Bago activists forced to sign agreement not to protest

Aug 27, 2007 (DVB)—About 50 activists and National League for Democracy members who staged a protest against high fuel prices in Bago city early today were later forced by officials to agree to stop demonstrating.

According to Thanatpin township NLD secretary U Thein Tan, who joined the protest, the Bago township chairman and district police chief ordered the group to sign an agreement vowing not to stage another demonstration.

“We signed the agreement because they ordered us to sign it. But we have more activities to do to represent the people. We will continue with our activities,” U Thein Tan said.

Eyewitnesses told DVB this morning that the group of activists started a protest in front of the Bago clock tower at about 9am before marching through the city to the Shwe Mawdaw pagoda.

“People applauded us and followed us on bicycles and motorbikes, handing us food and water,” U Thein Tan said.

Special police, Swan Arr Shin and Union Solidarity and Development Association members reportedly watched the protest closely without intervening.

At about 9:30am the activists were approached by the officials and asked to meet them in the township peace and development council office for discussions. It was during the talks that the activists were asked to sign agreements to end their protests.

Reporting by Naw Say Phaw