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BURMESE MI HANDS OVER BUDDHIST MONK



Subject: BURMESE MI HANDS OVER BUDDHIST MONKS TO DKBA



Media Release - 07/99
January 22, 1999

                                    
     BURMESE MILITARY INTELLIGENCE HANDS OVER BUDDHIST MONKS TO DKBA

Officers from Burmese Military Intelligence Unit 25 (MIS-25)
detained two Buddhist monks on December 20, 1998 and handed them
over to the breakaway Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA),
raising concerns over the safety of the monks.

The monks, U Tilawka, 35, and U Panya Sekka, 24, were travelling
to Kakareik on a religious mission when they were detained by the
MIS agents at the Friendship Bridge, connecting Thailand's Mae
Sot and Myawaddy, in Karen State.  The MIS Unit is based in
Myawaddy. 

The two monks live in Hwaykalok Refugee Camp near the Thai-Burma
border, opposite Myawaddy. The camp residents do not support the
DKBA and the two monks are also said to be opposed to the actions
of the breakaway group.

After detaining the monks, the MIS interrogated and then
transferred them to the DKBA. The fate of the two is still
unknown and the monastery and community in the refugee camp are
gravely concerned for their safety. 

The DKBA broke away from the mainstream Karen movement in 1994.
Its members are responsible for numerous incursions into Thailand
and frequent looting of Thai villagers, burning of refugee camps
and killing of Karen villagers.

The renegade group has operated along the Thai-Burma border with
the backing of the Burmese army, despite constant denials from
army officials.

All Burma Students' Democratic Front

For more information please contact 01-654 4984, 01-253 9082