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The Mizzima News: September 28, 2007
The Mizzima News: September 28, 2007 Specialising in Burma-related news and issues
www.mizzima.com,www.mizzima.tv
INSIDE BURMA
- Speculation over possible confrontation among Burmese generals
- Protests in Rangoon
- Protests across Burma
INTERNATIONAL
- Gambari to visit crisis-ridden Burma
REGIONAL
- Indian MPs call Government to intervene in Burma's crisis
COMMENTARY
- Current developments and media warfare in Burma
LINK TO MIZZIMA RADIO & PHOTO SITES
NEWS IN BURMESE
- Protests in Rangoon
- Proper strategy and courage needed (Letter from Bo Bo Kyaw Nyein)
- Junta being collapsing (Article by Aung Thu Nyein)
- News inside Burma
Speculation over possible confrontation among Burmese generals
-
September 28, 2007
Mizzima News ( www.mizzima.com)
(Burmese Standard time)
Top two in junta divided
"Maung Aye and his loyalists are opposed to shooting into the crowd," a
source close to the military hierarchy told Mizzima referring to the major
differences that the head of junta Senior General Than Shwe and his
second-in-command, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye have over the brutal crack
down on protesters in Burma.
Burmese Air Force planes airborne
Military aircrafts from the Matehtilar airbase are airborne. It is not known
why the aircrafts have scrambled. On the other hand there is commotion in
the Light Infantry Division 33 and 99 of the Burma Army. The exact nature of
the commotion cannot be determined as yet.
Troops marching to Rangoon
There is an urgent report that Burmese troops from middle Burma has started
to march towards Rangoon. The reported troops are from Central Command based
in Taung Oo and South East Command. At this reporting, it is not clear if
the troops are marching to reinforce or to challenge the troops in Rangoon
for shooting the Buddhist monks.
- News inside Burma
Protests in Rangoon
-
September 28, 2007
(Burmese Standard Time)
5:20 p.m.
Shooting in Pazuntaung
Troops opened fire on more than 10,000 protesters in Pazuntaung at about 4
p.m (local time). At least three people received injuries. Soon after. the
crowd dispersed.
5:00 p.m.
Protesters reportedly beaten to death by soldiers, goons and convicts in
Pansadan and China town
Several protesters were reportedly beaten to death during a crackdown in
Pansodan and China town in the heart of Rangoon at about 3:00 p.m. (local
time), protesters said. The baton charges and brutal beatings carried out by
soldiers led by officials, including members of the Swan Arrshin, USDA and
former convicts, who were believed to have been freed to be used in the
crack down.
A protester told Mizzima
"I was in Sule but went home at about 2 p.m. (local time). I left because
the situation was getting ugly. There were a lot of members of USDA and
former prisoners. Yesterday the soldiers dropped about four truck loads of
former prisoners to crackdown on the protesters. When I looked at them, I
saw their legs and bodies were swollen. And they carried bags in which they
had catapults and 'ginkalih'. Soldiers were checking the people from
behind."
"Just now someone called me from the 40th Street and told me that there was
a pool of blood on Pansodan flyover and people in China town had to flee
because of the shooting. First the protesters marched from Sule to Pansodan
and from Pansodan to Bar Street. And when they arrived on Pansodan Street,
soldiers did not fire but started beating up the people. Members of Swan
Arrshin also started assaulting them with iron rods. They were beating
people to death. It all happened at about 3 p.m (local time)."
"People started fleeing to the 17th Street and to China town. But the
soldiers blocked the road on Lanmadaw Street. So far we don't know how many
deaths have occurred but I am sure there are more than a hundred deaths.
Thousands have been arrested. Since Insein prison cannot accommodate anymore
people they are being detained at the Government Technical College (GTC)."
"We are worried about the fate of the monks arrested and dragged into trucks
like animals on September 26, and also for those monks locked inside the
pagoda. A lot of monks are locked up inside the monasteries. The government
has announced that nine people have died but that is not true, I am sure
there are at least a hundred deaths."
3:40 p.m.
Junta seals off Rangoon general hospital compound.
3:30 p.m.
WHO officials said they have rush to the Rangoon general hospital to donate
medicines after hearing that several people have been injured after troops
shot protesters. However, the hospital authorities rejected the donation and
sent them back.
When Mizzima contacted the Rangoon general hospital, to confirm of the
information, officials of the hospital did not deny or confirm the
information but cut off the telephone
An eyewitness account of a local who reached near the Sule pagoda
"Students numbering about 30,000 holding the flag of a fighting peacock
started marching from Nyaungpinlay market on the Lanmadaw street but did not
come to Sule pagoda side and headed for the other side. And inside the Sule
Park people with batons and machetes are preparing to attack. All together
there are about 3000 to 4000 people waiting to attack near the Sule area.
