Security Further Tightened in Rangoon, Sittwe

By SAW YAN NAING

Security has been stepped up in the Arakan capital, Sittwe, following last Saturday’s protest demonstration by about 100 monks. Tightened security measures are also reported from Rangoon, where the authorities have reportedly banned fireworks at this year’s Thadinyut full moon festival.

A university student in Sittwe told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday that police patrols had been increased throughout the city, and monasteries had come under close observation.

Riot police in trucks had been posted in the area of Pyi Lone Chan Tha Payar Gyi temple, where monks had demonstrated in September 2007, the student said. Security guards had been posted at hotels and guesthouses, according to some sources.

A dissident source in Rangoon said about 20 trucks carrying riot police were patrolling city streets, checking monasteries and the headquarters of the National League for Democracy (NLD). Security guards had been posted outside City Hall.

A bomb exploded near City Hall last week, injuring a number of people and triggering a security clampdown. The attack came on the eve of the first anniversary of the regime’s brutal suppression of the September 2007 uprising.

Nine NLD members were briefly detained on Saturday at ceremonies marking the party’s 20th anniversary. They complained they were kicked and beaten as they were questioned about their involvement in the September 2007 uprising.

Rangoon sources also said the city’s Township Peace and Development Council was recruiting members of the junta-backed Swan Arr Shin for policing duties, paying the recruits about 3,000 kyat (US $2.4). Swan Arr Shin members are renowned for their brutality in dealing with anti-government protests.

In a further move to tighten security in Rangoon, the authorities have reportedly banned fireworks at the annual Thadinyut festival in mid-October. Fireworks are a traditional part of the celebrations.

The ban is being enforced with the threat of prison sentences of one year for anyone caught setting off fireworks to between three years and seven years for those found manufacturing and selling them.