Destructive act of expatriate Sao Hkam Hpa and group is not separate incident but
continuation of a series of acts committed constantly following dictates from outside

It was three-pronged attack on the Government designed by above-ground, underground and fugitives and was conspired with the advice, money, material and
technological assistance of their alien masters It can be seen as
grave danger to loss of the nation and the race

Not only local populace of Laikha, but also people of Mongnaung, Mongrai, Hsipaw, Hsenwi and Kengtung townships hold rallies to denounce acts of Sao Hkam Hpa and accomplices

Insurgent terrorists are committing well-planned terrorist acts with evil intention of
endangering lives and properties of the people

YANGON, 15 May — The following is a full text of clarification of Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan at the Press Conference No 4/2005 on formation of Shan State government and declaration of Shan State independence by fugitives Sao Hkam Hpa and accomplices; conspiracies of terrorist groups such as SSA led by Ywet Sit, KNU, KNPP, At this Press Conference No 4/2005 of the Information Committee of the State Peace and Development Council, I will clarify points relating to formation of Shan State provisional government and declaration of Shan State independence by fugitives Sao Hkam Hpa and accomplices; conspiracies of terrorist groups such as SSA led by Ywet Sit, KNU, KNPP, NCUB, NCGUB and ABSDF in collusion with other groups and their deceitful, terrorist and destructive acts committed in synchronization.

As is known to you journalists, expatriate Sao Hkam Hpa and cohorts from somewhere outside the country declared the formation of Shan State government on 17 April 2005. They also declared Shan State as an independent nation. As it was very dangerous to the Union of Myanmar and the entire national people, the Government announced the group led by runaway Sao Hkam Hpa, its members and related groups as unlawful association according to law on 19 April 2005.

As a follow-up to it, clarifications were made at the Press Conference No 3/2005 held on 22 April 2005, on matters relating to those groups in connection with the declaration of Shan State independence of expatriate Sao Hkam Hpa and accomplices, historical background and the outright disapproval and condemnation of their acts by the entire national people of the Union. The Government joining hands with the entire national people will steadfastly safeguard Our Three Main National Causes and in no way let any part or state/division of the Union territory to secede.

Likewise, social organizations which represent more than half of the total population of the country, political parties, national race armed groups which have returned to the legal fold and those groups which have exchanged arms for peace unconditionally did not accept the destructive acts of fugitive Sao Hkam Hpa and cohorts designed to cause disintegration of the Union and harming the stability of the State, the rule of law and prevalence of peace and tranquillity. These social organizations, political parties, armed national race groups and peace groups issued declarations denouncing the acts of expatriate Sao Hkam Hpa and accomplices absolutely rejecting them. These declarations in detail have been carried in the daily newspapers day after day.

In fact, destructive act of expatriate Sao Hkam Hpa and group is nothing new. It is not a separate incident. It is continuation of a series of acts committed constantly with reliance on the external elements following the dictates from outside and part of the plot to break up the Union. In other words, it was part of the conspiracy of SSA led by Ywet Sit, SNLD and Shan State Intellectuals Advisory Council to establish a separate State. These points had already been clarified at the press conference No 3/2005 held on 22 April 2005.

However, details on the entire plot of external masterminds and terrorist groups were not clarified at the press conference. Their plot was aimed at launching the three-pronged attack on the Government by the above-ground, underground and the fugitives. The above-ground plot was to form the Shan State Advisory Council initially and then to form similar councils in the remaining six states. These councils were to make demands and attack the Government through political means.

The underground plan was to launch military and terrorist attacks against the Government by SSA led by Ywet Sit, KNU, KNPP, NCUB, NCGUB, ABSDF and other terrorist groups in synchronization with the above-ground attack. They designed to destabilize the country and create problems.

The plot of the fugitives was for Sao Hkam Hpa and accomplices to form Shan State government, to declare Shan State independence synchronized with the above-ground and underground plots and for the advisory councils of the six remaining states to follow suit. It was the three-pronged attack on the Government designed by the alien masters and internal terrorists. The plot was conspired with the advice, money, material and technological assistance of their alien masters. It was aimed at disintegrating the Union, disintegrating the national solidarity leading to the loss of national sovereignty, the nation and the race following bloodshed in the whole country. Hence, the plot can be seen as grave danger to the entire national people.

