forty part-time members from 22 village tracts in Kyaukpru Township alone. Kyaukpru is situated about 100 miles south of Sittwe (Akyab), the capital of Rakhine state..."