YANGON, 22 Feb — The following is a translation of clarification made by Chairman of the Information Committee of the State Peace and Development Council Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan at the Press Conference No 2/2006 on matters related to atrocities of Thangyaung (a) Myint Soe (a) Sao Khun Kyaw of SSA (South) and ABSDF, and terrorist acts committed by ABSDF upon the nation and the people.

At this press conference, I will clarify matters on atrocities of SSA (South) brigade-241 commander Thangyaung (a) Myint Soe (a) Sao Khun Kyaw who was arrested in Namkham Township of northern Shan State together with insurgents as they were totally opposed by local populace and also on the cruel terrorist acts committed by ABSDF upon the nation and the people.

At the press conference No 1/2006 held on 17-1-2006 in Lashio, I clarified that SSA (South) brigade-241 insurgents led by Thangyaung got disintegrated as they did not get the support of local people. Some of the insurgents surrendered and some were arrested. Some of the insurgents who surrendered and who were arrested were shown to mediamen for interview in this hall.

At that press conference, a media person asked why he could not see Thangyaung. I replied that Thangyaung had committed a series of major crimes; he was a terrorist and involved in narcotic drug trafficking; for security reasons he could not be shown before the people at the press conference and Ambassadors and mediamen can meet him by making jail visit. Now, terrorist acts and crimes committed by Thangyaung have been traced and exposed. So, I will clarify about it.

I will clarify matters on atrocities and inhuman acts of ABSDF which committed terrorist acts in the manner like BCP (Burma Communist Party) which practised dismiss-expel-kill method. The ABSDF is also influenced by anarchistic behaviour of the 1988 disturbances.

I will present a thorough clarification of the incidents, the coming into existence of ABSDF, its links with other insurgent groups, political parties and anti-government organizations outside the nation inciting the group and providing assistance.

Regarding the coming into existence of ABSDF (All Burma Students Democratic Front), it can be found that during the 1988 disturbances, ABFSU (All Burma Federation of Student Unions) led by Min Ko Naing, Ko Ko Gyi and Moe Thee Zun laid down three strategies — to carry out semi-UG activities, to form political parties lawfully and to launch armed insurrection. Accordingly, on 5-11-1988 at the conference held at Wankha camp of the insurgents at border area formed ABSDF (All Burma Students Democratic Front). The 13-member ABSDF CEC was formed with Tun Aung Kyaw (a) Bebyu as chairman, Win Moe as vice-chairman, and Than Win as general secretary.

The main aim of it was to launch armed insurrection including terrorist acts against the Government while joining hands harmoniously with local political parties including NLD, anti-government groups abroad and other insurgent groups.

At the emergency meeting of ABSDF held on 1-1-1989, the ABSDF battalions were formed. The battalions were Nos 101 and 102 battalions at border of Mon State; Nos 201 to 211 battalions at border of Kayin State; No 303 battalion at border of Kayah State; Nos 401 and 801 battalions in Shan State; and No 701 battalion in Kachin State, etc. Some of those who absconded to border in Sagaing Division formed battalions too. There were 19 battalions of ABSDF launching armed insurrection against the State. Those who reached to Kachin State formed temporary management committee at Laisin camp. Later the ABSDF (Kachin) central leading committee was formed with three patrons including Hlwan Moe (Mogaung). The ABSDF (Kachin) central committee was led by Kyaw Kyaw as chairman and Myo Win (Mohnyin) as secretary. ABSDF battalion-701 was formed and the military operations in-charge was Thangyaung.

Those who absconded to the border in Sagaing Division through Tamu route formed an ABSDF camp at Laikhu. Up to January 1989, the central leading bodies and battalions were formed with some 150 members.

Later, as the ABSDF (Central) at the Kayin State border was disintegrated, it was taken charge by Tun Aung Kyaw (a) Bebyu as chairman, Naing Aung as vice-chairman, and Than Win as general secretary after an emergency meeting held in February 1989. Now the ABSDF (central) is led by Than Khe as chairman, Myo Win as vice-chairman, Kyaw Ko as general secretary, Salai Yaw Aung as secretary-1 and Sonny as secretary-2. The central executive committee is comprised by Lwan Ni and Kyaw Thura and other members. Under the ABSDF, there are central branch, central security unit and 9 battlions. However the total strength is about 260. Under the ABSDF (central) were ABSDF (West) and ABSDF (North) but the strength of both does not exceed one hundred. The organizational set-up of it is put on display in this hall. According to the strategies, some former student union members led by Moe Thee Zun formed DPNS (Democratic Party for New Society) to carry out party politics aboveground. Although he set up a political party, Moe Thee Zun committed unlawful acts and he could not stay aboveground so he went underground on 17-4-1989.

