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Heightened security on 1st anniversary of saffron revolution
Fri 26 Sep 2008,
IMNA
The first anniversary of the September 2007 saffron revolution today led by monks seems to be passing off peacefully in the former capital Rangoon given the heightened security and stringent checks on residents.
Soldiers and policemen jointly patrolled the city checking residents on three main roads in Thingangyun, Pyay and Bayinaung and also blocked the entrance of road where detained pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi lives.
"I don't think, the new march will take place because security has been tightened to scare people," said U Nyan Win spokesman of the National League for Democracy (NLD).
He also denied rumours that some NLD youths and members marched towards Kokkai Street leading to detained Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's house to mark the first anniversary.
However security personnel seemed to be ready for a crackdown should protests take place and more forces were deployed because of the bomb blasts outside the city hall at the fence of Bandoola Park in which seven people were injured.
However local residents suggest that the bomb could have been planned by the junta authorities because officials were checking residents who visited the park two days before the blast.
Some residents said the blast engineered by the junta could be a ploy by the authorities to tighten security and restrict residents from going out. According to a resident living in 8 mile quarter, the authorities are checking the list of guests in the quarter.
"The security forces are patrolling the capital and more forces have been deployed when it was learnt that monks would stage marches," said a resident.
A couple of days ago, the military regime deployed hundred soldiers near Maelamu pagoda when they heard that monks are planning to assemble.
The junta had resorted to a bloody crackdown on monk- led protests demanding change today last September and at least 31 people were killed and more than 70 people went missing. Thousands were detained and student monks were sent back to their home towns.
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