People are also gathering near the Sule pagoda and are defying the junta in
their own way."
"In most of the street corners near the Sule, people are waiting with batons
and machetes to attack any members of Swan Arrshin if they would appear."
Security in Rangoon has been entrusted to the regiment 66 and 77. Both the
regiment divided areas of control with regiment 77 taking care of north and
south Okklapah townships, while regiment 66 takes care of downtown Rangoon.
2:50 p.m.
"People are now shouting slogans on Pansodan Street. And from the corner the
street, the soldiers are watching. The people are shouting and running. Now
there are more than 10,000 people here. But soldiers' strength remains the
same. What we fear is they will come form behind and block us," a protester
told Mizzima.
2:45 p.m.
Police this morning seized a fighting peacock flag brought by students on
the 27th Street in Rangoon.
2:20 p.m.
Protesters defy junta's order for the third day
More than 100 protesters have gathered on Pansodan Street and begun to
demonstrate. More people are seen joining the demonstration.
2:10 p.m.
Protesters versus troops in Sule
There are about 1500 protesters who have gathered near the Thamada cinema
hall.Soldiers are waiting for them to come to Sule pagoda.
2:00 p.m.
Military trucks leave North Okklapah
About 17 military trucks, was positioned at Maelahmu pagoda in North
Okklapah, were seen moving out of the township through the Kabba Aye Pagoda
Street.
An eyewitness said:
"I heard that there were military trucks in our locality, so I went out to
look and saw 17 military trucks positioned at Maelahmu pagoda. But from
there all the trucks moved back at about 1 p.m. (local time) towards
Rangoon. They went through the Kabba Aye pagoda road. In one truck there
were about 30 to 40 soldiers. No soldiers were left behind. I heard rumours
that there is diverse opinion in the military. But it cannot be confirmed.
Because they just came here and there are no shootings and it is difficult
ot find out what is going on between them."
"The soldiers were stationed at Maelahmu pagoda at about 9:30 or 10 this
morning. But now there are no more soldiers. All of them went back. And
everything is normal now, and there are no protests here"
"At the Mealahmu pagoda there is a monastery. We thought that the soldiers
must have come to the monastery. But they did nothing to the monastery, and
they all headed to Rangoon through Kabba Aye Pagoda road."
1:50 p.m.
Sporadic protest in Theingyi Market
"Earlier there were about 5000 protesters. They were closeted on the road
near Theingyi market, so they disperses. We don't know where they will go
and gather. We cannot see the other end but on this side there are three
military trucks blocking the road. There are about 100 soldiers," an
eyewitness told Mizzima.
1:30 p.m.
The troops in Rangoon not backing off
"They went inside Maelahmu pagoda in North Okklapah Township. In front of
the pagoda they parked a jeep which carried members of the Swan Arrshin. It
is as if they are blocking the road not to allow any civilians to enter.
There are about four military trucks, and I think they are putting people
inside the trucks. The troops in Rangoon are not backing off but their
numbers are increasing. And they are choosing places where the people are to
be transfered," an analyst told Mizzima.
Situation in Rangoon
"A lot of people are saying that we must fight against the junta because we
will not get the same opportunity later. We must end this show now. They
were talking among themselves. And they were unhappy. A lot of people in the
locality also talked the same way. They said even today they will continue,"
a source in Rangoon told Mizzima.
More than 30 security personnel in camouflage fatigues were seen inside the
compound of Tharmwe basic high school No. 3 and N.4.
Though all government schools are open, most of the students did not attend.
Soldiers and security forces are seen continuously patrolling the city and
barbed wire barricades have been put outside the police station in Kyauktada
Township in the heart of the city. In the police station more soldiers and
policemen are being sent as reinforcements. Many security personnel are
deployed in the Sule area.
Junta arrest more monks including Sayadaw [senior Sangha] U Nyanihthara of
Thapeikaing.
11:15 a.m.
The Burmese authorities since this morning has disconnected all internet
lines.
11:00 a.m.
Decay in junta's administrative mechanism
"The Township Peace and Development offices are closed since yesterday. Some
officials are avoiding office. Some have gone into hiding. The
administrative mechanism is starting to decay and it is affecting up to the
district level. We are not even daring to stay in our own house," a local
resident of Tharmwe told Mizzima.
- News inside Burma
Protests across Burma
-
(Burmese Standard Time)
4:30 p.m.