Even the DPNS above-ground got split into two and disunited. The CEC was to be formed separately. It did not win in the 1990 elections. According to its strategy, it made contacts with insurgent groups and had BCP hardcores activating in it. Thus, DPNS was degistered from the status of a political party on 6-12-1991. Some DPNS members who went underground formed again DPNS at Manerpalaw camp at the border on 25-5-1994. Moe Thee Zun who back Ohn Than and Thet Hmu into Myanmar to collude with BCP UGs within the country. Ohn Than and Thet Hmu were exposed and arrested by security members. These incidents were clarified in detail at the 107th special press conference held on 7-12-1990. Later, Moe Thee Zun took charge as chairman of DPNS in February 2000. Now chairman of DPNS is Aung Moe Zaw.

ABSDF is also involved in the DAB (Democratic Alliance of Burma). In DAB, there were 21 groups such as KNU (Karen Nationals Union), ABSDF (All Burma Student Democratic Front), DPNS (Democratic Party for New Society), ALP (Arakan Liberation Party), CNF (Chin Liberation front), LDR (Lahu Democratic Front), NUFA (National United Front of Arakan), PPP (People's Patriotic Party), PPF (People's Progressive Front), PLF (People's Liberation Front), PSLF (Pa-O People's Liberation Front), PDF (People's defence Front), PPLO (Pa-O People's Liberation Organization), KNPP (Kayinni Nationals Progressive Party), etc. DAB was reformed in April 2004 and now there are 19 groups in it. The main aim of DAB is to mobilize strength to oppose the Government. DAB is headed by Tamalar Baw as chairman, Khaing Soe Naing Aung of ALP as vice-chairman, and Myo Win of ABSDF and Kyaw Htet of PDF as secretaries. Moreover, ABSDF also comprises NCUB (National Council of the Union of Burma). NCUB was formed on 4-8-1992 with the combination of DAB, expatriate Sein Win's NCGUB (National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma), National League for Democracy (Liberated Area) and NDF (National Democratic Front). The NCUB is headed by Tamalar Baw as chairman, Khaing Soe Naing Aung of ALP as vice-chairman, Maung Maung (alias) Pyithit Nyunt Wai of FTUB as general secretary, Myo Win of ABSDF, Sharman and Arcee of KNU, Myint Thein and Aye Than of NLD (LA) and leaders of other insurgent groups as members.

 
Thangyaung(L) and Dr Naing Aung(R)

Sharman and Arcee of KNU and Myint Thein and Aye Than of NLD (LA) who are NCUB members are in charge of internal UG sabotage and Myo Win of ABSDF takes charge as secretary of internal UG saboteurs. The main aim of NCUB is to launch political defiance against the Government through military means as well as sabotage, political, diplomatic and public defiance. To effectively implement this aim, NCUB formed PDC (Political Defiance Committee) in January 1993 with Phado Yoshu and Phado Mansha of KNU, Myint Zaw of DPNS and Aung Saw Oo of ABSDF. Phado Yoshu is the leader.

The aims of the PDC are:

(1) to ensure non-cooperation between the public and the Government and to instigate public defiance;

(2) to raise the momentum of military and diplomatic offensive while defiance of authority among the public gains momentum.

The PDC practically translated into action the lectures given by Robert Helvery who was army attache of a western big nation around 1983 in Myanmar and senior official of Albert Einstein Institute Gene Sharp. The report of PDC submitted to a NCUB meeting in August 1993 mentioned the points to ensure emergence of student union and to launch political movement by keeping the student union as hard-core. Accordingly, the former student union members are now carrying out movement within the country.

It can be seen that NLD (LA) is cooperating with ABSDF, NCUB and PDC in committing terrorist acts. Meanwhile, it has opened an office in a neighbouring country and is perpetrating political movement. Members of the NLD (LA) are mostly expatriate NLDs. The present chairman of NLD (LA) is Tin Aung, vice-chairman Toe Taung, secretary Myint Thein, and joint secretary-1 Tint Swe. Its memberships is about 50 only.

I will continue to clarify atrocities and inhuman acts committed within ABSDF (North). A Tatmadaw column engaged ABSDF group on 13-12-1990 in Kachin State. At the skirmish, ABSDF battalion-701 member Taik Peik (alias) Than Tun Soe was arrested. According to Taik Peik, it is learnt that he took part in the movement of labour union in Theinzayat during the 1988 disturbances. Later, he left for Ranong via Kawthoung. He sneaked to Yangon by the end of November 1988 to reactivate the movement.

With the help of NLD youth in-charge Soe Thein in Yangon, he became a volunteer at the NLD headquarters on University Avenue. Taik Peik lived in Daw Suu Kyi’s house compound. He was accused of being a spy by tri-colour youth group members. Taik Peik was interrogated in a building under construction in the compound. The next day he was released because youths of NLD office recommended him. Since then, Than Tun Soe was dubbed “Taik Peik” which means a person put in a cell.

