LOCAL NLD YOUTH HONOR ACTIVIST SU SU NWE

UNCLAS E F T O RANGOON 001092 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE STATE FOR EAP/MLS; PACOM FOR FPA E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/30/2016 TAGS: PGOV PHUM ECON PREL BM SUBJECT: LOCAL NLD YOUTH HONOR ACTIVIST SU SU NWE REF: RANGOON 964 ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Despite increased scrutiny and harassment by the authorities, local NLD Youth members in Twante Township outside Rangoon held a ceremony July 30 honoring Su Su Nwe, the recently released political prisoner who successfully sued the regime over forced labor in her village (reftel A). Deeply appreciative of Su Su Nwe's bravery and sacrifice on their behalf, approximately 50 local villagers and supporters attended the ceremony at the home of a local NLD MP elect. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (SBU) A ceremony honoring Su Su Nwe, the recently released political prisoner who dared to challenge the regime over forced labor in her village, was held July 30 in Kawmoo, Twante Township, across the river from Rangoon. The ceremony was originally scheduled to be held on July 25, but authorities refused permission for an event that day, claiming that a SPDC official would be visiting the area. Using persistence, a trait for which Su Su Nwe is well known, the organizers obtained permission to hold the event on July 30, explaining that it would not be political but a small ceremony in honor of a local villager, Su Su Nwe. ¶3. (SBU) In what organizers believed was an effort to discourage travel from Rangoon to the event, local police searched ferry passengers going between Rangoon and Twante beginning on July 28. Those who did not have their National Registration Card (NRC) were turned back. Police claimed to be searching passengers because they had obtained information regarding a plot to blow up a nearby bridge. On July 30, police also began checking passenger's NRCs against a never-before seen book of names. The close scrutiny of passengers ended after the event on July 30. The low-key ceremony was held from 10-12 in the morning. A local NLD township member read Su Su Nwe's biography to the audience and the NLD MP elect in whose home the event was held read a poem in her honor. ¶4. (SBU) COMMENT: Su Su Nwe is a committed NLD member who is willing to put herself forward to oppose the regime in defense of these villagers. Recognizing her bravery the NLD senior leaders gave their blessings to the village tribute. Su Su Nwe is another in a long line of Burmese willing to stand up for what is right and she is a welcome youthful face to inspire other young people, whom many older Burmese activists worry have given in to hopelessness. END COMMENT VILLAROSA