Poll campaigners assaulted by USDA members

Tuesday, 22 December 2009 21:15 Myint Maung

New Delhi (Mizzima) - Five members of a political party were allegedly assaulted by Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) members on December 19, while campaigning for the 2010 general election.

About 20 USDA members led by Township USDA Secretary Myint Lwin and about 200 villagers beat them up while they were organizing an election talk show in Ahlat Chaung village, across Kyimyindine Township, leaders of the Union of Myanmar National Political League said.

“About 200 people led by Myint Lwin and Setkalay Village Tract Peace and Development Council Chairman Nyunt Tin accosted us. When I asked them who was leading the group and requested they be controlled, Myint Lwin said that he was the leader and asked us what we are doing there. Then they beat us up with sticks and pelted stones on us,” the party Vice-Chairman Ye Htun told Mizzima.

Daw Kyu Kyu (Ahlat Chaung) was injured in the head and Aye Aye Maw on her shoulder. They are being treated at the hospital. Three others sustained slight injuries, it is learnt.

Flags and party symbols of the organization, the flag of the State, flags with peacock on a tri-colour background, the flag of 88-Generation Students and Youths with the fighting peacock in a red background were all set on fire, Ye Htun alleged.

The talk show was being held with the permission of the Rangoon Command Commander Maj. Gen. Win Myint. They had held similar events during the campaign in Syriam, Kayan, Thone Gwa townships in Rangoon Division, he said.

It is learnt that the Kyimyindine police station is recording statements of 26 people after a complaint was lodged. Over 40 party members witnessed the incident.

The police officer on duty in nearby Set San police station under the Ahlat Chaung administrative area refused to answer Mizzima’s queries.

Despite announcing the 2010 election, the junta is yet to enact and promulgate the required laws and regulations for the election and registration of political parties.

The 88-Generation Students and Youths Organization (Union of Myanmar) has also often been holding similar campaign talk shows in Rangoon Division.

Though the Democratic Party and United Parties League have announced that they will contest the 2010 election, they are yet to campaign.

The United Parties League comprises of breakaway ‘National League for Democracy’ (NLD) party called ‘Wuntharnu NLD party’, National Politics NLD Youth (Meiktila), Patriotic National Politics Association (Taungdwingyi), Peace and Progress Organization, National Politics Rakhine State, Demo NLD (Sagaing Division), Advocators of National Politics, G-7, New Generation Students of Political Economy Study, individuals and some delegates of the National Convention.

The Democratic Party is led by veteran politician U Thu Wei and other leaders are daughters of some famous political leaders.