Taunggok Protests, Roads and Schools Closed

17 January 2008 Press Release
Original Report by Naw Say Paw

This morning, police forces dispersed the gathering of around 200 people to launch a protest, in Taunggok, Arakan (Rakhine), it is reported.

At 7:00 am, a crowd of about 70 people gathered in front of the town centre market place, for a walking protest, to demonstrate the daily suffering and troubles, faced by ordinary civilians, according to one participant.

News of the planned demonstration, however was leaked and authorities managed to intervene the marching before it started and dispersed the crowd.

To stop the people from the surrounding area joining the protest, all the transportation system to town has been blocked, including the jetties. All the schools and markets were also being closed.

Taunggok, famous for its political activities, since last September, still has their leading political members being detained.

The authorities suspected the involvement of the town's National League for Democracy Party in today's protests and the deputy chair U Than Pe' was taken away for a 30 mins long interrogation at 11 :00 pm, last night.

The atmosphere in town is still very tense this afternoon and there are predictions that the protests will start as soon as the security forces are being reduced.