Those detained were part of a group that started off on a march to the capital three weeks ago. Stopped not far from the city limits, marchers were arrested and handcuffed. Many from a plywood firm joined the march to protest failed talks with the company and unfair dismissals.
Naypyiadaw (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Police arrested 76 labour rights protesters in Tatkon Township, not far from the Myanmar capital of Naypyiadaw. They were part of a group that set off on foot from Sagaing Division to the capital three weeks ago.
Many of the marchers are employees of a plywood factory in the Sagaing Industrial Zone who protested against the dismissal of more a hundreds workers in February.
Police put up barriers outside Tatkon Township, where workers agreed to talk to Myo Aung, chairman of the Naypyidaw Council. Protestors waited for an hour and a half but the chairman never showed up.
He later sent a message saying that he would meet with five representatives, but protestors insisted they would all meet with him, a demand that was rejected.
After protesters resumed their march, police moved in and arrest them by force. Three protesters ended up going to a hospital.
“It is totally unacceptable for the government we voted for to arrest us now,” said one protester. “I wish I had cut [off] my pinky,” in reference to the finger that voters dip in ink after they cast their ballot.
Tatkon Township administrator Yi Mon said that legal action would be taken against protest leaders but it is likely that women, as well as elderly or sick protestors, would be released.
“We will take action against the rest in line with the law. We are discussing whether or not to sue them,” he said.