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.

Junta Detains NLD Members in Myin Chan

Source: http://dvb.no

A member of the opposition party National League for Democracy has been detained by Junta on the 26th of September despite the fact that since suffering a stroke 6 years ago, he has not fully recovered, and is barely mobile.

U Myint Lwin, a member of the Campaigning Division of Myin Chan, Mandalay State, is a stroke victim and as the family has no idea about his whereabouts, the family has been worried, according to his wife, Daw Kyin Thaung.

When the family made inquiries at the local police office, they were told that U Myint Lwin has been helping them with some investigations, but when he was not released the next morning, the anxious family members sent medications.

"When he was not released the next morning, we went over to give him some medications, food and mineral water. But they told us that he has been sent to the city of Mandalay," said Daw Kyin Thaung.

Ever since having a stroke 6 years ago, U Myint Lwin has been only able to move about slowly using a walking stick, and has been on constant medication. The two other men from the Myin Chan NLD to be detained together are U Paw Thein and U Bo See, who were also said to be in ill health prior to the arrests.

Junta Continues to Brutally Crush Protests

Source: http://www.dvb.no

September 30th, Mogoke, Mandalay State:

About 200 monks and thousands of civilians who were marching were cornered by junta troops and brutally beaten and arrested.

As about 3000 civilians, led by the monks, approached the KyatPyin Market, troops and policemen in 15 vehicles set up road blocks at both ends of the road, and started beating the protesters, a man who was involved in the march told the reporter.

"They started beating the women first. When we gathered for the march, the women were at the back of the crowd, and so that's how they came to be the first victims."

A local eyewitness said that the men were arrested while trying to help the women. In all, 34 people were arrested including 6 women and 2 monks.

"When the monks were being beaten, some of the women pleaded with them not to hurt the monks, but to arrest them (the women) instead. So there were women and men who allowed themselves to be arrested."

Many in the crowd, including 5 monks, were beaten so severely that they sustained serious head injuries, said a man who was involved in the protest.

It is reported that the detainees have been sent to the city of Mandalay.

Thousands Missing in Burma, Bodies Being Dumped in Jungles

Source: http://drlunswe.blogspot.com

Rights groups reported that thousands have gone missing in Burma after a week of demonstrations which the junta used force to crush down. A colonel who defected that army after refusing to fire at the demonstrators also reportedly said that thousands of bodies are being dumped in the jungles.

Click here for the full report: http://drlunswe.blogspot.com/2007/10/breaking-news-1-10-2007.html

Skirmish at Thai Border between KNU and Burmese troops

Source: Network Media Group (http://www.nmg-news.com/nmg/defaultmm.html)

KNU (Karen National Union) announced on Saturday that it will fight the junta in Karen State at the same time as the public demonstrations go on in other parts of Burma.

On the 29th of September, at about 4pm, between the burmese villages of ThayBawBohYwa and WahLayYwa, near the town of Mae Sod, KNU Battalion 103 had a run-in with the Light Infantry Division 206, under Batallion 22. The battle lasted for about half an hour. The burmese troops lost 1 Major, 1 Captain, 1 Sergent, and 1 soldier. About 11 men were injured as well. According to a KNU Major, there were no losses on from KNU.

Mr Padoman Chalaphan, a KNU spokesman, said:

"The Junta is the common enemy of all peoples of Burma. They have killed many ethnic groups, monks, students, and people in cruellest ways. They have killed too many. It is time for us to fight back in as many ways as we can. Just as people stage protests in the cities, in the rural areas, we have to use weapons to fight. This is how we need to combine forces to combat them."

This is the first battle between KNU and Burmese troops since the demonstrations started in September.

Colonel Khun Thurein, who has just recently returned to the Burmese-Thai border, said that all organisations who want the regime to topple should join forces. He added that SNPLO (Shan Nationalities Peoples' Liberation Organisation ) has also been preparing for battle.

"We absolutely cannot accept the fact that Junta is using force to crush the peaceful demonstrators. Therefore, in order to give moral support to the monks, the people, and students in our locality, we'll do what we can and we have plans to use military tactics."

"We have to treat this as the final fight against Junta. Everyone of us, monks, people, students of all ethnic groups should participate. We have to use everything we have. We have to strategise carefully; peaceful demonstrations in the cities and actual battles where we (KNU) are. We believe strongly that we need to exterminate the junta," Mr Padoman Chalaphan reckons.

