Anti-NLD protest rejected
San Tin, who requested permission to hold a 300-strong protest against the National League for Democracy’s campaign in Thandwe, has officially retracted his submission, according to Thandwe Township’s police Captain Khin Zaw.
The main reason for the withdrawal was, according to the law, such a protest required a minimum of five days to process.
“San Tin came and told us that he isn’t going to do it anymore and retracted his submission in front of two witnesses. We gave him back the papers, he signed and went away,” said the captain.
The other person who applied for a similar protest, Thein Shwe, was also warned that action would be taken against him if he proceeded without legal permission.
Aung San Suu Kyi’s two-day visit to Thandwe, Rakhine State, has around 700 security personnel from numerous townships. She will also have 30 NLD-affiliated security staff and around 300 guards on the road between cities.
One Rakhine woman said: “A lot of us know Aung San Suu Kyi for who she is. Although most Thandwe residents know who is who, those from upper Rakhine region are not so welcoming towards her. Some came to Thandwe to instigate racial conflicts and we do not want to say anything because we have lived with them for as far as I can remember. If we have anything to say, we have to say it to the immigration department who let them in. Now there are people who want to protest against [the NLD] but we do not want anything that will cause trouble in the city.”
A Thandwe official said: “There is an official order that we cannot join the party but we still have our right to vote. We will vote for change. Ministers change and their houses multiply while nothing for us changes. We desperately need a proper leader. I cannot openly support her now but the answer will be there in the election.”
CR,ELEVEN MEDIA
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