Later in February 1989, Taik Peik moved to Student Democracy Revolutionary Party near the Hledan traffic lights and lived there. Taik Peik plotted with Student Democracy Revolutionary Party chairman Aye Lwin, NLD youth in-charge Soe Thein and All Burma Federation of Student Unions (ABFSU) (Upper Myanmar) chairman Tun Aung Kyaw to abscond to the border. He reached ABSDF (Kachin) group in Kachin State on 1-5-1989.

Soon after arriving there, he was sent with propaganda video tapes and documentary photos on the activities by ABSDF (Kachin) secretary Myo Win to contact ABSDF hardcores in Yangon and Mandalay. Taik Peik arrived Yangon and contacted Democratic Graduates and Old Students Group vice-chairman Mya Aye and Ye Moe Hein. While in Yangon, Taik Peik and Ye Moe Hein got a chance to meet Daw Suu Kyi via Ko Maw (alias) Maw Min Lwin who was a close security member of Daw Suu Kyi. In meeting with Daw Suu Kyi on 9-6-89, Taik Peik said he returned to Yangon from ABSDF (Kachin) with assigned duty bringing along video tapes and photos to be distributed to hardcores in the city and he inquired the attitude of Daw Suu Kyi towards ABSDF. In response, Daw Suu Kyi asked them to stay united. And she said that students underground were the strength of democracy activists. Taik Peik together with Ye Moe Hein met with a counsellor of a western embassy with the help of embassy staff Daw Nita Yin Yin May at her office on 11-6-1989. Daw Nita Yin Yin May copied the video tape brought along from ABSDF (Kachin). On 13-6-1989, they met Daw Cho Cho Kyaw Nyein, informed her that her adopted sons Maung Maung Kywe and Hlwan Moe were in good health at ABSDF (Kachin) and gave her two propaganda video tapes.

Taik Peik arrived back Laisin camp on 29-8-1989. Beginning 1 June 1989, the No 701 battalion of ABSDF (Kachin) and No 401 battalion of ABSDF (Shan) were combined into ABSDF (North) there with Tun Aung Kyaw who went underground from ABFSU (Upper Myanmar) as chairman and Thangyaung (alias) Myint Soe as in-charge of military operations.

The ABSDF (North) was manipulated by in-charge of military operations Thangyaung and UG (underground operations) in-charge Myo Win. They bullied and tortured member youths. They also punished students giving death sentences, Taik Peik said.

For instance, Tun Nwe Aung of No 701 battalion of ABSDF was shot death in detention on 5-2-1990 for fleeing to a neighbouring country and having an affair with a girl member. Later, they also sentenced Hlwan Moe to death for defiance of order, misappropriating funds of ABSDF, sending money back to his parents and stealing of Myo Win’s diary. Right in front of members including Taik Peik on 7-4-1990, Thangyaung himself read out the sentence upon Hlwan Moe and shot him death with a M-20 pistol. ABSDF member Aung Kyaw was also tortured during interrogation and he died on 16-5-1990. During the last week of August 1990, Zaw Ko who fled from ABSDF was given death sentence. He was forced to dig his own grave and then was killed with a mattock. Taik Peik also testified that he was tortured in various ways till he lost his consciousness under detention by Thangyaung and Myo Win. He said he was accused of attempting to cause disintegration of the group and sowing discord among upper and lower levels. Later, Taik Peik was assigned duty to cooperate with No 701 battalion of ABSDF. At that time he was arrested by a Tatmadaw column during a skirmish.

During the 1988 disturbances, innocent people were accused of acts they had not committed and beheaded before the public by anarchists.

Those anarchists took charge of the ABSDF and committed atrocities in a manner like BCP’s dismiss-expel-kill practice. Thus, many a number of youths away from their parents were killed in the jungle. To inform the people of these incidents and to prevent youths from following the wrong path, a special press conference was held in January 1991. ABSDF member Taik Peik (alias) Than Tun Soe is brought here for you journalists to interview about the murders of Thangyaung.

According to the organizational set-up of ABSDF (North), Thangyaung took charge of military operations. In the 1988 disturbances, he participated in the anti-government demonstrations in Mandalay, Mohnyin and Mawhan regions. In September 1988, he organized youths from Mohnyin Township and went underground. He took leadership role in forming the ABSDF (Kachin). He acted as military operations in-charge in forming the ABSDF (North). He was notorious to be the criminal who committed a large number of murders in the internal insurgency of Myanmar. Thangyaung entrusted 1 million kyats of extortion money to business groups of the neighbouring country for his personal interest. It ignited disputes and dissatisfaction within ABSDF (North) leading to tortures, coercion and murders committed by Thangyaung himself.

In August 1991, ABSDF (North) military operations in-charge Thangyaung accused member Soe Myint Aung of making contacts with Tatmadaw camp in Lweje and tortured him. Soe Myint Aung could not bear the tortures and he falsely admitted that he was a spy. He also invented a list of spies in the ABSDF.

In addition to killing Soe Myint Aung, Thangyaung arrested about 100 youths, accused them of being spies and murdered them brutally. In this way, a large number of innocent youths who went underground believing the lies of political self-seekers were tortured and brutally murdered by Thangyaung and group.

