Junta Steps Up Surveillance of NLD After Prisoner Releases

Politicians and political activists in Myanmar fear that the new quasi-civilian government of Min Aung Hlaing is stepping up its surveillance activities and conducting an intensified harassment campaign against them. At least one senior member of the National League for Democracy (NLD) was detained and questioned over the weekend, before being released without charge.

This sweeping crackdown seems to have been triggered by the recent release of political prisoners, including ousted President U Win Myint, a senior NLD member. Although the NLD is officially banned, it remains the main opposition party, and its members are still actively engaged in campaigning for the release of all political prisoners, including the party’s leader, detained democracy icon Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

The NLD overwhelmingly won the national elections held in 2020 but was ousted from power by a military coup five years ago.

The Irrawaddy has learned that party spokesman and Central Executive Committee (CEC) member Dr. Myo Nyunt was summoned for questioning by the Ministry of Home Affairs on April 18, held overnight and released the following day. The Irrawaddy attempted to contact Dr. Myo Nyunt on Monday for confirmation, but he could not be reached.

According to an academic based in Yangon who declined to be identified, Dr. Myo Nyunt was detained because he gave interviews to the local media regarding the release of President U Win Myint.

He also led a delegation of other CEC members—as well as former President U Htin Kyaw and his family—to meet and pay respects to U Win Myint and his family, according to party sources.

U Win Myint’s residence is currently under strict surveillance, as are the homes of other CEC members. Anyone who plans to visit U Win Myint must undergo thorough checks in advance, including ID verification. Newly acquired PSMS (Passenger Screening and Security Management System) technology is also being used.

Clearly the new regime is anxious about the growth of real democracy and the possibility of public protests now that senior members of the opposition have been released, according to a former Asian diplomat who continues to follow developments there closely. “They are increasingly nervous about the impact any relaxation of restrictions may have,” said a Yangon-based businessman, on condition of anonymity.

The country’s military leaders are paranoid about the popularity and support Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her party continue to enjoy throughout the country. They are particularly worried about potential public reaction if she is released—and the support she would attract, according to Myanmar political observers. Thousands took to the streets on the previous occasions she was released from house arrest.

According to analysts and academics who closely follow Myanmar’s political situation, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would not accept any deal with the military—including being released—without first consulting other senior members of her party. The fact that several top senior party members got together at President U Win Myint’s home suggests something maybe in the wind, they say.