Say that it is not our fault – SPDC

DVB ( July 10, 2003 )

It is reported that the local authorities in Kale [Kalay], Sagaing Division are forcing people to put their signatures on a statement saying that the Dipeyin incident was only a clash between the pro and anti-NLD people.

The order was given at the beginning of July by the local authority chairman, U Thein Htay Win and members of local authority and civil servants in Kale Township are forced to put their signatures repeatedly. DVB’s Khin Maung Soe Minn reports:

Khin Maung Soe Minn : The people are forced to sign their agreement that the 30th May Dipeyin incident started when the NLD members taunted people and they clashed with anti-Daw Aung San Suu Kyi protesters. A local resident of Kale who learnt about the scam told the DVB as follows:

A local resident of Kale : They often summoned people and did this kind of ‘explanation’. They summoned their local supporters and civil servants and ‘explained’ to them. They have done that in our ward and town. Like what was said at the news conference, four people were killed and about 48 people were wounded and the like. It is the fault of the NLD and it was attacked because it ‘fouled’. The mainly want to appear that it is nothing to do with them. They had to come in and control the situation and the like. That’s all they want.

Moreover, the authorities are telling soldiers of regiments based around Kale that the Dipeyin incident occurred because of the aggression of the NLD and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is being detained ‘temporarily’ because she has been trying to have confrontation with the Burmese army, according to family members of the soldiers.

Some 20 hardened criminals were also taken out of Kale Prison at the end of May to be used at Dipeyin assault. Prison authorities asked them if they wanted to be sent to police controlled hard labour camps or attack people who ‘depend’ on foreign powers and thus have their sentences reduced, said someone close to Kale Prison circle.