‘Burma Crackdown’: 9 confirmed dead

September 27th, 2007 · No Comments

Reports continue to show increased violence in Burma/Myanmar. The center of reports are coming from Yangoon/Rangoon which has so far seen nine confirmed dead with more reports coming from sources elsewhere of increasing violence and escalation in death toll.

At least one foreign journalist has been killed deliberately targeted by troops who have been trying to find anyone with a camera or device to record the events taking place on the streets of Rangoon.

[] Eight protesters and a Japanese journalist were killed during protests at several locations in Yangon.Demonstrations have continued throughout the afternoon, Thursday, there is a noticeable increase in military forces and barricades around key locations.[]

The picture on the streets is not pretty, aid agency workers there to help the Burmese people are also reportedly being advised to leave Burma for fear of reprisals from gangs of thugs who have been let loose in a bid to stem protests. most visible are military efforts to get anyone trying to voice their dissatisfaction with the Government in Burma/Myanmaar.

[] Troops continue to surround monasteries and detain monks suspected of involvement in protest activity.The heavy-handed military action has provoked an angry public reaction, which is likely to build-up over next few days. []

Much like yesterday the reports show decline in actual people in the streets but overall there seems to be more open vocal resentment given in many places to tourists, visitors, and international agency workers in the region.

[] Most estimate the number of protesters in the range of 10,000 with more smaller groups being blocked from forming through arrest and intimidation. []

Religious and Aid organizations say there is little attempt by the Military to hide their actions.

No group of people are safe in areas of protest from reprisal and even the few tourists remaining,

There have been eyewitness and first hand accounts in many areas also of people being openly targeted thier belongings searched and any cameras seized.

[].. Military units are targeting and harassing westerners seen near areas of protests. Even diplomatic staff of international agencies. There is a large number of what seem to be ‘battle hardened’ troops in areas not traditionally where these units are deployed. ..[]

For the third day in a row the ‘hot spots’ in Yangoon/Rangoon are:

1. Shwedagon and Sule Pagodas

2. Main roads connecting these two locations

3. checkpoints

4. Mandalay

SITUATION REPORT:

1. Military using cs gas (teargas) and fired warning shots to disperse protesters. At same time sending in thugs to beat or harass those fleeing teargas.

2. Over 100 monks were reportedly arrested in protest areas or nearby Thursday.

3. During two separate incidents, soldiers reportedly fired automatic weapons into crowds.

4. Military threatening protesters with “extreme action” given a failure to disperse.

FRANCE24-EN-EXCLUSIVE-Birman Officer
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