CRACKDOWN RESULTS IN CASUALTIES

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 RANGOON 000926 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP/MLS; INR/EAP; S/ES-O/CMS PACOM FOR FPA E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/20/2017 TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM BM SUBJECT: CRACKDOWN RESULTS IN CASUALTIES REF: A. RANGOON 924 ¶B. RANGOON 913 AND PREVIOUS Classified By: CDA Villarosa for Reasons 1.4 (b) & (d) ¶1. (C) Summary. The regime resorted to violence against peaceful protests for a second day of the regime's crackdown. Embassy officers observed security forces shooting into crowds, using tear gas to disperse crowds, and beating defiant protesters. We have received reports of numerous injuries and can confirm one death. Overnight security forces arrested several NLD members, including NLD spokesman U Myint Thein. They also raided several local monasteries, arresting and beating monks in the process. The GOB stated that Aung San Suu Kyi remains under house arrest at her residence. End Summary. Crackdown Results in Casualties -------------- ¶2. (C) While conducting surveillance of the downtown area early on September 27, Poloff observed police erecting blockades on main streets and near pagodas to prevent marches. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic around Shwe Dagon Pagoda remained completely blocked, and the security around Aung San Suu Kyi's residence remained tight. Embassy officers observed army trucks full of troops at various locations around Rangoon throughout the day. ¶3. (C) For the eleventh straight day, protests occurred throughout Rangoon. Unlike previous protests, the majority of protestors were civilians, with a few monks helping organize the marches. Embassy officers stationed around the city saw crowds consisting of as many as 4,000 civilians. In an effort to break up the marches, police set up and enforced blockades, sprayed tear gas, and fired shots into the crowd. Poloff witnessed one casualty, possibly a death in the downtown area, and the arrest of one person. While monitoring the situation, we noticed protesters repeated the gatherings that we saw yesterday: after the police either used tear gas or fired into the crowds, the groups would quickly disperse only to reconvene a few hours later. Emboffs reported more gunfire against this second move. Witnesses told us that during demonstrations throughout the city, police chased and beat the demonstrators. ¶4. (C) We also learned that one foreigner was injured during the demonstrations, although we have not been able to confirm his identity or nationality. He is assumed to be a journalist or photographer, several of whom were noticed in front of demonstrators. ¶5. (C) Even though the security forces ultimately resorted to violence, Poloff observed attempts by security forces to exercise discipline and restraint. The authorities broadcast announcements, using very polite Burmese, requesting the demonstrators to disperse or they would have to use force in ten minutes. In addition he observed the riot police marching in formation, those in front carrying shields only and no weapons. When bystanders began throwing rocks and bricks at them, they did not react. Overnight Arrests -------------- ¶6. (C) Embassy sources confirmed authorities arrested several top NLD and ethnic leaders the night of September 26. NLD sources told us police arrested party spokesman U Myint Thein and NLD member U Hla Pe in their homes last night. Authorities also detained Pu Kyin Shin Htan of the Zomi National Congress and MP-elect Htang Kho Tan. Our contacts told us the men were brought to the Aung Tha Pyay Interrogation Center in Rangoon. Police told their families to provide an ample supply of clothes, suggesting they may be detained for a long time. We are seeking to confirm reports police also arrested NLD members in Mandalay and Magwe last night. Monasteries Raided Overnight RANGOON 00000926 002 OF 002 -------------- ¶7. (C) On the night of September 26, authorities raided at least six large monasteries in Rangoon, many with significant numbers of student monks. Sources told us that approximately 200 soldiers arrested Sayada Aindakaat, the leader of Makyin Monastery and at least five other monks and three laypersons. Late last night, authorities reportedly arrested as many as 100 monks from the Ngwe Kyar Yan monastery. Nearby witnesses reported hearing sounds of violence coming from inside the monastery. According to Poloff, who saw the munitions canister, the police used 40 millimeter riot control munitions during this raid. We have also received unconfirmed reports monasteries in Mandalay and Magwe were raided last night. ¶8. (C) In the afternoon of September 27, locals living around the monastery visited the site to check on the monks, and found the inside of the monastery in tatters: blood spots on the floor, broken pots, and several destroyed Buddha statues. Word spread and neighborhood residents began to gather at the monastery, several contacts confirmed. Photos of the destruction are now circulating on the internet. The riot police arrived to suppress the protests, and fired several shots with rubber bullets. The locals refused to leave and instead surrounded the police and threw stones. Additional riot police arrived on scene. As of 1700, the skirmish was still ongoing. ¶9. (C) One foreigner told us that during his visit to a different local monastery on September 27, the monks expressed their reluctance to protest. The foreigner indicated that the monks were now afraid that the security forces would use force against them, although they had taken a lead in previous demonstrations. Aung San Suu Kyi's Whereabouts Confirmed -------------- ¶10. (C) The Deputy Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed us that rumors about Aung San Suu Kyi's transfer to Insein Prison were not true. He stated that she remains under house arrest at her residence (Ref A). Comment -------------- ¶11. (C) The demonstrators continue to risk their lives to demand change. The difference today was a significantly reduced number of monks but otherwise similar sized crowds to yesterday. The public protest at the Ngwe Kyar Yan Monastery took place at a distance from downtown, possibly signifying a broadening. What is clear is that the demonstrators realize they must continue now, otherwise they risk another twenty years of military rule before the next generation dares to take them on again. VILLAROSA