New Delhi - A solo protestor in the town of Taungup in western Burma's Arakan state was arrested by local police on Friday morning while marching the streets with a placard calling for the release of detained pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, an eyewitness said.
Myint Thein Chea, aged more than 30, on Friday morning marched through the streets of Taungup with a placard reading "Release Our Mother Daw Aung San Suu Kyi" and "Release all political prisoners."
But his solo protest was short-lived, as he was arrested by four policemen who came after him on motorbikes. He was then taken to the Taungup Township police station, a local eyewitness on condition of anonymity told Mizzima.
"Brandishing his placard, he started marching from Taungup's stone pillar this morning. But he must have only marched for about 15 minutes when four policemen came on motorbikes and forcibly took him away," the eyewitness recounted.
Balagyi, a member of the Taungup Township National League for Democracy who was closely following the activities of the protestor, told Mizzima that Myint Thein Chea had on Thursday evening began a solo protest in his locality, Kan Paing ward, for a brief period of time.
"He was not arrested yesterday because the authorities did not realize his protest. But this morning when he began marching in the street police arrested him," Balagyi explained.
While the reasons for Myint Thein Chea's solo protest remain unclear, the father of three children has since been transferred to the Township Peace and Development Council office after police briefly interrogated him, Balagyi added.
"His wife and children are very much worried as they still cannot get information about him," Balagyi said.
On August 8, authorities arrested 48 people in Taungup for holding a similar protest in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the popular '8.8.88' uprising.
While 43 were later released in the evening following brief interrogations by the police, five key organizers of the protest continue to be held in custody.