The group led by Thangyaung forced a large number of youths to confess as spies, tortured them in various ways. Hence, 55 ABSDF member youths fled Pajao camp on 21-5-1992 by breaking away from the detention camp. Of them, Aung Kyaw Myint (Dawbon) died on the journey as he was tortured at the detention camp. On 22-5-1992, altogether 54 youths arrived at Yinzhang across the border and 48 of them were arrested by Chinese police. They surrendered at No 47 Regiment in Lweje on 26-5-1992.

According to the revelations of those insurgents who surrendered, it is learnt that altogether 32 members of ABSDF died like Aung Kyaw Myint (Dawbon) due to torture perpetrated by ABSDF (North) military operations in-charge Thangyaung and group. The list of those persons who were killed in the jungle due to tortures of Thangyaung in 1992 are reported separately.

Of the 48 ABSDF members who surrendered, 5 persons died. The authorities contacted the remaining persons to find out the atrocities of Thangyaung. They recounted how Thangyaung cruelly committed murders. Of them, 6 persons experienced themselves the cruelties of Thangyaung. Those six persons are:

(1) Kan Myint Oo

(2) Kyaw Myo

(3) Naing Lin (a) Htay Win

(4) Myint Thein

(5) Tun San

(6) Kyaw Thein

These six former ABSDF (North) members recounted that they were arrested as spies together with some 100 ABSDF (North) members, blind-folded with their hands tied in the back, their legs locked and interrogated under all methods of torture. Some were given electric shocks with battery, some persons’ heads were dipped into water, some were beaten with bamboo sticks and some were tortured with knives, they recounted.

Due to tortures, 14 persons died. On 12-2-1992 evening, some 19 persons including ABSDF former chairman Tun Aung Kyaw were brought to killing ground one by one. And Thangyaung himself shot them to dead or killed them with knife. One of them named Thaung Myint (Taze) asked Thangyaung not to kill him with knife. Thus Thangyaung shot him dead. Kyar Lay (alias) Aung Soe who accompanied the persons as a guard was also killed by Thangyaung’s group. The 55 detained members of ABSDF said that they fled from ABSDF (North) detention camp realizing that they would be killed soon. They surrendered at Tatmadaw camps.

Kyaw Myo of Mayangon village, Bilin Township, Mon State, who himself had experienced the tortures of Thangyaung, recounted that he was accused of being a spy and he was slashed in the chest with knife by Thangyaung. Kyaw Myo also showed his scars. The seven ABSDF members who surrendered are brought here in this hall for the journalists to interview how they themselves suffered and encountered the cruelties of Thangyaung.

Likewise, the testimonies of ABSDF members Lazun Gamli, Thet Naing, Kyaw Khaing Win and Aung San Oo exposed the atrocities and murders of Thangyaung. Their testimonies are displayed here separately. Aung San Oo's testimonies revealed that Thangyaung and group sticked dynamite on Cho Gyi (Mandalay)'s hand was blasted and then he was decapitated; Ma Khin Cho Oo was stripped off clothes before she was killed.

Moreover, SSA (South) brigade-241 company commander Sai Htoo and battalion CO Sai Phone who were arrested in Namkham Township as well as other ABSDF members who surrendered also recounted their experiences of witnessing the murders committed by Thangyaung. Similarly, SSA (South) brigade-241 demanded extortion money near Yinkwe hill in Kyaukme Township in early 2000. In so doing, three policemen on board the passenger bus were beaten to death as ordered by Thangyaung near Konnyaung village of Yaksawk Township. The villagers of Konnyaung village were ordered to bury the remains of the three policemen. We have made arrangements for the ambassadors and journalists to interview Sai Htoo and Sai Phone.

Moreover, Soe Soe (alias) Soe Lay of ABSDF (North) who returned to the legal fold in Waingmaw Township of Kachin State in May 2001 testified that while living closely with Thangyaung and acting as a Shan interpreter, he witnessed the atrocities of Thangyaung. In 1995, instructor Thein Oo Gyi (Mohnyin) fled from Pajao camp. He was seized and he and two others were accused of being spies and killed as ordered by Thangyaung.When KIO returned to the legal fold, the ABSDF (North) of Thangyaung and remnant members were not allowed in the area and therefore they hid their weapons and lived at border in low profile in scattered places. Six months later Thangyaung and some 80 members regrouped themselves via contacts of a SSNA brigade commander. They moved to Shan State (North). Thangyaung and the SSNA brigade-16 commander arranged to refine heroin at Lwekhay mountain range. A lot of opium was collected for refining.

About July 1997, a brigade of SSA (South) Ywet Sit group they moved to Shan State (South) at the advice and assistance of the former. In 1998 Thangyaung and group formed the SSA (South) brigade-241 at Man-O village at the border. They lived at the border for about one month and they joined SSA (South) brigade-198. Soe Lay disclosed that they performed security duty of a heroin refinery to refine about 300 viss of opium into heroin and in so doing Thangyaung earned about K 2.5 million. He took hold of it for mimself.

