BURMA:Burma's military junta said yesterday that it had detained almost 3,000 protesters who took part in the pro-democracy uprising and vowed to continue the ruthless crackdown.
The official statement from the junta was published on the front page of The New Light of Burma, a government mouthpiece. "Those who led, got involved in and supported the unrest which broke out in September were called in and are being interrogated," the junta said. "Some are still being called in for questioning and those who should be released will be."
The statement said 2,927 people had been arrested since the crackdown started and almost 500 were still in custody.
Everyone released from custody was required to sign "pledges", the statement said, without elaborating.
The junta has said 10 people were killed when troops fired into crowds of peaceful protesters during the crackdown. However, diplomats and dissidents say they believe the death toll is higher and that up to 6,000 people were seized, including thousands of monks who led the rallies. Yesterday Amnesty International released new video and audio testimony of continuing repression. Recordings available for download at www.amnesty.org