However, the Government exposed and aborted in time the plot of SSA led by Ywet Sit, SNLD and Shan State Intellectuals Advisory Council to establish a nominal union and later secede from the Union. The follow-up plots (attacks) of expatriates and underground terrorist attacks (terrorist violence) thus occurred in succession.

In implementing the three-pronged attack on the government, it is important for them to win the support and recognition of the UN and foreign countries. Thus, Sao Hkam Hpa and accomplices deceitfully declared that they were supported by 48 out of 56 townships in Shan State; 85 per cent of the population of Shan State and they had made field trips to grassroots level to gain such support through difficulties. In addition, they also created false ceremonies to mislead the world that the people of Shan State supported the formation of Shan State government and declaration of Shan State independence.

It is usual practice of Shan nationals to pay respects to spiritual beings on the second and third days of New Year and to hold collective novitiation ceremonies. By exploiting such occasions deceitfully, Saw Sein of SSA 758 unit summoned villagers of Wan Haint, Wan Hti and Wan Li village-tracts of Laikha Township on 18 April 2005 to come to Wan Pan village of Wan Haint village-tract to pay respects to spiritual beings. All the villagers from each house leaving only one to take care of the house were ordered to come out. At least a person from each household was to attend the ceremony.

Hence, the villagers went to Wan Pan village on 18-4-2005 morning. When about 500 villagers arrived there, about 50 armed terrorists of 758 unit of SSA led by Mein Hsin in mufti came out from hidden places suddenly and surrounded them. The terrorists forced U Zawana of Wan Pan village, U Sai Twee of Tetmauk village, U Nando (alias) U Lon Hein of Nawng Yasai village and Thiri Mingala monastery Sayadaw Sam Naw (alias) U Tejinda to read out on the stage the pre-written statements that independent Shan State had been established and Shan State government led by Nyaungshwe Sawbwa's son Sao Hkam Hpa had been formed and the public supported them.

Moreover, they asked those present whether they agreed the establishment of independent Shan state or not. The villagers had to reply in the positive. The terrorists also asked the villagers' opinion to the formation of Shan State government and the villagers had to express support. The terrorists took video and photographic records of the event and fraudulently termed the event as a rally of public support. The terrorists put it on the Internet website and launched disinformation campaign. Similarly, Sao Hkam Hpa's group fraudulently produced documents in Shan language to the effect that the organization of Shan monks as well as Shan youths of Lashio district, the people of Loilem-Panglong region of southern Shan State and the people of Hsenwi and Tangyang regions of northern Shan State supported the declaration of Shan State independence and formation of Shan State government. The fugitives put them on the Internet website. Actually, the 33 national races residing in Shan State did not know the plot and the elements produced those statements themselves fraudulently.

After realizing the truth, the people of Laikha Township were outraged and held a mass rally on 8-5-2005 to denounce the declaration of Shan State independence and formation of Shan State government by Sao Hkam Hpa. The local people also denounced the terrorists for forcing them to attend the ceremony and deceitfully launching propaganda that the people supported the terrorists.

Over 8,000 local people, armed national race groups which have returned to the legal fold and members of social organizations from four wards as well as Myoma, Wan Heint, Wan Li, Wan Hti, Wan Hsan, Tetmauk and Wan Khe village-tracts in Laikha Township were present on the occasion to denounce the terrorists. Armed national race groups which have returned to the legal fold such as Pa-O National Organization (PNO), SSA brigades (1) and (7) led by U Lwe Maung, Ya-la-la-pha (Shan State Nationalities People's Liberation Organization), SSNA breakaway-Mongyun group and Wanyein group, MTA Naryaing group, Matkyan group, Homein group and Shan State (North) Special Region-2 Wa group were also present on the occasion to denounce the terrorists. At the rally, a motion to totally reject and denounce the declaration on seceding Shan State from the Union was tabled and it was unanimously approved by those present on the occasion.

