NLD cancels rally in Sittwe due to security concerns
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A rally calling for the amending of Section 436 of the 2008 Constitution has been cancelled in Rakhine State's Sittwe Township due to security concerns following the riots in Mandalay earlier this month, according to an official at the opposition National
The rally was being organised by the NLD and 88 Generation Peace and Open Society.
“Rallies will be held in some townships, but not Sittwe because of security concerns,” said Tun Tun Hein, who oversees the party’s Constitution Amendment Committee and is an NLD executive member.
“We were a little worried following the Mandalay riots, and executive members in Sittwe Township were also worried about the security. That’s why we decided to cancel the rally after meeting with all members,” said Nyi Pu, chairman of an executive committee in Rakhine State pushing charter amendment.
The committee, comprising NLD and 88 Generation members, planned to hold public rallies in 19 townships of states and regions nationwide, including Yangon and Mandalay.
They have held rallies in all targeted townships except Sittwe.
Hundreds of thousands of people attended rallies at which Aung San Suu Kyi appeared. According to the NLD, more than 3.3 million people signed the petition to amend Section 436 between May 27 and June 27.
“The public will decide the value of the Parliament based on whether it is affected by their desires,” Suu Kyi said at the public rally to amend the charter in Pakokku, Magway Region on July 12.
The signatures will be gathered nationwide until July 19 and the total number announced at the end of this month.
Mandalay has been under curfew since July 3. Over 100 curfew violators have been arrested so far.
Amid reports on Facebook and other social media that some police officers are extorting bribes from people found on the streets of the city after curfew, police in Mandalay promised to punish such officers.
Some officers are requesting bribes of Ks 50,000 (about US$50) to Ks 100,000 for those found violating the curfew, which begins at 9pm and ends at 5am, according to reports on social media.
“This is absolutely false,” said Lt-Colonel Zaw Min Oo. “We have also seen these claims on Facebook. Some said they had to pay up to Ks 400,000. The government has already warned officers. If any officer asks for a bribe, one can complain. Mention when, where and who [demanded the bribe],” Zaw Min Oo added.
The curfew was imposed in Mandalay on July 3, but as the city has returned to calm following riots, residents want the curfew hours reduced. They say it has damaged their social lives as well as the economy.
"Curfew time should be reduced even if it isn't completely withdrawn because it is calm now,” said a restaurant owner in Chan Aye Thar Zan Township. “To get back home before 9pm, everyone has to rush at 7pm. What if their car or motorbike breaks down? Curfew should be moved back to 10pm,” the restaurant owner added.
Police said they are urging people to get home on time. “Before 9pm we tell people to rush home. After 9pm we start to take action," one officer explained.
