Veteran politician Win Tin to undergo eye operation

by Mizzima News
Friday, 09 October 2009 16:01

New Delhi (Mizzima) - Veteran politician Win Tin will undergo an eye operation on Friday, his close friend said.

The senior member of Burma’s opposition party – the National League for Democracy – has been suffering from blurred vision and will be operated on by Dr. Hla Myint at his clinic on 12th street in Rangoon’s Lanmadaw township.

“He was supposed to have the operation a long time ago, but since he also had a cardiac problem, he was first operated for this. After having placed a pace-maker, he is now ready for the eye operation,” Maung Muang Khin, a close friend with whom Win Tin has been staying said.

Win Tin spent over 19 years in prison and was released in September 2008. Since his release, he has been suffering from various illnesses, including heart and eye problems.

“The operation will start at 4:30 p.m. (local time). It will be his left eye, as he has already had his right eye operated,” said Maung Maung Khin, adding that since the operation is minor, Win Tin will be allowed to return home after the operation.

A strong advocate for dialogue and national reconciliation, Win Tin is a co-founder of the NLD, and is also known as the brain behind Aung San Suu Kyi.

The bachelor veteran journalist, since his release has been staying with friends and relatives and has been unable to rent a house as no landlord seems to be willing to accommodate him due to indirect pressure applied on them by authorities.

Reporting by Salai Han Thar San