Burma releases students detained during Suu Kyi's Monywa visit
DVB (2003 June 13)

It has been learned that about 50 persons arrested during the 30 May assault have been released on 11 and 12 June respectively. The majority of those released were students from Monywa University and Monywa Government Technical Institute (GTI), who accompanied Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's motorcade from Monywa to Budalin in motorcycles on 30 May.
A resident from Sagaing told DVB, although the people were released all the motorcycles were confiscated by the authorities.

Sagaing resident : They were the youth from Monywa who went with their motorcycles. Almost all of them were released the day before yesterday, I think about 11 or 12 June. There were students from the university and the GTI. The majority are all students and not local people.

DVB : Yes. Did they suffer any injury?

Sagaing resident : Well, some had slight injuries. But, of course, it was not as bad as Tabayin. The incidents occurred between Budalin and Monywa. There were about three incidents involving the students on motorcycles. All those from the three places were arrested and released only now. All the motorcycles were confiscated. About 50 motorcycles were involved where only one managed to escape. They have said to release everyone.

That was a Sagaing resident. A student from Monywa said the authorities released more than 50 people in two consecutive days but those with serious injuries were still detained.

Monywa student : Yes, we heard that but it is not certain as yet. They were released on yesterday and the day before yesterday. About 25 were released yesterday while 30 were released prior to that day. We believed they were all students. Those with injuries were not released and are still detained. Those released were the ones that did not receive any injury.

It has been learned that those released, for fear of being arrested again, did not stay at their homes and are absconding. Furthermore, after the 30 May incident, almost all the NLD (National League for Democracy) members have been staying away from their homes. DVB contacted the same Monywa student, whose mother has been absconding, and asked her about her views regarding the 30 May incident.

DVB : Since your mother has been missing do you worry about her? How are you feeling?

Monywa student : Well, of course I as well as the entire household am worried because I know what the government is capable of.

DVB : How did you feel, as a young person, about the incident that happened between Monywa and Ye-U? What is your personal view?

Monywa student : It was a very primitive act. In fact it was a very cunning and brutal act.

DVB : Do you feel scared to continue doing any NLD activities?

Monywa student : Well, it was just frustration. That's all.

DVB : Regarding the prevailing situation, how did you feel about your mother's activities? Do you resent her work?

Monywa student : No. In fact, I am proud of her.

DVB : What is the situation like in Monywa now? I mean with regards to the arrest and detention of NLD members and the aftermath of the incidents.

Monywa student : Well, most of the NLD members are all staying away and out of sight. The authorities will find one reason or another to detain them. Since they know that, even if they stay home the authorities will come and arrest them under one section or another of a certain law, the NLD youth as well as ordinary NLD members, like my mother, are all absconding. Those that did not follow Daw Suu's motorcade are also staying away. The youth who were released also dare not live in their homes.

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma, Oslo, in Burmese 1430 gmt 13 June 03
BBC monitoring Service