Updates From Burma: 1st November

1858 hrs

Some landlines in Rangoon are down. Some working landlines also seem to be having an unusual degree of interference.


1708 hrs

A Rangoon resident told Flaming Peacocks that internet was again down in Rangoon. A check with three internet cafes in downtown confirmed this. The source was not sure if it was merely a technical fault, or if junta was again trying to impose censures.

Air Bagan Using Smaller Planes

A passenger on Air Bagan told Flaming Peacocks that Air Bagan was now flying smaller planes for the Rangoon-Singapore route. The passenger said that she also encountered problems checking in at the Singapore Changi Airport.

"The flight was supposed to be at 4.10. But at 2 plus, there was no check-in row assigned even though flights with later departure times already had their check-in row numbers displayed. Finally, about 2.30, we approached an airport staff who told us we could check in at Row 8."

The passenger was not sure if the delay was due to Air Bagan shutting down its international routes in a week's time. She also told FP that her travel agent in Burma called her home in Rangoon to tell her about the air line ceasing its operations from November 5th onwards for international flights.

"My agent said I should contact the local office, and they'll help me arrange for a seat with other airlines."

She also added that the plane's departure was delayed due to the heavy rain which started just before take-off.

"The plane is very small. There're only 5 seats in each row, about 100 seats in total. So we were delayed for a long time. I think they didn't dare to fly in such bad weather. We were just sitting in the plane, waiting for take-off. There was also a lot of turbulence during the flight."

She also told FP that contrary to rumours that immigration staff at Rangoon airport were checking on people returning home, she did not encounter any problems at all. Earlier, there has been reports that airport officials were checking people returning against photographs of people involved in overseas protests.

Announcement: Let's Protest Against Burmese Junta - 27th October 2007

27th October marks one month of the violent crackdown on protesters. Supporters of the Saffron Revolution all over the world are urged to unite and protest against the brutal actions of the military junta, and push them towards democratic reforms.

Time: Any time
Location: Burmese and Chinese Embassies Worldwide

Not convinced? Click here to see the latest photos of injured protesters sent from Rangoon's General Hospital.

Note: Link contains disturbing images.

Updates from Burmese Blogs: 25th October 2007

Source: Nik Nayman

1952 hr:

The destruction at Nwge Kyar Yan monastery in Yangon: http://www.irrawaddy.org/protests/video/ngwekyaryan.php

1915 hr:

There will be prayer services on Friday, 26^th at ShweDagon Pagoda and Sule Pagodas in memory of those who lost their lives in the bloody crackdown last month. The public is urged to participate by visiting pagodas for worship.

Updates from Burmese Blogs: 24th October 2007

Source: http://niknayman.blogspot.com

0745 hr:

Zarganar led a group of artists in making alms offerings to 80 monks and 30 nuns from Barkarar Monastery. This monastery has been reported to be still carrying out the Patta-nikkujjana against the junta and its lackeys. It is reported that artists and journalists will continue with such offerings to all monasteries under the vow of Patta-nikkujjana.

Fire at City Hall Frightens Officials

Source: http://niknayman.blogspot.com

According to Niknayman, a small fire broke out at Rangoon's City Hall a few days ago. While the Junta has, so far, refused to divulge this information to the public, Niknayman reported that the small fire bomb was thrown into the City Hall by a group of dissidents in retaliation for the crackdown inflicted on the protesters. While no injuries were recorded, the report said that the officials in Rangoon are now fearful for their personal safety.

Niknayman also reported that the explosion at the Guest House at Mae Sod on the 12th of October was initiated by dissidents as well. The authorities reportedly walked into a trap by dissidents when they raided the guest house. They were trying to capture student leaders who were trying to cross the border. About 5 to 10 officials were said to have been injured by the explosion.

Word of Warning to Burmese Students/Workers in Foreign Countries

Source: http://lanka-msma.blogspot.com

Lanka MSMA reported that burmese returning home from studies or work from foreign countries are being subjected to checks at the airport against photos and videos taken of protests, and anyone suspected of being involved in the democratic movement are being detained.

For the original article in Burmese, please follow this link: http://lanka-msma.blogspot.com/2007/10/blog-post_835.html

Updates From Burma: 16th October 2007

Rumours are rife in Rangoon that there will be a blood bath in November. According to residents, many astrologers have predicted another major uprising towards the end of the year. One famous astrologer, Min Thein Kha, has been earlier apprehended for making such predictions.

Meanwhile, officials continue to comb the city for those involved in protests. A resident who went to make a police report for missing documents saw the staff busy scrutinising photos of protesters.

"We were waiting for them to finish the report. We saw one of the guys call someone. He told the person to send over the the photos taken on the 24th and 26th."

The resident also saw lists of female names on a board, apparently intended for the pro-government rallies. There were also notes about wake-up calls and pick-up schedules.