He also said that in 1999 Thangyaung kidnapped Hwehua village chairman (Pa-O national) of Panglong Township for a ransom of K 2 million. With a base in Wankon village, Thangyaung collected extortion money at the rate of K 50,000 for a light vehicle, K 100,000 for a truck, one tical of gold from a gold jewellery shop, K 10,000 for a rice mill or an edible oil mill and K 1 million for a festivity for more than one year. Thangyaung collected extortion money amounting to over K 10 million. Ambassadors and journalists can interview Soe Lay in this hall.

According to the above-mentioned revelations of eye-witnesses, ABSDF brigade-241 commander Thangyaung while taking charge of military operations of ABSDF (North) committed atrocities and murders brutally, got involved in drug trafficking and collected extortion money.

While Thangyaung and ABSDF (North) group were committing inhuman atrocities and murders, the other ABSDF insurgents and their accomplices committed terrorist acts according to the instigations and support of internal and external anti-government groups. Among their terrorist acts, some prominent incidents were as follows:

At 3.30 pm on 10-7-1989, a time bomb blasted at Yangon City Hall killing 3 persons and leaving 4 others wounded. Terrorist Ko Ko Naing was arrested in Kawkareik Township.

On 6-10-1989, Ye Thiha (alias) San Naing and Ye Yint (alias) Than Lwin (alias) Than Soe hijacked Fokker-28 passenger aircraft of Myanma Airways during the Myeik-Yangon flight and forced it to land in a neighbouring country.

Information was received that insurgent saboteur in-charge Robert Zan and ABSDF battalion-206 deputy commander Soe Moe Oo sent insurgent units to blast bombs at various places in Yangon City. On 30-1-1990, Kyaw Kyaw (alias) Kyaw Kyaw Htay of ABSDF battalion-206 together with Hla Than and Zaw Win Htut were exposed and arrested together with 16 hand grenades in Yangon.

In March 1990, eight terrorists from a terrorist group named “Hawk” were exposed and arrested. They were sent into the country by ABSDF and other insurgent groups to blast bombs and assassinate State leaders. ABSDF battalion-207 commander Ye Lin Aung and explosive training instructors of an insurgent group Philip provided training to the Hawk group for about one month and sent them into the country. These facts were disclosed in the newspapers of 8-5-1990 issue.

In May 1990, Myint Soe (alias) Kawshel and two others were sent to Yangon to obstruct elections by ABSDF headquarters secretary Kyaw Kyaw and ABSDF battalion-207 political affairs in-charge Saw Wai Lin Zin of Manerpalaw camp, were exposed and arrested in Yangon together with the vehicle loaded with explosives. That event was carried in the newspapers of 22-5-1990 issue.

On 10-11-1990, the TG-305 aircraft of Bangkok-Yangon flight was hijacked by Soe Myint (alias) Ye Marn and Htin Kyaw (alias) Ye Htin Kyaw and they forced the aircraft to land in Kolkatta of India.

Another group participating in the terrorist acts of ABSDF and other insurgent groups is NLD (LA). For example, NLD (LA) together with ABSDF and All Burma Student Union members gave training on blasting bombs within the country to 11 saboteurs including Ko Oo (alias) Myo Oo. They were arrested in May and June 2000 together with walkie-talkie and hand grenades. They were controlled by NLD (LA) chairman Tin Aung, military operations in-charge Tun Aung Kyaw and Sai Myint Thu of ABSDF. That event was mentioned in the newspapers of 13-7-2000 issue.

On 25-12-1996, ABSDF, NLD (LA) and other terrorist groups jointly launched the most cruel atrocities. The Buddha Tooth Relic which was conveyed from the People’s Republic of China was being kept at Maha Pasana Cave of Kaba Aye hillock in Yangon for public homage. Taking advantage of public peace in a religious activity, unscrupulous persons planted time bomb. As a result, 5 security members and pilgrims were killed and 17 wounded. Though security measures had been taken properly, it was assumed that such inhuman act would not be committed at such a religious occasion. Flowers and lights were allowed to offer. However, ABSDF terrorists committed atrocities and the people had to suffer much.

Another terrorist group joining hands with ABSDF, NLD (LA), etc and committing terrorist acts was VBSW (Vigorous Burmese Student Warriors). It is known by all that it hijacked aircraft, raided Myanmar embassy in Bangkok and Rachaburi district hospital and blasting bombs within the country.

Similarly, general secretary of NCUB (National Council of the Union of Burma) and FTUB (Federation of Trade Unions — Burma) Maung Maung (alias) Pyithit Nyunt Wai, together with expatriate Sein Win of NCGUB, controls NDD, ABSDF, NLD (LA) and VBSW terrorist groups and playing a leading role in launching terrorist acts throughout the country. Clarifications with sound evidences in this regard have been made at previous press conferences.

