Myanmar military junta’s security forces were back on the streets of Yangon Friday, a day after their crackdown on protesters that left nine people dead.

A BBC correspondent in Thailand reported Friday’s security presence in the capital, formerly known as Rangoon, was the heaviest thus far.

The military regime reportedly sealed off the main Buddhist monasteries from where the monks have been leading the anti-government protests.

Myanmar’s official reports said nine people died Thursday when security forces fired bullets and tear gas to disperse the protesters. But Sky News reported the soldiers reportedly fired directly into crowds of protesters.

Among other measures taken by the junta to put down the monthlong protest resulting from a steep hike in fuel prices, the BBC quoted its sources as reporting interruptions in cell phone signals. Internet access also was being denied in Yangon to prevent videos and messages on the crackdown from being sent out to the outside world.  // Copyright 2007 by United Press International



Publication date: 28 September 2007   

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