Kyaw Thu Blackmailed by Junta to Turn Himself In

Source: http://myochitmyanmar.blogspot.com

Earlier this week, it was reported that Film Star Kyaw Thu and wife have been arrested by Junta. This puzzled many observers as they have been known to be in hiding since the crackdown began. There were even rumours that they have reached the Thai-Burmese border.

However, Myochitmyanmar today reported that Kyaw Thu was forced to turn himself in after officials took his 80-year-old father into custody.

His family was reportedly told:
"Tell him that if he wants to see his father alive, he'd better turn himself in. We will not be responsible for the consequences (if he doesn't)."

Myochitmyanmar last spoke to Kyaw Thu just before he went into hiding. He was reported to have said:
"It's great (what you're doing). Please continue to fight. So will I."

For the original article in Burmese, please follow this link: http://myochitmyanmar.blogspot.com/2007/10/blog-post_12.html

Update from Burmese Blogs: 12th October 2007

Source: http://niknayman.blogspot.com

1529 hrs
The burmese public urged its fellow citizens based in foreign countries to honour those who have sacrificed their lives by boycotting the Burmese embassies, and refraining from transactions such as paying tax.

[Note: All burmese citizens who work abroad are required to pay double tax; they will not be allowed to renew their passport otherwise. In order to circumvent non-double taxation agreements signed with countries such as Singapore, the burmese people are coerced to sign documents stating that their contribution is voluntary.]

1519 hrs
Yangon City Development Council gave out cash rewards of 10 million kyats (1400 Kyat = 1 USD) each to pro-junta thugs who were involved in the brutal crackdown of protesters. 68 of their leaders received a plot of land each in addition to the cash reward.

1458 hrs
Missing people reports are still coming in with families not knowing if their loved ones have been detained or killed in the crackdown.

1000 hrs
Cartier and Tiffany boycott Burmese gems
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN1026265720071010

0953 hrs
Report by Reuters on the inhumane treatment of detained monks
http://www.reuters.com/article/asiaCrisis/idUSBKK101197

0856 hrs
According to Niknayman, the public has started their boycott against businesses owned by Gen Than Shwe and his son-in-law Tayza. This includes JDonut, a popular fast food joint. It is reported that a list of companies associated with Junta will be compiled and such businesses will also be boycotted.

Updates from Burmese Blogs: 11th October

Source: http://niknayman.blogspot.com

0355: Niknayman reported that as of 11th October, all Burmese Airlines will not be allowed to land at airports in Singapore and Malaysia.

0000: A youth was shot in the chest during the peaceful demonstrations last week http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UV06u6Eq7v4

Junta's Brutality: An Eyewitness Account

This came from a 30 year old Burmese reader.

26th September, 2007

09:00am
As I was driving my 5-year-old nephew to school in downtown, I passed by Shwe-da-gon Pagoda. Just at that moment, I saw the troops standing at the entrance of the eastern gate of the pagoda, blocking the way to the pagoda, waving their hands, and motioning at me to make a u-turn.

11:00am
I saw many monks along the saung-tan (the staircases located at each entrance to the pagoda whwith many shops on each side) . They couldn't go up to the pagoda as the main gate at the eastrance entrance was closed. Howver, they were also unable to leave as there were many troops at the exit blocking their way out.

12:15
After I had fetched my nephew from school, I had to pass the Shwe-da-gon Pagoda again. I saw a distressed woman on the roadside, asking for help; she needed a ride to go back home. I stopped my car and let her get in. She told me that the troops were beating the monks who were trapped in the Saung tan. She told me to go home as quickly as possible and not to go out, saying that the troops were going to shoot as she saw many bags full of bullets being sent to the troops at the previous night.

I was listening to her when I saw the ugliest cruelty. True enough, the troops were beating the monks. The troops have effectively cornered them. But the monks were only saying prayers as they normally did. And yet, they were being beaten. It sent chills down my spine that the monks were brave enough to keep on saying prayers. They didn't show any sign of anger even though they were being beaten by the troops. After a while, the people milling around couldn't no longer bear to watch that scene; they started yelling and retaliated, all the while pleading to the monks not to stay there, sacrificing their lives.


27th September, 2007

On that morning, everything seemed to be alright. But there were fewer pple on the roads. Most chose to stay home, uncertain as to what was happening next.

2:00 pm

We heard that many monks were trapped at KyaiKaSan(Tamwe). We could do nothing, except pray for their safety, hoping that the military government would not kill this time as this time, the protesters are not civilians, nor students, nor workers; they were monks, and we are a nation of Buddhists.

After a while, I saw protesters marching towards KyaiKaSan, towards where the monks were trapped. The crowd was led by a monk, many of them were students and others, civilians. I joined them; being a Buddhist, I couldn't let our monks die. I wanted to do whatever I could do to help them as they have been carrying out the protests for our sake.

The site where the monks were trapped was near a school, Tamwe State High School No. 3. When we reached there, there were army troops and policemen. The students have just been dismissed for the day, and the students had started streaming out of its gates. The place was also crowded with parents who came to fetch their children.

