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Defence Services concerned about un



BBC Summary of World Broadcasts 

August 19, 1999

Defence Services concerned about unrest, issue free army rations 

Source: Democratic Voice of Burma, Oslo, in Burmese 1245 GMT 17 Aug 99 

Text of report by Burmese opposition radio on 17th August 


According to DVB [Democratic Voice of Burma] reports, 9-9-99 agitative
activities have been increasing in Burma despite severe restrictions. A
secret Defence Services Strategic Studies report has also suggested to
handle the increasing 9-9-99 activities with caution. DVB correspondent
Kyaw Swa presented this report. 

The Defence Services Strategic Studies, headed by Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, SPDC
[State Peace and Development Council] Military Intelligence chief, in its
secret report noted the widening gap between the top and the bottom echelon
of the Defence Services. It suggested the situation should be handled with
care during these few months. Accordingly, dependents of Defence Services
personnel and police force members were to be given more rations during
these few months. The report also suggested the use of Police, Fire
Services Department, and Kyant Phut [derogatory reference to Union
Solidarity and Development Association] members first in case of any public
unrest in order to boost the morale of the Defence Services
personnel. 

A directive has been issued that all personnel should be given free monthly
rations including rice and 50 ticals [about 800 ml] of oil, dependents
should be each given four pyis [about 10 kg] of rice per month, and
officials should meet with personnel and dependents at least twice a month.
Furthermore, the Police Department has been advised to expand and the
education level for new recruits has been lowered from seventh grade to
kindergarten for the Burmese and second grade for the national races. 

Agitation to hold the 9-9-99 protest has been very strong in many Burmese
towns. Posters, pamphlets, slogans spray-painted on walls and roads, and
9-9-99 stamped on monetary notes are quite widespread and the Defence
Services is very worried that a public unrest similar to 8-8-88 might occur
on 9-9-99. 



               
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