Mizzima News

Chiang Mai - A unique movement has been started by Opposition groups in Burma. Activists have launched a campaign for the freedom of the Burmese democracy icon and Noble Peace Laureate by writing: 'May Daw Aung San Suu Kyi be free as soon as possible' on Burmese currency notes.

Some pro-democracy activists in Zeegone Township in Pegu Division wrote the message on Kyat 500, 200, 100, 50 and 10 denomination notes with pencils and bought goods with them from nearby shops, activists said.

However, Mizzima was unable to verify the information from independent sources.

"The campaign has been launched by well wishers of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi who want to see her free," another activist said.

Some shops unwittingly accepted the currency notes while other shop owners did it knowingly.

The regime usually views any expression on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, under house arrest for over 12 years in Burma, with suspicion even if it is peaceful dissident political activity. And it can fetch a prison sentence because it is deemed a punishable offence.

A similar campaign was launched in Gyobingauk Township, Pegu Divsiion on Sunday. The local political community also said that papers with the words 'Down with the monks killing military dictators' were distributed at crowded places such as markets and main thoroughfares.

Recently the activists led by the 'Generation Wave' distributed pamphlets with Snr. Gen. Than Shwe's portrait at some places in Rangoon with the words -- 'SPDC Snr. Gen. Than Shwe Wanted'.