The troops involved in the skirmish with KNU are under Light Infantry Battallion 22. Other divisions of this battallion are rumoured to be being used in crushing the demonstations in the cities.

Word of Caution to all Burmese in Singapore

Flaming Peacocks would like to remind all Burmese that when signing petitions, they should be careful to read the contents. For the petition signed by those who attended the protest outside the Burmese Embassy in Singapore, SDP's Chee, in fact, was asking everyone to sign two letters; one against the Burmese Junta, and the other against Singapore Government.

We would like to remind you to keep your eyes open, and ensure that you do not get involved in anything which is against your beliefs.

To read the two letters drafted by Chee, please follow this link:

http://www.singaporedemocrat.org/articleburmaprotest2.html

Junta Attempts To Cover Up

Source: http://dvb.no

Junta arranged a clandestine cremation of the bodies of the protesters, who died as a result of the beatings by its troops, at 7am this morning at the Htein Pin Cemetery. Families were informed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs about the arrangement.

A family member said that not more than 10 people, including family members, are allowed to attend the funeral, and each of them has to present his/her National Identification card.

Among those scheduled to be cremated were Ko Tun Tun Lin from South Okkalapa, and Maung Zeya Naing, a high school student. Both families received similar letters from the Ministry informing them that they are not allowed to hold prayer sessions for the dead.

Both Ko Tun Tun Lin and Maung Zeya Naing were involved in Friday's protests, and were beaten to death by troops.

Burmese Colonel To Seek Asylum in Norway

Source: http://myochitmyanmar.blogspot.com

A burmese colonel is said to have defected from the army, and is now hiding in the jungle with the Karen people.

For full story, go to: http://www.norwaypost.no/cgi-bin/norwaypost/imaker?id=104499

Junta uses Hlaing River to dispose of the dead

Source: http://myochitmyanmar.blogspot.com

Myochitmyanmar reported that there are scores of bodies floating in Hlaing River, and the villages downstream have been retrieving them. ABC News broadcasted a video clip of a body of a monk in saffron robe floating in the river at 630pm on 30th Sept. This video came from a journalist named Jim Suito, based in Thailand.

http://myochitmyanmar.blogspot.com/2007/09/blog-post_30.html

Myanmar Sanga Organization has been ordered to abolish by General Than Shwe

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma

Senior General Than Shwe has forced monks to transform into normal civilians but it was denied by the President and Vice President of Myanmar Sanga Organization. Due to this denial, Than Shwe has ordered Myanmar Sanga Organization to abolish.

Funeral of the Victims of violent crackdowns in Burma will be held in tight situations

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma

The funeral of the people who died from violent crackdowns against non-violence protests will take place in Htate Pin cemetery. At most ten, including family members, for one family will be allowed and everyone has to hold their Citizen Identification Cards. This was informed to every family by the government said one of the family members. The funerals will not be allowed as a Buddhist's tradition, which is to donate meals to monks. Ko Htun Htun Lin and Mg Zay Ya Naing, two of the dead, were beatened to death by the police on Friday and Mg Zay Ya Naing was still a high-school student.

Armed Rebellions on way(Confirmed)

BREAKING NEWS(URGENT),
Lastly,we received info that NDAK + KIA + BA KA Pa +ABSDF have been preparing
for Increased Armed Rebellions and are carrying out their missions already. NDAK=New Democratic Army Kachin, Ba Ka Pa +Burma Communist Party,ABSDF=All Burma's Democratic Front, KIA are participating organizations.
Below is our source of confirmation link. We are NOT 100% SURE yet.
I made calls to the organizations directly to confirm.Contact my email for any
help I can give.ngar89@gmail.com
Source of Confirmation link> http://absdf8888.org/releases/releases_details/Urgent_request_of_the%20ABSDF_Eng.pdf
May our MotherCountry Burma be free and Buddhism prevail.

Peaceful Protests in Singapore in front of Burmese Embassy

Source: niknayman.blogspot.com
myochitmyanmar.blogspot.com

Some Singaporean oppositions have started the event and later joined by Myanmar people in Singapore. They sat with candles infront of Burma embassy in Singapore, praying for the people of Burma. There were about 200 people and It had been going on the whole night. "STOP BLOODSHED IN MYANMAR" written at the front of the shirts and "CONCERNED FOR MYANMAR" logos at the back. Many wore these shirts and participated.
There were also protests in front of Burmese embassy and UN office in Singapore today.