U Zawana, U Sai Twee, U Nando (alias) U Lon Hein and Sayadaw U Tejinda who were forced by 758 unit of SSA led by Ywet Sit to express support to the declaration of Shan State independence and formation of Shan State government by Sao Hkam Hpa and accomplices at the ceremony to pay respect to spiritual beings held at Wan Pan village, attended the rally and admitted that they were forced to support the terrorists without their consent. They admitted before the public that actually they did not agree with the acts of Sao Hkam Hpa's group and rejected the destructive acts of terrorists.

Not only the local populace of Laikha, but also the people of Mongnawng, Mongrai, Hsipaw, Hsenwi and Kengtung townships held rallies to denounce and reject the declaration of Shan State independence and formation of Shan State government by Sao Hkam Hpa and accomplices. These events have also been broadcast by MRTV through television and radio as well as carried by daily newspapers.

So, it can vividly be seen that the 33 national races residing in Shan State absolutely rejected and denounced the declaration of Shan State independence and formation of Shan State government. Similarly, over 54 million population of Myanmar rejected the destructive acts of Sao Hkam Hpa and cohorts. Likewise, all social organizations and ten legally existing political parties rejected the acts of the terrorists. All armed national race groups which have returned to the legal fold did not accept the destructive acts of Sao Hkam Hpa and cohorts either. These indicate that patriotism based on Our Three Main National Causes - non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty - is the genuine patriotism.

While the entire national people are rejecting and denouncing the plot of expatriate Sao Hkam Hpa and cohorts, attempts had been made to frighten the public through terrorist acts. The 758 unit of SSA led by Mein Hsin fabricated false signatures of support of residential national races and sent them to Ywet Sit of SSA. To explode mines in urban areas, the explosives and how to use them were sent them to Mein Hsin by SSA headquarters based in Loitaing Lian camp in retaliation against the protests.

The Tatmadaw regional battalions are now in hot pursuit of terrorist SSA 758 unit and thus the people do not have to worry.

The above-mentioned points are how terrorists are committing terrorist acts in combination with the above-ground attack and fugitives' attack. Now I will deal with matters relating to underground attacks including planting of mines by SSA led by Ywet Sit, KNU, KNPP, NCUB, NCGUB, ABSDF and other terrorist groups. While the above-ground elements formed Shan State Advisory Council above-ground, the underground elements formed the Ethnic Nationalities Solidarity & Cooperation Committee (ENSCC) in 2003-2004.

The ENSCC comprises SSA of Ywet Sit, KNPP, KNU, National Unity Party of Arakan (NUPA), Rohingya Solidarity Organization (RSO), Arakanese Rohingya National Organization (ARNO), Chin National Front (CNF), Shan Democratic Union (SDU), Lahu Democratic Front (LDF), Pa-O People's Liberation Organization (PPLO), Women League of Burma (WLB), Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), National Parliamentarian Union (NPU), United Nationalities' League for Democracy (UNLD), Shan Solidarity Organization (SSO), National Democratic Front (NDF), Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF), etc.

As mentioned at the press conference No 2/2005, the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) which is involved in ENSCC was formed with drug trafficker Ywet Sit as chairman. The SNLD and Shan State Intellectuals Advisory Council and SSJAC (Shan State Joint Action Committee) are connected one another with the aim of establishing nominal union and later secede from the Union.

ENC under ENSCC was formed with other national races excluding Bamar national insurgents and its chairman is Phado Saw Ba Thin of KNU. The one who sponsored and gave advice to ENSCC and ENC to carry out activities, win international recognition and obtain funds was Han Nyaungshwe. He is a younger brother of fugitive Sao Hkam Hpa and director of Euro Burma group based in Brussels of Belgium.

