More democracy party members arrested

DVB ( July 24,2003 )

It has been learned that although the Tabayin incident has been over for almost two months, the SPDC [State Peace and Development Council] is continuing to detain people relating to the incident. The SPDC is especially arresting NLD [National League for Democracy] members and handing down jail sentences. Military intelligence personnel arrested Daw Ngwe Kyaing, NLD Organizing Committee member from Myitkyina Township in Kachin State, and Ko Tin Chaw, son of U Khin Sein of Mohnyin and NLD Organizing Committee vice chairman, on 18 July. Similarly, Daw Khin Khin Ohn, Kachin State NLD women's group leader from Hpakan, has also been arrested.

In order to learn more about the arrests in Myitkyina and the prevailing situation, DVB contacted U Saw Min, Myitkyina Township NLD Organizing Committee member, who said those arrested were sent to Myitkyina Jail yesterday.

Recently, the SPDC took action against NLD members U Than Tun and U Kyaw Kyaw alias Ko Than Gyaung from Kawthaung in Tenasserim Division under Section 5-J [of the Emergency Provisions Act]. Similarly, local people say three NLD members from Mogok including the vice chairman and the secretary were each sentenced to three years imprisonment last week. U Aye Win, NLD Organizer from Bassein Township in Irrawaddy Division, was arrested by the authorities and sentenced to four years imprisonment on 9 July.

DVB has already reported that 17 youths including Ko Tun Kyaw Kyaw, NLD headquarters youth organizer, were among those arrested after the 30 May Tabayin assault and sent to Hkamti jail. Ko Myo Zaw Aung, a third year student from Mandalay Medical Technology University, was one of the 17 sent to Hkamti jail.

Ko Myo Zaw Aung, a native of Mogaung in Kachin State, was a supporter and helper during Aung San Suu Kyi's Sagaing Division and Kachin State trips. He was arrested on 30 May and sent to Khamti jail. Ko Myo ZawAung's father U Than Kyaing said he knew about his son's fate only when he received a letter from the rector of Mandalay Medical Technology University on 17 June. He later learnt through the Military Intelligence that his son is detained at Hkamti jail and was able to meet him on 9 July.

Family members of Ko Kyaw Soe Linn, Ko Zaw Win Tun, and Ko Myint Wai, who were all arrested together with Ko Myo Zaw Aung, wer able to visit them at Khamti jail with assistance from the ICRC [International Committee of the Red Cross]. (BBC Monitoring Service)