The police were beating the pple, abusing and saying that they were busy bcos of them. The army didn't shoot at that time, but they asked us to stay still or otherwise, they would shoot, saying that they wouldn't beat pple, they would just shoot us and finish us off. Everyone was sitting still on the ground. To my surprise, I saw three men stood up and murmured something to the Colonel something. As they were quite far from me, I couldn't hear what they said, but the Colonel let the three of them get on the army truck. I thought that they must be undercovers.

Right after that, the troops fired gunshots using automatic weapons. Many were taken down, including the parents of the schoolchildren; the man next to me was shot in the groin and the girl next to him was shot dead; a single shot fired to her head. The man who was hit at the groin was asking the troops for help, but they ignored his pleas. Many people were also hauled up the trucks by policemen

The Colonel of the army then asked us why we were there. We had to lie to him so that he would let us go.

On my way back home, I saw three dead bodies in the drain.

It was a tragic day, one that would always remain in my memory.

Updates from Burmese Blogs: 3rd October

Source: http://niknayman.blogspot.com

Earlier this evening, in Bahan Street 3, Yangon, all men between the ages of 15 to 40 were taken away by the security forces. It is reported to only women and old people are allowed to remain.

Breaking News: Dismissed Colonel Under House Arrest

Source: http://niknayman.blogspot.com

2^nd October 2007

Following reports that Colonel Hla Htay Win has been dismissed from the army for defying orders, he and his family have been placed under house arrest, and their assets have been confiscated by authorities.

Latest Updates from Democratic Voice of Burma: 2nd October - up to 2.30pm

Source: http://dvb.no
Original Article in Burmese: http://burmese.dvb.no/news.php?id=2219

Yangon

A local source told DVB that the security has been tightened in Yangon. There are constant patrols all over the city, and there has been stringent checks.

The entrances of Sule Pagoda are blocked and heavy security checks have caused much distress to devotees who visit the pagoda to pray. It is reported that there is also a similar situation in Shwedagon Pagoda.

A public bus was stopped and ordered to make a detour to SanPya Movie Theatre. There, all passengers on board were thoroughly searched and arrests were made, said a woman who was herself among those searched.

Anyone with a camera or a mobile phone was immediately detained, and even nail clippers, small scissors, and pen knives were confiscated. This has made it difficult to get any news out of the city.

However, the people are said to be secretly trying to stage protests, and they will strike if there is a small window of opportunity.

Japan Embassy

At 10:10 am local time, two representatives from the Japan Embassy placed a wreath at the site where the Japanese Journalist, Kenji Nagai, was gunned down in Yangon. Afterwards, civilian Japanese followed suit, witnesses said.

A painter from AungLan detained

In the town of AungLan, MaGuay State, a man who was agitated while watching the protests aired by international channels, was detained. Ko Kyaut Khe, a painter, yelled "Long live Buddism" while watching scenes of monks being beaten up.

Updates from Burmese Blogs: 2nd October

Source: http://niknayman.blogspot.com

0627 hrs
88 Generation of Workers announced that they will start the General Strike today.

[Flaming Peacocks at 0900 hrs: We have unconfirmed news from local sources that the civil servants intend to start the strike today; they collected their salaries yesterday. This news cannot be confirmed as we could not establish contact with Yangon]

0545 hrs

Niknayman received news that junta will use fake monks to attack churches and mosques in order to incite religious riots.

0539 hrs

Than Shwe has reportedly summoned all the Battalion Commanders to Naypyi, the administrative capital of Only Platoon Commanders are allowed to stay on with the soldiers. Battalion Commanders Colonel Min Zaw and Colonel Hla Tun Oo, who were in-charge of Battalions 33 and 99 respectively, have been dismissed for defying orders.

Updates from Burmese Blogs: 1st October

Source: http://niknayman.blogspot.com
Source: http://myochitmyanmar.blogspot.com
Source: http://drlunswe.blogspot.com

1811 hrs
At about 2pm, 15 students from South Okkalapa Ward 15 who tried to gather for protests were arrested.

1804 hrs
1974 monks held in GTI compound are said to be being transferred to a corrective training centre in Saggaing State.

1700hrs
There are demonstrations going on in MarnAung, Arakan State. No more information is available at this time.

1411 hrs
Protesters have started marching in the towns of Nyaung Oo and Kyauk Pan Daung. Shops in these towns are said to be closed.

1330 hrs
Yangon: About 2000 protesters are marching from Insein to ThaMine junction. Another 1500 protesters are gathered at Junction 8 shopping centre at 8 Mile.

Sep 29 Confirmed Update

Yesterday, approximately 300 people gathered at the BoneGyi st in Rangoon making a protest.After a while, the army came to break up the crowd. That is confirmed. We heard that there are other gatherings at other places but not confirmed due to internet cut off.