In studying the combined movement of ENSCC and ENC, it can be seen that almost all underground armed groups were involved in it and it is connected with expatriate Sao Hkam Hpa and cohorts. The fourth meeting of ENC was held in a neighbouring country from 28-4-2005 to 3-5-2005 attended by KNU chairman Phado Ba Thin, general secretary Phado Mann Shar, David Htaw and Tu Tu Lay, KNLA (Karen National Liberation Army) chief of staff Mutu, Khuhtair Buphe, Aung Than Lay and Raymond Htoo of KNPP, Han Yawnghwe (alias) Han Nyaungshwe of Euro Burma, Khun Okka of BLC (Burma Lawyers Council) and some 50 members of other terrorist groups. The main aim of ENC was to harmonize its activities with that of above-ground elements and expatriate elements and enabling underground elements to launch military and terrorist attacks effectively under the three-pronged attack.

NDF (National Democratic Front) (Ma-da-ta) is included in ENSCC. NDF is made up of terrorist groups such as KNU, KNPP, SDU, SSA, CNF, ALP, LDF (Lahu Democratic Front), AASYC (All Arakanese Student & Youth Council), PPLO, etc.

The office of NDF is kept open in a neighbouring country. NDF chairman is Phado Ba Thin of KNU and vice-chairman is Khaing Soe Naing Aung of ALP.

Another group made up of insurgent groups is DAB (Democratic Alliance of Burma). DAB comprises terrorist groups such as KNU, ABSDF, DPNS, CNF, MDUF, LNO, NUFA, PPP, PPF, PLF, PSLF, PDF, PPLO, KNPP, etc. DAB chairman is Tamalar Baw of KNU and vice-chairman is Khaing Soe Naing Aung of ALP.

Later, DAB, NCGUB, NDF, NLD (LA) and MPOU collectively formed NCUB (National Council of the Union of Burma). That organization can be seen as making efforts to obtain political support and funds for committing terrorist acts. NCUB chairman is Tamalar Baw of KNU as usual and general secretary is Pyithit Nyunt Wai (alias) Maung Maung of FTUB (Federation of Trade Unions — Burma).

Although the destructive elements are committing terrorist acts under various names, ENSCC and all of its member groups are formed with the same persons. These groups simultaneously launch terrorist acts in accordance with the three-pronged attack.

As regards information on terrorist attempts received in the year 2005, it was learnt that Chit Than, Soe Htwe and Tin Maung of ABSDF were undergoing training at Cicipet (alias) 48-village in a neighbouring country on 8-5-2005 for exploding mines. They were said to infiltrate into Mawlamyine via Kawthoung on 13-5-2005 together with two bombs.

According to information received on 26-1-2005, Maung Maung Gyi of ABSDF based in a neighbouring country, together with Kaung San, Tin Oo and the other one who had attended training course on explosive in September 2004, met with NCUB joint secretary Myint Thein on 24-1-2005 and conspired to explode bombs. Maung Maung Gyi sent the three saboteurs through Papun-Shwegyin-Bago route.

According to the information received on 30-1-2005, ABSDF terrorists brought in and hid two bombs at a house in 13th street, Daung Min ward, Mawlamyine. The person in charge of blasting bombs was ABSDF member Maung Hlaing (alias) Kalagyi who is a native of Hsihson ward of Mawlamyine. He left Myawady for Mawlamyine following Wawlace jungle route. According to the information received on 3-2-2005, KNU brigade-3 planned to blast the broadcasting station in Yangon, National Convention and Yangon central railway station and a 5-member group led by KNU lieutenant Myat Tun was to enter Yangon via Thanbyuzayat route and it would probably put up at Nant-tha-gon ward of Insein Township.

According to the information received on 9-2-2005, saboteur Min Yekkha and three others of KNU central as ordered by KNU brigade-6 commander Mutu planned to explode bombs in Yangon and surrounding areas. Similarly, Saw Moe Nyo and four others of KNU brigade-6 were to explode bombs in Mawlamyine and surrounding areas. Zaw Lin, Ye Naung, Kyaw Htet Win, Hla Myo Aung and two others of NCUB planned to explode bombs in Kayin State.

At the Bekalaw refugee camp of a neighbouring country on 7-2-2005, Joseph with the rank of a major of KNU central intelligence unit met with some 15 persons including ABSDF battalion-8 commanding officer Moe Nyo as well as with Min Yekkha (alais) Khay Maung Oo of KNU central and three others. Joseph briefed them how to enter Myanmar and provided them with 13 advanced mines.
On 10-2-2005, ABSDF and NLD (LA) sent two saboteur groups to Yangon.