Maung Maung keeps expatriate Sein Win of NCGUB as his master with a view to raising funds in the name of labour affairs. At the same time, he used the funds lavishly in launching terrorist acts and blasting bombs within the country. In reminiscence, it can be found that expatriate Sein Win of NCGUB and Pyithit Nyunt Wai of FTUB visited an east Asian nation in March 1997 and had discussions with ABSDF chairman Naing Aung, Win Khet of NLD (LA) and Dr Thaung Tun of NCGUB and other expatriates on matters relating to imposing economic sanctions against Myanmar and plotting terrorist acts in the country. Under their scheme, terrorist Thein Ngwe and Thomas (alias) Gon Aung planted a parcel bomb at the house of Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo. Dr Thaung Tun of NCGUB who participated in that plot tried together with Director of Euro-Burma Han Yawnghwe to obtain monthly monetary assistance for ABSDF from a western country in 1998.

Maung Maung (alias) Pyithit Nyunt Wai has been organizing Myo Aung Thant and accomplices to launch anti-government and destructive activities since 1995. Expatriate Sein Win of NCGUB living in a western nation sent a satellite phone to Myo Aung Thant of Yangon via Maung Maung (alias) Pyithit Nyunt Wai. Through that satellite phone, Myo Aung Thant and party sent fabricated news.

On 4-6-1997, Pyithit Nyunt Wai, Myo Aung Thant, Khin Kyaw, saboteur Than Lwin and ABSDF representative Aye Maung met and had discussions at Room 513 of Jansuntara hotel in Ranong. At that meeting, decision was made to create unrest in Yangon; to make sure that NLD was not involved in the instigation; to assassinate State leaders; to blast bombs at foreign embassies in Yangon; to explode power lines and telephone lines for cutting off communication.

Myo Aung Thant was given training on handling explosives by Than Lwin and ABSDF Aye Maung. They also provided him explosives. Arrangements were made to hide explosives at the bottom of an electric rice cooker and to take it to Yangon via Kawthoung. However, our security unit members exposed it in time. These facts were clarified at the press conference held on 27-6-1997.

Maung Maung (alias ) Pyithit Nyunt Wai used Thein Win of NDD (Network for Democracy and Development) and Myint Thein of NLD (LA) as buffers and mobilized above-ground hardcores among service personnel and various strata by providing funds in order to create unrest in the country. Their hardcores were exposed by security unit members in July 2005.

Thein Win of NDD in Maesot is a native of Bago and he was an NLD youth leader in Bago after the 1988 disturbances. In the year 1990, he was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for instigating unrest in Bago. In 1995 after serving the jail term, he fled to a neighbouring country and joined ABSDF.

In the year 1998, Thein Win being a member of ABSDF joined the PP-21 (People’s Power 21st Century) group formed under the leadership of NCGUB expatriate Sein Win, ABSDF and DPNS Moe Thee Zun and Mehm Nyein Maung of another insurgent group. Thein Win took charge of sabotage. That group obtained foreign monetary assistance aid via PD Burma (Political Defiance of Burma) based in a western nation.

Saboteur Thein Win assigned duties and sent a group led by Soe Thiha (alias) Thura Kyaw Zin to blast bomb near Maha Bandoola Park in front of Yangon City Hall on the Independence Day on 4-1-2000. That group left a bomb near Maha Bandoola Park but security unit members found and removed it in time. In April last year that group infiltrated again into Myanmar. Soe Thiha (alias) Thura Kyaw Zin and other two members of PP-21 were arrested together with explosives. These incidents were carried in daily newspapers of 16-4-2000 issue.

Likewise, the three bombs blasted in succession in three crowded places of Yangon in the afternoon of 7-5-2005. At 2.50 pm a bomb blasted at Thai Trade Fair at Yangon Trade Centre in Mingala Taungnyunt Township. Five minutes later at 2.55 pm, another bomb went off at Junction-8 shopping centre in Mayangon Township. Five minutes later at 3 pm, another bomb exploded at Dagon Centre in Sangyoung Township. The bomb blasts killed 23 persons and 150 others were wounded. These bomb balsts were exposed to be conspiracy of ABSDF, NDD and UG hardcores within the country and selected nine VBSW terrorists as masterminded by Maung Maung (alias) Pyithit Nyunt Wai and NCGUB expatriate Sein Win with funds obtained from foreign countries in various ways. As an evidence, a video record taken several minutes before the bomb blast near an entertainment stage at Thai Trade Fair shows that ABSDF members Zaw Win Lwin and Ko Pauk, two other terrorists and NDD member Aung Min were present near the entertainment stage. The photos of the terrorists recorded in the video tape are put on display in this hall for you journalists to study.