Security forces and soldiers start beating protesters in Mandalay
Protesting crowds in Mandalay are being brutally beaten and some have been
arrested by soldiers and security forces, eyewitnesses said.
An eyewitness told Mizzima
"Here, on our side the shooting, beatings and arrests are still continuing.
On the 84th Street helicopters are hovering overhead. Soldiers fired warning
shots into the sky. The beatings are severe, and a lot of soldiers have been
positioned. Near us there are about 30 to 40 soldiers.
The shooting, beatings and arresting are mainly on the 84th and on 31st
Streets. There are a lot of onlookers, but when they all gathered together
they start shouting. Soldiers are trying to prevent the protesters from
combining with the monks. The monks also marched today ahead of us and there
are about 150 of them. And when the people started following the monks, the
soldiers started arresting and beating them. Right in front of us about six
people were arrested, most of them were onlookers. The soldiers took whoever
they could catch. Soldiers fire more than ten shots."
Another eyewitness spoke to Mizzima
"Beatings and arrests took place mainly on 35th and 84th Streets. And the
34th and 85th Streets are blocked. About 70 monks marched and six of them
were arrested. And onlookers and bystanders were also beaten and some were
arrested. Now there is another group coming on motorbikes. They are now near
the 35th and 34th Streets. The traffic was stopped.
"When people could not it tolerate any more they started shouting, but when
the soldiers fired into the sky they all ran. Soldiers also chased them in
vehicles. Those caught were arrested, and the soldiers also lassoed those
running. There are a lot of people and they are crowded on the 35th street.
As thousands of people are gathering the traffic is blocked. Security forces
are blocking the road with their shields. What we heard now is that monks in
the Mya Tuang monastery were ordered to go back to their hometowns within
three days. And if they don't, the authorities said they will raid the
monastery. A helicopter is also seen flying over the Phayagyi area. They are
monitoring from above. In the Phayagyi area there are a lot of monasteries."
"Monks from Mya Tuang monastery also marched today. But since the roads are
blocked they went back to the monastery. The authorities blocked the road in
three or four rows. Regiments 33 and 99 have been used in Mandalay but now
it reinforced with two more regiments. Security has been tightened and
soldiers from their trucks are shooting video clips of the events. Some
people here said the 33 regiment is now approaching the monks, but I am not
sure of that. But according to what I can see there is no such signs. What
is evident is the soldiers are determined to crackdown."
"Soldiers are shooting into the sky and using batons to beat the people.
Onlookers and bystanders were also beaten and arrested. They were taken to
Dhama Beikman in 35th and 85th Street junction. We don't know where they are
being taken from there."
"People are still crowded at 35th Street. There are fire engines as well.
But so far no water canons have been used. We heard is that the in is
medicated and will lead to itching. "
2:45 p.m.
Situation in Mandalay
Soldiers placed on roads where monks are likely to stage protest
"On the roads in an interval of about 50 feet, military trucks are
stationed. Another 50 feet away soldiers stood guard. They have surrounded
the monasteries, and blocked it. Soldiers have blocked the Phayagyi and Mya
Tuang monasteries so that monks cannot come out. The people are looking
forward to monks coming out," said a local resident in Mandalay.
Situation is near normal in Mandalay and schools and office remain open.
12:30 p.m.
As witnessed by a local resident
"They are patrolling all over Mandalay town. The commander is leading the
patrol. There are about 10 trucks doing the rounds. They stopped at 84th
Street and requested the monks there to remain inside the monastery."
The commander requested monks in Mya Taung and Ma Soe Yein Monasteries not
to come out.
"They are from the 33 regiment. More fire engines are positioned near the
monasteries. Monks in the monasteries said they saw some troops who looked
like Chinese or Wa troops taking up positions near the monasteries. There
are about 300 soldiers."
"They drove off to the 84th Street. There were about ten to twelve trucks."
11 a.m.
Medicated water for crack down on protesters in Mandalay
Rumors of the use of medicated-water to crackdown on protestors in Mandalay
are making the rounds among local people.
A local resident talked about the situation in Mandalay
"We are hearing that there are fire engines filled with medicated-water and
that the authorities will use water canons to disperse the crowd. The water
is mixed with medicines and if the water is splashed on the people they will
feel itchy and will not be able to continue protesting. Yesterday even the
teargas created itchiness. A monk was badly affected, and there was nothing
people could do to help him.
Yesterday, people were assaulted when angry mobs start pelting stones at the
security forces. There were a lot of people yesterday. The people are not
scared; everybody rushed to where there was confrontation with security
forces. Since Mandalay is a city with a lot of motorcycles and people on
bikes rushed to places where the crowds swelled leading to jams.