According to the information received on 13-3-2005, Zaw Htut, Myo Zaw and Ye Naung of ABSDF who had undergone explosives training in a border town of the neighbouring country joined ten-member group led by Thein Win of DAB. They held a meeting on 17-2-2005 to actually blow up mines. The meeting was also attended by expatriate Sein Win of NCGUB, members of Vigorous Burmese Student Army and saboteur Yama who was in-charge of explosives. The meeting decided to send Zaw Htut (Kyimyindine), Myo Zaw (Myawady Thingan-nyinaung) and Ye Naung (Myawady) into Myanmar to blow up explosives.

According to the information received on 22-3-2005, ABSDF, DPNS (Democratic Party for New Society), PLF (People's Liberation Front) and other terrorist groups planned to send saboteurs into Myanmar in March. They were to explode bombs at crowded places. Information was also received that they would bring along mine slabs measuring 8 inches in length and 7.5 inches in breadth, hidden in toy boxes and other items. The explosives included time bombs attached with battery used by a big nation. The saboteurs were Saw Ba Thin (height 5 feet, fair complexion, a scar on right cheek), Harry Htwe (height about 5.5 feet), Kyaw Khu (fair complexion and good-looking), Aye Thein (height 5 feet 5 inches, age 25, red mole on nose), Htein Lin (age 35, with cataract) and Myint Naing (age 48, scar on left cheek).

The information received on 29-3-2005 was significant and important. Some members of terrorist groups at border areas were given training on explosives at the border of the neighbouring country under the sponsorship of a world famous organization of a big nation beginning second week of December 2004. That world famous organization provided 100,000 US dollars from the account head of assisting refugees to fugitive Sein Win of NCGUB based in Washington. Under the sponsorship of NCGUB, some ten saboteurs including ALP (Arakan Liberation Party) vice-chairman Khaing Soe Naing Aung, DAB (Democratic Alliance of Burma) explosives group member Lay Naing, ABSDF members in-charge of explosives Soe Htut, Kyaw Thura and Wai Lin Maung provided training. The saboteurs were to blow up explosives simultaneously in collusion with hard-core UGs in the country.

The persons who gave close supervision to that group were Pyithit Nyunt Wai (a) Maung Maung of NCUB, Aung Moe Zaw of DPNS, Tin Oo and Lwan Ni of NLD (LA). ABSDF Ko Ko Naing and other saboteurs were assigned duties to explode bombs and information was received that Ko Ko Naing was already in the country.

Likewise on 23-3-2005, two foreigners and one foreign correspondent provided training on explosives at Zala camp of KNU brigade-6 at the border. The training course was attended by some 20 persons. Of them some held refugee cards of UNHCR Camp and some were from NLD (LA), DPNS and ABSDF. After completion of the training course, saboteurs were to infiltrate into Myanmar and blast explosives at vital places with the aim of undermining Myanmar's relations with international community.

On 7-4-2005, information received that KNU asked Htein Lin and Kyaw Moe of ABSDF to blast explosives by giving them 30,000 Bahts. The KNU saboteur group led by Htein Lin and Kyaw Moe reached Mawlamyine using Minletpan-Kawkareik jungle route. The saboteur group brought in five large mines and other small ones to explode Thanlwin River Bridge (Mawlamyine) and also some places in Yangon. Htein Lin is 28 years old, 5 feet six inches tall, dark complexion with thick eyebrows, long hair and slender face. Kyaw Moe was 26 years old, 5 feet 5 inches tall, fair complexion, shaved hair on both sides of the head and round face. The group was said to have crossed Thaungyin river and entered Myanmar on 8-4-2005.

Another information disclosed that on 11-4-2005, members of DPNS and NLD (LA) led by Ba-ka-tha and KNU terrorist UG in-charge Thein Win held a meeting at a border town in a neighbouring country. They discussed matters on blowing up explosives.