Update: Detained monks being forcefully defrocked

Source: http://niknayman.blogspot.com

Niknayman reported that detained monks are being made to squat under the sun on the ground of Kyeikkasan Race Course. They are only clad in their thin pai (lower portion of robes, similar to pants), and not allowed to wear their top robes. They are believed to be being tortured into denouncing their monkhood.

Petition to Australian government to impose sanctions on Burma

Source: http://niknayman.blogspot.com

Niknayman reported that the Australian government is deciding on whether to impose sanctions on the junta. Please help us by voting:

through the news page at (please look at the top right hand corner:
http://au.news.yahoo.com/070930/15/14k1r.html

or the direct polling page at:
http://au.yahoo.com/poll/popup.html?poll=hp

Please help us spread the news!

Sept 30 Updates from Burmese Blogs: Myochitmyanmar

Source: http://myochitmyanmar.blogspot.com

Latest
Junta has reportedly hired IT experts from Russia to hack into blogs reporting on the current affairs in Burma. All bloggers are advised to take precautions.
[Flaming Peacocks: 2 days ago, the Irrawady News website was hacked]

1646 hrs
In Taung Kote Township, Arakan state, 800 people, led by 4 monks, staged a protest.

1623 hrs
A businessman said, via phone, that Tayza, the right hand businessman of Gen Than Shwe, is in Dubai to clinch a deal to import petroleum, as the deals with Singapore and Malaysia are not working out. He added that the closure of Tayza's company for 2 months (Note from Flaming Peacocks: The staff were paid their wages in advance and were told not to come to work for 2 months) was merely a diversion tactic. The deal in Dubai was said to be almost settled, with Tayza being the only partner from Burma.

1529 hrs
People have been recruited by the junta with daily wages starting from 1000 kyats (Approximately USD 0.70) to 2000. It is not clear why they were recruited. They number hundreds and they are brought to strategic places in trucks and cars. Some of them were seen playing cards by the roadside.

1528 hrs
In Yangon, there have been no crowds so far, unlike yesterday. There are troops guarding 34th street, which has prevented the public from regrouping. It looks like they will act once a crowd gathers. In Mandalay, a decree was broadcasted yesterday, 29th, warning people that should there be any groups of vehicles acting as road blocks, all people involved will be persecuted according to present regulations.

1431 hrs
Mr Gambari reportedly had this meeting after meeting General Than Shwe in the country's administrative town, Naypyi.

1431 hrs
Mr Gambari met with Daw Aung San Su Kyi in Yangon this afternoon for 20 minutes.
[Flaming Peacocks: Moemaka.blogspot.com reported that the meeting lasted 90 minutes]

1429 hrs
http://www.mediafire.com/?e9fgm1ddvyd

1421 hrs
The Irrawady News office in Mae Sod was searched by Police

1352 hrs
Reverend U Gambiya, wanted by the junta for his involvement in the protests, told MIzzima.com that it is time for the people to take the lead. He added that the sangha has done all it can, with many being detained or killed for their part. He said that the military's actions show that they are worse than dictators, and are, in fact, terrorists.

1351 hrs
In Mae Sod, Thailand, Thai troops arrested burmese workers who were demonstrating in front of the UN office.

1334 hrs
People in Yangon reported that the monasteries are facing difficulties securing alms. The guarding military troops have been restricting the offering of alms by the devotees by refusing to allow them entry, and also stopping the monks from going out to collect alms. This is a serious violation of human rights, and we need the help of the international community to dispatch organisations such as International Red Cross and UN to help our monks.

[Flaming Peacocks: We have reliable news that in some places, some monks are not able to get enough sustenance due to the recent unrest, even though they can go out to collect alms. The devotees have been quietly spreading the word in the neighbourhoods to get people to offer food to the monks. However, they do not dare to do so publicly as they are afraid to attract the attention of the Town Council and fear repercussions. In Singapore, people have started collecting monetary donations to send financial aid to such monasteries]

1324 hrs
UN representative Mr Gambari is housed in the VIP Guest House on the University Avenue. Road blocks have been set up by police and military troops at each end of this road, effectively barring entry to civilians.