Investigations of the three bomb blasts led to the arrest of NDD Thein Win's hardcore Aung Cho Oo (alias) Aung Than (alias) Yunod on his way back into the country on 5-2-2006. He confessed that he attended the political defiance training course of NDD Thein Win in a neighbouring country and under Thein Win's order he re-entered the country many times and contacted local UG hardcores. He sent information to Thein Win by telephone. In January 2004 through the contact of Thein Win, a foreigner from a western nation provided a training on Free Ranger Army in the jungle at border area for about two months. On 15-1-2006 Maung Maung (alias) Pyithit Nyunt Wai arrived at Thein Win's house in Maesot and gave about 150,000 bahts. Maung Maung provides Thein Win with about 150,000 bahts monthly for creating unrest and instability in the country. Mehm Nyein Maung who is also controlling PP-21 often visits Thein Win.

Under the order of Thein Win, Aung Cho Oo studied the security conditions of centres, plazas and cinema houses in Yangon and reported to Thein Win through telephone No 201774 that security of Yankin Centre, Dagon Centre, Trade Centre and Mingalar cinema hall were not tightened. After that, the bomb blasts occurred in early May 2005. Thus, the bomb balsts were caused by NDD Thein Win and PP-21 group. NDD Thein Win's hardcore terrorist Aung Cho Oo is brought here in this hall for you journalists to interview.

Now I will continue to clarify points on ABSDF terrorists and their contacts with some political party members within the country. Daw Suu Kyi’s house compound was searched in accordance with law on 20-7-1989 and many documents sent from armed insurgent groups and unlawful associations were seized. Some 40 persons living illegally in the compound were also detained temporarily.

Of the letters sent from unlawful associations comprised the letter dated 13-3-1989 sent from DSF (Democratic Student Front), the letter mentioning movement at the border sent by Win Naing Oo of PSFD (Progressive Student Force for Democracy); the letter on re-entering into Myanmar by 4 members of DSF on 20-2-1989; the letters mentioning the current political situations as well as stance of DSF and PSFD. Among the arrested 40 persons was Soe Myat Thu, 22, joint in-charge of supply committee of ABSDF. His confessions revealed that he re-entered Yangon in November 1988 and had discussions with Daw Suu Kyi and Ba-ka-tha leaders on matters relating to armed insurrection.

On 13-2-1989, he was selected as the joint in-charge of supply committee under the ABSDF central committee at the meeting held at Oo Thuta camp. On 7-5-1989 he re-entered Yangon and lived in the compound of Daw Suu Kyi’s house. He met with Daw Suu Kyi in May and again in mid June to ask advice from her what ABSDF should do. Then, he continued to live in the compound of Daw Suu Kyi’s house and he was arrested while making attempts to have contacts with foreign embassies. That incident was exposed in detail at the special press conference held on 5-8-1989.

It can vividly be seen that anti-government groups within and without the country gave encouragement and support for the emergence of ABSDF terrorist group and it unscrupulously commits atrocities and terrorist acts upon the nation and the people. In December 1990, expatriate Sein Win and accomplices arrived Manerpalaw camp and formed NCGUB (National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma) joining hands with KNU. In 1989 before Sein Win had not become expatriate, an American Mr David Arnott formed an NGO named BPF (Burma Peace Foundation). The BPF provided assistance to ABSDF at the border. The BPF also helped some ABSDF members to base in a big western nation with refugee status. David Arnott is a close friend of Michael Aris, spouse of Daw Suu Kyi. He has relationship with Evalin Aris, mother-in-law of Daw Suu Kyi. In consultation with Michael Aris, she chose some of Myanmar youths who are abroad with various reasons for student activist scholarship. Indeed, he is grooming youths by recommending them for visa and scholarship with the intention of abetting them for movements and demands when needed.

Another group formed with the base on ABSDF was DBSO (Democratic Burmese Student Organization). The name of that group shows that for what purpose it was formed — not for educational purpose but for political purpose. When renegade Sein Win and party went abroad in 1992, David Arnott helped them under the name of Burma Peace Foundation to receive aid from foreign nations. Then, he provided the aid to DBSO, NCGUB and etc.

Under the Annual Foreign Assistance Appropriation Act, a western power is providing cash assistance for armed insurgents in border areas. In 1996, a fund of 165,400 US dollars was set up for National Coalition for Democracy organizations. Of it, 55,000 US dollars went to NCGUB, and 110,400 US dollars to NCUB.

In addition, an NGO was provided with 450,000 US dollars, and some of it goes to Dr Cynthia clinic of KNU, and KNU hospitals in Maesot through Burma Border Consortium (BBC). And the World Concern Development is provided with 450,000 US dollars, and the association shares part of the cash assistance with family members of terrorist insurgents in so-called refugee camp. The press conference held on 27-6-1997 made clarification to the fact that certain western powers were abetting the organizations with cash and kind under the pretext of democracy and human rights.