On 7-5-2005, SSA led by Ywet Sit held a meeting at a house of Kanti at No 1/42, Banmekhan village in the neighbouring country. It was attended by seven Shan nationals including Khun Kyauksikhan (a) Sai Aung Khan, Kyauksulai, Nan Kunphaung and Kyauksai. The meeting decided to conduct a 20-day training course on explosives appointing four foreigners as instructors beginning 8-5-2005 in a neighbouring country.

According to the information received on 10-5-2005, a group led by Ko Ko Naing of ABSDF was directed to retreat to Zala camp in a neighbouring country on 11-5-2005 via Shwekyin-Kyaukkyi-Mwetawywa route of Bago Division, Kyaukhnyalt-Nathmaw route of Kayin State and Alugyi-Alulay (a) Kayin village between Kyaikhto and Bilin in Mon State then to Papun-Dakwin route in connection with explosions at three places in Yangon on 7-5-2005.

The saboteur group led by Ko Ko Naing was to continue to blast explosives on 9 and 10 May in Yangon if the conditions permitted. Their route of retreat would be under guard of insurgents of KNU brigade-3 and brigade-1.

Acting on a tip-off that terrorists were attempting to blow up bombs, authorities concerned tightened security measures at roads and bridges, dams and reservoirs and buildings. As a result, some destructive and terrorist plots were exposed. However, some terrorist incidents occurred.

I will recount some incidents. On 16-3-2005, a suspicious-looking leather bag was seized on a bus plying Magway-Yangon-Pathein highway at Shwe Mann Thu bus terminal in South Okkalapa Township in Yangon. Authorities exposed a time bomb hidden in the bag.

A bomb went off at about 9.40 pm on 17-3-2005 in the compound of Parami bus terminal in South Okkalapa Township. The blast occurred on bus with number plate 6b/6424 of Magway-Yangon-Pathein bus-line which was parked for the night in the bus-line compound but no one was injured. Likewise, at 1.15 am on 19-3-2005, a bomb went off at Panorama Hotel on Pansodan Street in ward 4 of Kyauktada Township, Yangon.

The blast damaged some furniture but no one was injured. At about 5.15 am on 21-4-2005, a KNU group of some ten members led by second lieutenant Kawlapho of company-2 and sergeant Saw Ka-air of company-3 robbed 2 container trucks and 12 highway buses plying from Dawei to Yangon at mile-post 33/2 on Dawei-Ye road section. At 5.30 am, 92 teachers and students of Geology Department of Dawei University arrived there by buses on their study tour to Taunggyi and Pindaya. Then, five policemen on board the buses and KNUs exchanged fire. Two policemen, one university teacher, one girl student, three passengers and one bus conductor totalling eight were killed and 15 others injured. The KNU terrorists made of with about K 3 million and valuables.

At about 2 am on 22-4-2005, a KNPP insurgent terrorist group blasted a mine at pylon No 103 of power grid to Toungoo from Lawpita electric power station of Loikaw. Thus, the power supply was disrupted.

On 26-4-2005, a terrorist insurgent group exploded a time-bomb between C-shed and D-shed of ground floor of Mandalay Zaycho market. Three persons were killed and 14 were injured.

On 30-4-2005 morning, some 60 insurgents led by Sel Nayla of KNU brigade-3 battalion-8 attacked Mwetaw and Kyaungpyar villages in Kyaukkyi Township of Bago Division and set the villages on fire. A villager from Mwetaw village was killed and three persons were injured.

As insurgent terrorists are committing well-planned terrorist acts with evil intention of endangering the lives and property of the people, the terrorist acts have not ended.

In the afternoon of 7-5-2005, time bombs went off in succession at three crowded places in Yangon. As a result, 11 persons were killed and 162 others injured.

At 2.50 pm on that day, a time bomb went off at Yangon Trade Centre in Mingala Taungnyunt Township where Thai exhibition was being staged. Again, five minutes later at 2.55 pm, another time bomb exploded at Junction-8 Centre in Mayangon Township. Again five minutes later at 3 pm, another time bomb went off at Dagon Centre in Sangyoung Township.

In connection with the incidents, a technical survey team was formed with experts.

