Security concerns for Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi as campaign attacked
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Yangon (dpa) - Security concerns have increased for Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi ahead of a campaign rally at the weekend in Yangon after four party members were injured in an attack during the election campaign.
Five assailants including one armed with a knife attacked members of her National League for Democracy (NLD) party during a campaign rally on Thursday night in Thakayta township in Yangon, police said.
Four NLD members, including party candidate and sitting member of parliament Nainggan Lin, were injured and taken hospital.
"He (Nainggan Lin) is okay as the operation yesterday night was successful," said Nan Khin Htwe Myint, an NLD spokeswoman.
Police arrested three suspects, but released one Friday because he was found not to be involved, said an official who asked not to be named.
The attack raises security concerns ahead of a rally in Yangon by Suu Kyi on Sunday.
"We worry for [Suu Kyi] as her rallies always draw massive crowds," Nan Khin Htwe Myint said.
"We must tighten security at her rally as we believe these thugs will be ready to attack the NLD whenever they have the chance," she said.
This is not the first time attack on NLD members during the election campaign rally, said Mya Aye from Peace and Open Society led by leaders of the 8888 Uprising, a series of protests against the military government in 1988.
"NLD members were often attacked in other areas. But this is the first time in big cities," he said.
