Mizzima News

New Delhi: Hundreds of demonstrators from Taungkok, Rakhine State had to abandon their demonstration planned for today due to fears of violent repression by the local authorities.

The police, riot police, fire brigade members, USDA members and the militia Swanahshin armed with batons, shields and catapults, assembled near the gate of the historical shrine of Phaungdaw Oo pagoda. Meanwhile over 200 people including 10 monks were gathered near the Myoma market downtown to stage demonstrations. They had to abort their plans for fear of violent backlash and were forced to disperse.

"They are ready to crush our planned peaceful demonstration by violent means with batons, shields and catapults. So we dispersed and withdrew from the assembly area to avoid confrontation with them," Moe Nay Soe from the Opposition party---the National League for Democracy told Mizzima.

Army cars were patrolling and more security forces had been seen in the western Burmese town after tension escalated.

Demonstrators said that the Army was forcibly buying paddy from the farmers at the rate of one basket per acre for army rations.

The people are facing economic hardships and suffering due to forced labour, which compelled them to stage this demonstration, sources said.

Meanwhile, 11 members of the Taungkok NLD party including Secretary Khin Hla, Treasurer Min Aung were still behind bars for their involvement in the Saffron Revolution of September last year.