The Mya Taung monastery on the 35th Street was blocked but now security has
been extended to the 36 th. Earlier one side use to be open but now it is
blocked on both sides. In Zegyo area, the situation is normal and no
blocking of roads is in evidence. But there is security on the 38th and 39th
streets. And on the 84th street and towards Phayagyi there are soldiers on
guard. But yesterday they opened it in the evening. The curfew is from 9
p.m. to 5 a.m. Since monks from the big monasteries could not come out,
people gathered in the least expected areas.
It is important to see what Mr. Ibarhim Gambari will do. But we cannot
depend too much on the UN, because they are just doing things in diplomatic
way. Each time they come they only condemn or urge and nothing much happens.
So, we are only hoping and praying that the situation in Mandalay will not
get worse like in Rangoon.
- INTERNATIONAL
Gambari to visit crisis-ridden Burma
-
Mungpi
Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)
September 28, 2007 - UN Secretary-General's Special envoy to Burma, Ibrahim
Gambari will begin the much awaited visit to the country on Saturday amidst
the heavy crackdown on protesters by Burma Army troops, the World body chief
said.
Mr. Ban Ki-moon in a statement released on Thursday said the Burmese
military junta has agreed to "a visit by his Special Adviser, Ibrahim
Gambari, beginning September 29."
The UN chief also called on the Burmese junta "to engage in a constructive
dialogue with his Special Adviser and to commit itself to a path of peaceful
and inclusive national reconciliation."
Meanwhile, protesters in Rangoon for the third day defied government orders
banning assemblies of more than five and are reportedly marching on the
streets of Rangoon once again.
The recent protests, which the junta has began to crackdown on, has
attracted much international attention with the Security Council convening
an emergency meeting to discuss the crisis.
However, with China, which along with Russia vetoed a Security Council
resolution on Burma earlier this year, once again calling the ongoing
protests and crackdown an internal affair, the Council ended up urging the
junta to exercise restraint.
The Council, however, agreed to send Gambari, who has extensively traveled
to key countries in Europe and Asia including Asean countries to consult on
Burma's political issue in June and July this year, to visit Burma
immediately.
However, critics fear that Gambari, who has made two earlier visits in 2006,
would be used by the junta to save face internationally.
- REGIONAL
Indian MPs call Government to intervene in Burma's crisis
-
Mungpi
Mizzima News ( www.mizzima.com)
September 28, 2007 - A group of Indian Parliamentarians today condemned the
brutal crackdown of Burmese junta on peaceful protestors in the country,
calling it "State Terrorism" and urged Indian government to immediately
intervene to prevent further violence and bloodshed in Burma.
The Indian Parliamentarians' Forum for Democracy in Burma, a group formed
with Members of Parliament from both ruling and opposition parties, on
Thursday raised concerns on the ongoing crisis in Burma as at least nine
protestors are confirmed killed today in the second day of violent crackdown
by the military junta.
"This is nothing but a state terrorism," said Robert Kharshiing, convener of
the IPFDB. "India should actively intervene to prevent any more violence in
Burma by the military junta."
In what is the largest crackdown so far in more than one week of Buddhist
monks-led protests in the country, the Burmese security forces on Thursday
opened fire on protestors, killing at least nine people including a Japanese
journalist in Burma's former capital Rangoon.
The monks-led protests, which began as a simple public dissent against the
government's unannounced fuel price hike in August, gain momentum and took a
political turn with the protestors calling for national reconciliation and
release of political prisoners.
The junta, which rarely tolerates any form of dissent, had initially
restrained from the use of force to crackdown on protestors. However, since
yesterday, security forces deployed in Rangoon began arresting, beating and
firing teargas to disperse the protestors on the streets.
Robert Kharshiing condemned the Burmese junta's act of violence and called
on India to immediately intervene using its leverage to urge the Burmese
generals to begin dialogue with the opposition.
- COMMENTARY
Current developments and media warfare in Burma
-
Bo Kyaw Nyein
www.mizzima.com
September 28, 2007- I have to confess that I was one of the vocal critics
who complained about wasting tax payer's money on training the same crowd
over and over again in the name of capacity building over the last 18 years
or so. I must also confess that media training is one bright spot where
tremendous gains had been made in the last few decades or so. I am
delighted to see many young writers and journalists especially from several
ethic back grounds coming to shine in the time of need when political
developments were hotting up inside Burma and timely reporting is much
needed. I am truly pleased to see opinion writers or journalists with names
popping up on Irrawady, Mizzima, Khit Pyaing, Hit Taing just to name a few
establish media outlets specializing in Burmese affairs.