I will now clarify matters on the recent terrorist act. A bomb blast occurred at foodstall No (1) in Nantphalon Market, Tamu Township, Sagaing Division, at 8.15 am on 8-1-2006, and owner U Maung Maung Tun was killed. At 10.45 am the same morning, another bomb exploded at Shwe Kaung Hlyan teashop at Nantphalon Market and Maung Soe was killed on the spot. Regarding the blasts, authorities arrested Maung Maung Oo of ABSDF (West) and vice military in charge Chit Thein Tun at a border near Tamu on 15-1-2006. According to their confessions, David, Hsun Man and Aung Aung were sent to Maung Maung Oo by ABSDF (West) military commander Hla Htay (a) Ye Htut. Maung Maung Oo installed gunpowder and detonators brought in by David and party in a radio-cassette player and a radio. David and accomplices pretended to forget to take along the cassette and radio and left them in Nantphalon Market so as to blast the bombs. That destructive act was designed to harm the border trade between the two countries as well as stability & peace. They are committing destructive acts both in border and rural areas as well as in urban areas to make Myanmar society a misery. They exploded bombs even in religious rituals. So, the acts of NCGUB, NCUB, FTUB, ABSDF, NLD (LA), NDD, VBSW, etc are against the law and human rights and are harming the essence of democracy. Their acts are indeed terrorist acts that the entire world is denouncing strongly. Their acts harmed Myanmar and its people as well as the people in regional countries. They also threaten the security of the world. However, no foreign masters and no foreign radio stations denounced such evil acts. Instead, they protected and encouraged them with unsound arguments and fanned the flames of destructive acts.

I would like to reiterate that throughout the time of the Tatmadaw Government, all the press conferences have clarified the evidences as they really are.

Every time the government has just held a press conference, internal and external destructive elements and certain broadcasting stations and media with evil means responded the clarification. Here I would like to point out a fact that the broadcast of deceitful foreign broadcasting stations and internal & external destructive elements were not in consistency with real situation. It was broadcast that the lives and security of Thangyaung and his members were deeply concerned. That is very clear to everyone who study the facts about the press conference No 1/2006.

Local people and the Tatmadaw collectively seized the SSA brigade-241 led by Thangyaung. Eleven insurgents surrendered and 39 insurgents were arrested, totalling 50. Four insurgents were killed in the battle and four recruits fled. So, the number 58 was correct. At that time, the fifty insurgents who surrendered or were arrested could hardly walk due to shortage of food and were not in a position at all to fight the Tatmadaw. If the Tatmadaw regarded the fifty members as its enemies or it practised the policy of Thangyaung and ABSDF Than Khe and party that they detonated bombs at busy places, it was sure all the fifty insurgents might have been annihilated.

Although deceitful foreign broadcasting stations and ABSDF are ignoring the genuine goodwill and sincere deeds of the Tatmadaw, all the people who can distinguish the good and the bad have realized the benevolent attitude of the Tatmadaw. I learnt that Thangyaung broke down in tears when they were seized. Maybe, he did so because he came to realize the goodwill of the Tatmadaw. At the press conference No 1/2006, those arrested explained that they were treated well by the Tatmadaw after they had been caught.

The Tatmadaw has discharged State security and defence duties throughout the history. It has never discriminated against any national races. And at all times, it has offered a warm welcome to all the armed group members who returned to the legal fold. It has been a long time the Tatmadaw’s a warm welcome has awaited the remaining armed group members. So, I would like to say there is no need to worry about the fate of Sao Khun Kyaw and his members. We have announced that no one is above the law. If one has violated the law, due punishment will be given to the violater in accordance with the law.

By the way, I would like to explain the acts of SSNA Sai Yee who joined SSA (South) Ywet Sit. KND led by U Mahtu Naw and KIO group realized the goodwill and constructive efforts of the Tatmadaw and returned to the legal fold. So did Battalion 401 of ABSDF (North). The KIO paved the way for ABSDF (North) to return to the legal fold, but ABSDF (North) led by Thangyaung failed to give up the terrorist armed insurgency.

According to the testimony of those who were arrested with Thangyaung and those who surrendered, it is learnt that Thangyaung persuaded the former insurgent groups which have returned to the legal fold to join him in the armed struggle line. But his attempt was in vain. But, SSNA Sai Yee and members who returned to the legal fold just for show contacted Thangyaung group with Ywet Sit. So, there emerged SSA (South) Brigade-241. It is to be disclosed that we have learnt such events from the testimony of those who surrendered and those who were arrested together with Thangyaung.

By reviewing the above-mentioned points, it can vividly be seen that ABSDF, NLD (LA) and other insurgent groups are joining hands with other insurgent groups in committing atrocities and inhuman cruelties upon the national people. They are purely terrorists.

Those groups joining hands with them such as NCUB, FTUB, DAB, NDF, NDD, VBSW, etc as well as related NLD members, DPNS members, former student union members and foreign NGOs , foreign masters and neo-colonialists providing encouragement and instigations to them are also terrorists fanning the flames of terrorist acts.