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People protest fuel price hike, authorities break up demonstrations
Wed 22 Aug 2007,
Banyol Kin, IMNA
Hundreds of pro-democracy supporters took to the streets and began marching in Yangon today, protesting against the massive fuel price increase in Burma. Seven were arrested after the junta broke up demonstrations.
The protesters walked from Myay Ni Gon to Hlae Tan after they met other protest groups. They continued to walk to Tha Min Lan Zone. The authorities forced them to disperse.
“They came to arrest our people but our groups withdrew. Many people shouted asking not to be arrested. 'If any one is not connected to the movement don't come close,' authorites announced," said a pro democracy activist Htat Naing to IMNA over telephone.
"We are very sorry that we were unable to help Naw Ohm Hla's group who were arrested" he added.
The state owned media New light of Myanmar reported that 13 activists of the 88 generation including Min Ko Naing were arrested last night. Today the authorities arrested pro-democracy activists Naw Ohm Hla, That Oyo Way, Ma Cho Cho Lwen, Daw San San Myint, Yan Yan Myat, Daw Tan Yee and Ko Than Zaw Myint.
The paper accused the group of planning to instigate nationwide protests on Wednesday.
According to NLD spoke person U Myint Thein, an estimated thousand people demonstrated in three places. Demonstrators told him they saw one bus load of protesters being taken away by the police. They did not have their names.
"When we started the protest only two or three hundred people joined us but after we explained that we are marching on behalf of the people who are suffering due to the hike in fuel prices and resulting inflation many people followed us increasing the numbers," said Htat Naing.
The National League for Democracy in the Liberation Areas released a statement condemning the military regime for breaking up the peaceful demonstration using violence.
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