Independent Mon News Agency (IMNA)

July 29, 2003

More check to passengers and ferries with concern of explosive materials entry

SPDC sets many checkpoints in Mon State and other States and Divisions nearby to search bombs and other explosives from passengers and ferries, as they believe there are some suspects still remains.

SPDC arrested 12 suspects including two members from New Mon State Party (NMSP) and accused them they involved in the recent demolition in towns and cities. Then the authorities set checkpoints along the main road in many Townships and search for explosive substances from passengers and ferries.

They also search trucks, private cars and motorbikes, which use the main roads and travels in various distances.

According to a passenger talked to IMNA, he said,

“They stop all ferries, let the passengers get out and first they check the identity cards every passenger. They opened all bags and sacks on the ferries. After searching through a ferry in every place, then they let the passengers get on. The authorities who involved in checking are: police officials, immigrant officials and army.”

Not only searching on the ferries, the military intelligence also instruct to search the suspects and explosive substances in various villages in Mon State.

Intensive searching of explosive substance or materials started since on July 19 after two members from New Mon State Party, one leader from Mon National Democratic Font and two Mon youths in Pegu were arrested. The regime also accused them that they belonged some explosive materials and a satellite phone.

The regime also accused that all arrested persons are relating to assassination of the top military leaders and they also closely watched the activities of members of New Mon State Party.

SPDC’s military intelligence also ordered to New Mon State Party members to not hold any gun during their travels.

New Mon State Party agreed ceasefire with the regime since 1995 and has demanded for the political settlement constantly. On July 1, the party and other six ethnic ceasefire groups issued a Statement and condemned the regime for the violent assault against NLD and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on May 30.