Updates from Yangon

Source: Myo Chit Myanmar

According to a report on Myo Chit Myanmar, many private donors who distributed aid to survivors from KunChanKone Township were arrested and detained by the police on 25th May 2008.

One volunteer told Myo Chit Myanmar that the group was stopped by the police at the PanHlaing Bridge (HlaingTharYar) after being spotted giving food packets to survivors who were stationed by the roadside. The volunteer added that there were many other vehicles at the bridge that had been stopped by the police. The volunteer was detained in InSein GTI compound, and was only released after midnight.

In the same report, a resident of Yangon described the paranoia surrounding the consumption of fish and other seafood. Rumours were rife that a housewife had found human fingers in the stomach of a fish she purchased. This has led to a drop in sales with many in the city steering clear from purchasing seafood. Hard hit fishmongers were heard complaining in dismay that they may no longer be able to earn a living.

Many residents are also still traumatised by their recent experience with Cyclone Nargis so much so that even a small drizzle could send them into a state of paranoia. They seem to still be living in fear of another storm or cyclone.

For the original article in Burmese, please click here.