1324 hrs
During Mr Gambari's presence, the government has been trying to stage counter-demonstrations at remote towns to show that they are in public favour. For this morning's counter-protest in the town of Loy Kwor, villages with at least 50 households were ordered to send 30 representative, and villages with at least 30 households, 25 people at least.

1310 hrs
According to KNU, people from 2 townships from the Northern state of Kayar, held special prayer sessions in support of the protesters. Meanwhile, the same group reported that the Town Councils have ordered each village to send 20 people each in order to put together groups of Swan Arr Shinn (pro-junta thugs).

1308 hrs:
It is rumoured that all the monks from the Ngwe Kyar Yan monastries have been killed.

Detained monks being forcefully defrocked

Source: http://burmese.dvb.no/news.php?id=2177

According to locals, among the monks arrested for the demonstrations, about 300 are being held in the warehouses of the GTI (Government Technological Institute) compound. They reported that the military has tried to forcefully defrock these monks.

The military troops and the pro-government Swan Arr Shin thugs had used force to round up these monks while they carried out peaceful demonstrations on the 26th and 27th of September.

A monk from Insein Township reportedly told a local that the military has reportedly tried to defrock the arrested monks by force but has not succeeded so far.

"An abbot from the Insein Sangha Nayakka (Council of Monks) was called upon to carry out the task of defrocking these monks. However, even before the arrested monks began to repeat the chants which would result in them denouncing their monkhood, the abbott declined to continue, citing sangha regulations."

Some government workers who entered the GTI compound a few days ago to repair leaking water pipes reportedly told their families that they saw about 300 monks detained within its grounds.

"There are about 300. The workers were told not to wear uniforms, and ordered to dress as civilians. One of them saw a soldier striking a monk with his belt when the monk raised his head to look at the workers."

Eyewitnesses also reported that, during the transporting of monks, a civilian driver who saw the procession of the army trucks, accidentally touched his horn, and was promptly dragged off the car and taken away.

An injured monk who had wounds on his leg was taken to the hospital, but hospital staff were ordered not to render medical treatment to the monk unless he acquiesced to take off his robes. The monk refused, and the distressed hospital staff contacted the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Mya Oo, who then gave permission to treat the monk regardless.

Locals told the reporter that all entrances and exits of the hospital, especially the main gate, are heavily guarded, and all vistors are required to go through very stringent checks before they are allowed in.

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.

Annoucement by KNU Relating the Crack Down on Sept. 26

An official announcement reported to be issued by KNU(Karen National Union) on last Thursday in Burmese language was seen posted on Dr Lun Swe's Blog.

According to it KNU:

(1) Strongly condemns the brutal crack down on monks and civilians peacefully protesting since it is a horrifying evil act.

(2) States that the crack down catalyzed the further movement of monks and protestors and therefore demands SPDC to take the full responsiblity of its own actions if the terrorist act is continued.

(3) Strongly Urges the Army to stop shooting and killing civilians and Mahar Sangha as commanded by SPDC generals for the stability of their power but instead turn the barrels of their guns unanimously towards the SPDC generals and stand for Mahar Sangha and civilians.

(4) Urges again that the soldiers at the front line to rebell the SPDC generals, unite with Mahar Sangha and civilians as well as contact with KNU and other revolutionary organizations.

(5) Urges all ethic minorities and organizations of ethic minorities which have seized fire to unite with Mahar Sangha and civilians rebel the SPDC regime unanimously.

(6) States that the brutal gunfire of SPDC does not show their strength and therefore urges Mahar Sangha and civilians to strike with greater momentum.

(7)Urges UN and the foreign countries which desire freedom, justice and peace that instead of staying aside and watching current terrorist acts of SPDC which are extremely horrifying, bring them to justice, punish them by various means and bring them to seizure .

ref:http://drlunswe.blogspot.com

Daw Kyine Kyine Spotted in Singapore!

Breaking News!

According to Nik Nayman's Blog, an eyewitness spotted Daw Kyine Kyine(Wife of General Than Shwe) in front of Mustafa Shopping Mall(Singapore) at 6:00 in a blue Toyota Vios. The eyewitness was Nik Nayman's roommate. The car slowly drifted away from the junction adjacent to Mustafa. She was sitting in the rear seat, accompanied by two men at the front seats and two women dressed in elegant cloths on her sides. They were seen smiling and not seemed to be worried about their personal security according to the eyewitness.

ref:http://niknayman.blogspot.com