|
|
News |
Moulmein University students at center of security crackdown on politically charged holiday
Sat 08 Aug 2009,
IMNA, Asah
 Students face increased security concerns from university officials and Burmese authorities alike, on the anniversary of the 1988 student up-rising, and the death of the vice-chairman of the NMSP.
On August 8, the anniversary of the “8-8-88” student uprising, Moulmein University students (Mawlamyine University) were under close scrutiny by university teachers, who had been warned to guard against any unusual student activity by the dean. Those orders come from Nay Pyi Daw (Burmese capital city) after a recent incident involving university students who went to picnic in Kayimayaw township.
University teachers have been required to keep watch on the activities of students as authorities have been concerned that students will organize protests on this politically charged day, as it marks not only the anniversary of the student uprising, but also the 20th death anniversary of former Vice?Chairman of New Mon State Party, Nai Non Lar.
Students arranged an anniversary tribute celebration in Hnee-padaw village, Mudon township, Mon state. Donations of food were made to Monks, members of the NMSP, Mon youth groups and Moulime University Students who were in Mudon township. An estimated 200 people attended the ceremony.
“The dean put out an order to watch students and also they want stop students from wearing Mon dress,” said a source close to a university teacher. “If something happens, such as students start protesting, the teachers are the ones who are held responsible.”
Not only have authorities cracked down on the University students in the area, but also the Burmese army is reported to have taken security precautions near Mudon township. According to villagers the Burmese army called a meeting with the Township Peace and Development Council (TPDC) and village headmen to tighten security inside the town and around the other villages.
The authorities have been checking every car that enters into Moulmein by way of Pha-out village. They also increased security forces in Thanpyuzayat township.
“The police are checking ever car that travels from Mudon to Moulmein. When the passengers arrive at the check point they look at the passengers ID cards,” said a passenger from Ye township. “In particular, they’re carefully checking the passengers who are from Ye township.”
According to the former University of Moulmein student, like in the 1988 uprising that happened before, students now don’t want the violence to happen again and want it to end. Which is why they went to a pagoda and placed flowers at the alter.
“We’re going to the pagoda and giving flowers because we don’t want to see the same kind of 88’ uprising,” said the former university student. “But this year we have seen many problems with the checkpoints and the military is afraid the students will be start an uprising again.”
|
|
|
Pervasive abuse of sexually trafficked women continues, new report says
Living Silence in Burma: Christina Fink