I think small organization such as Internews deserve credit for opening J
school and training young journalists and grooming potential young talents.
Being able to recruit experienced hands of Burmese origin from AFP and
delegating assignments for training young journalist brings credibility and
positive results. We must not forget that many talented activists such as
Aung Zaw of Irrawady and Soe Myint of Mizzima were trained and groomed by
Bertil Litner and paved the way for Burmese media and thus we must also
thank the veteran Swedish journalist for his remarkable contribution.
Not only on the print journalism side much development had been
accomplished, there are some developments on radio journalism also. During
the history making events of 8-8-88, there were only two radio broadcasting
programs (VOA&BBC) that were popular inside Burma that could deliver news on
the ground to the news-starving listeners inside Burma. Now there is DVB
(Democratic Voice of Burma) in Norway and RFA (Radio Free Asia) in
Washington D.C., in addition to the mainstay radio stations offering
programs in Burmese language. We all should not forget that a young
journalist by the name of Christopher Guiness from BBC played a critical
role during the 8888 uprising where his creative and accurate reporting
brought up the moral and fighting spirits of the people and the fighters who
were sacrificing their lives for Democracy.
During the long struggle of 18 years of the current military junta, radio
programs offering in Burmese language had passed through many evolutionary
processes and stages. BBC is still the leading the race and DVB has
supplement BBC and is now known for its first breaking news. VOA for the
past 16 years had been lethargic with some heads of the Burmese program
being suspected for sympathizing with the Burmese junta or being accused of
having a friendly relationship with the generals. Most of the reporters were
just filling in with translated news rather than searching and reporting the
latest breaking news from inside, interviewing people on the ground and
giving analysis and opinions by credible and knowledgeable opinion writers.
Much has changed since the young dynamic and energetic chief had taken over
the reigns of VOA program. Talented young journalists with dynamic
personalities had been recruited and even an experienced journalist who can
be considered as a celebrity with a strong audience such as U Kyaw Zan Tha
had joined the team and had strengthened the talent pool. VOA is now in a
strong position among Burmese radio programs. At present RFA is passing thru
the transition period after the long reign of the program chief who was a
bureaucrat trained during General Ne Win's BSPP rule and who has minimal
experience in journalism.
Why is Burmese media, both print and radio programs are essential, critical
and decisive during this important moment where many brave patriots are
standing up against one of the repressive and cruel regimes in human
history? Two strong words can reveal the answer: Dictatorship and
Censorship. Every Dictatorship fears the free press and all of them imposed
censorship. The ruling military junta went further ahead. Major General Kyaw
San, the Burmese Baghad Bob, the minister of Information Ministry announced
this year that they will have to fight the media with media and SPDC just
opened a three years program in journalism. SPDC has recruited some
intellects and even added veteran politicians to write in favor of
government policies and programs in the government favored magazines. In
addition to stop the flow of breaking news to the outside world SPDC has
recently cut off telephone lines to prominent politicians, 8888 generation
leaders, activists and NLD spoke people.
The latest news reveales that the military authorities are searching hotel
rooms for foreign journalists. The most feared and effective weapons are
the reporting of civilian journalists spreading news, still photos and
videos of military shootings and killings innocent unarmed civilians and
Buddhist monks. And of course, the Blogs. In this day and age of Internet,
unlike the 88 Uprising, news can be spread across the globe in an instant.
The military junta goons are threatening the public that severe punishment
will be delivered to anyone caught giving information to outside world. They
have even dared to kill a Japanese photo journalist just to send a strong
message.
All these incidents pointed to the fact that media is most effective and
most feared by the military regime. To contain people demonstrations and
crushed them if necessary in the dark is the aim of this ruthless Nazi
regime. And one of the best tools is to fight back with media.
For this, I would like to suggest to all western governments to increase
their help and aid to Burmese media outlets. I would also like to request
U.S. Senators and Congressmen and Administration officials to increase the
budget for the media such as VOA ad RFA and to increase aid to Burmese media
outlets. This struggle can be short lived and it may take some months before
we can finally overthrow the military junta. This is the best chance for the
country to regain Democracy and I hope the western powers promoting
Democracy will help win the Burmese saffron revolution.
- NEWS IN BURMESE
Protests in Rangoon
-
http://www.mizzimaburmese.com/breaking_news.php
-
Proper strategy and courage needed (Letter from Bo Bo Kyaw Nyein)
- http://www.mizzimaburmese.com/BBKN_Article.php
-
Junta being collapsing (Article by Aung Thu Nyein)
- http://www.mizzimaburmese.com/ATN_Article.php
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