Chin women's group condemn junta's crackdown on protesters

August 29, 2007 - The Women's League of Chinland (WLC) today condemned the Burmese military junta for attacking and arresting women and other activists involved in the on going protests over the steep hike in petroleum prices in Burma.

Photo: Junta's thugs USDA and Swan-Aa-Shin members dragged a protestor in Rangoon, Burma.

The WLC called for the immediate release of arrested women and student leaders including Min Ko Naing and other activists.

"The increase in prices of essential commodities consequent to the fuel price hike have directly impacted Burmese women in kitchens in Burma," Cheery Zahau, coordinator of the Women's League of Chinland said.

"We realize how hard life in Burma is by seeing the women come out on the streets and protest over the rise in prices of essential commodities," Cheery Zahau added.

WLC urged the United Nations and the international community to intervene, take necessary action and pressurise the Burmese junta to stop its crackdown on its own people demanding their basic rights.

WLC in its statement on particular appealed to the Indian government to review its relations with the Burmese military government and also said that India's bonding with Burma's dictators is a shame.

The junta with the help of members of its back up organizations such as the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) and Swan-Aa-Shin have arrested protesters including prominent student leaders Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Kyi.

So far the junta has arrested over 70 activists involved in peace rallies over the fuel price hike in Burma. But, the demonstrations are now spreading to other cities of Burma. – Khonumthung.