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ALLEGATIONS BY BURMESE MILITARY UNF
ABSDF Statement
Date: March 2, 1998
ALLEGATIONS BY BURMESE MILITARY UNFOUNDED AND PREDICTABLE
Allegations by the Burmese military that the All Burma
Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) has been plotting to
assassinate leaders of the regime and commit acts of
sabotage are totally unfounded and entirely predictable.
The allegations are merely aimed at discrediting the
opposition movement and have become an all too familiar
aspect of the regime s propaganda.
This is not the first time the military regime has accused
the ABSDF of terrorist activity. At a press conference in
early 1997, the regime accused the ABSDF and other
opposition groups of involvement in the Gaba Aye Pagoda
bombing.
The fact is the ABSDF has never been involved in terrorist
activities. Furthermore, the organisation gave up its policy
of armed struggle in August 1997. This step was taken in the
belief that violent means of a struggle for freedom and
democracy would not lead to a peaceful solution to the
country s problems.
The ABSDF has also committed itself to undertaking non-
violent political defiance work outside Burma and within the
country.
Meanwhile, over the past three months the State Peace and
Development Council (SPDC) has arrested some 200 students
and opposition supporters. These arrests come amid rumours
that the military is to reconvene the National Convention on
the constitution, which has been boycotted by opposition
groups. The arrests also signal that the regime is possibly
concerned about the expected re-opening of universities
later this year.
All Burma Students Democratic Front
For further information please call 01-253 9082