It was found that a bomb blast at the bottom of concrete pillar near an entertainment dais on the third floor of Yangon Trade Centre. Due to the bomb blast, a hole with 14 inches in diameter emerged on 9 inches thick iron-reinforced concrete floor of Yangon Trade Centre. The 6-mm reinforced steel bars were snapped. Glass walls were blown away and aluminium frames were bent. Ceilings were also destroyed.

At Junction-8 Centre, a bomb blasted occurred 1.5 feet above the City Mart department store's personal belongings deposit counter. At Junction-8, the blast caused an 8-inch diameter hole on 9 inches thick iron-reinforced concrete floor. Reinforced steel bars were not snapped. Glass walls were blown away and ceilings were shattered.

At Dagon Centre, a bomb blast occurred 3 feet above the entrance personal belongings deposit counter of City Mart. At Dagon Centre, the 4.5 inches thick, 12 feet by 12 feet brick-wall at the back was destroyed. The side brick wall of 8 feet by 12 feet with thickness of 4.5 inches was destroyed together with the ceiling.

Evidences were collected. A burnt racksack was found at Yangon Trade Centre. At Junction-8 centre, a burnt handbag and pieces of exploded tin-cans tainted with cordite were found. At Dagon Centre, a burnt handbag, a plastic container of clock frame and one AA-size dry battery.

These items were examined separately by the technical survey team at laboratories of three departments. The examinations were made with unknown material test procedures, water soluble test, acetone soluble test and melting point test. The results show that the cordite used in the bombs could neither be TNT (Trinitrotoluene) nor AN (Ammonium Nitrate) nor PETN (Pantaerythrite Tetranitrate) but RDX (Research Department Explosive).

In addition to laboratory tests, the technical survey team collected information from eye-witnesses and took into consideration the condition of the explosion and the scene.

It was found that the cordite used in the bombs were of velocity of detonation. The colour of its smoke shows that it was not of low explosive but of high explosive. TNT, AN and PETN are of low velocity of detonation. Thus, the cordite of the bombs were RDX.

The blast scene and condition as well as pancake formula show that TNT, AN and PETN could not make a hole on 14-inch diameter iron reinforced concrete. To cause such destruction, about 1.1 pound of RDX was required.

A piece of tin-can found at the scene shows that a few cordite was used in exploding bombs. Thus, the technical survey team can draw up a firm conclusion that the cordite used in the bombs could be RDX.

The RDX cannot be produced in Myanmar. It is produced in big power nations. RDX is the ideal cordite produced such nations and used by their armies. Moreover, RDX is found to be used in a neighbouring country. RDX is not easily available. It can be obtained only through the special assistance and armed organizations.

The bomb blasts occurred in succession with the time difference of only five minutes. The system using clock timer with dry cell and electric detonator was found. It can also be assumed that well-trained saboteurs have committed the subversive acts.

Overall, it can be deduced that the cordite the terrorists used was RDX type and the time-bombs were made with advanced methods. And the terrorists were well-trained saboteurs.

So, it is crystal clear that the terrorists, who detonated three time-bombs in three busy shopping places in Yangon on 7-5-2005, the cordite, and the time-bombs were originated from the training on explosives conducted with foreigner experts at a place in a neighbouring country by a world famous organization of a certain big nation.

The majority of Myanmar national people are brought up with religious teachings and are thus gentle, sympathetic and kind. So, there might be many national people who assume that such inhumane acts would not have been committed.

Apart from these bomb blasts committed by terrorist groups such as SSA led by Ywet Sit, KNU, KNPP, NCUB, NCGUB, ABSDF and related organizations at public places in Yangon, the terrorists had also exploded bombs on the occasion to pay homage to Buddha Tooth Relic on 25-12-1996 cruelly and inhumanely.

The May-7 bomb-blasts killed 11 persons — one monk, 5 men and 5 women — and injured 162 persons. Those injured were given medical treatment at Yangon General Hospital, New General Hospital, North Okkalapa Hospital, Insein People's Hospital, East Yangon Hospital and Yangon Eye Specialists Hospital. As of 14 May, eight injured persons including a child passed away and the death toll rises to 19. Those who had fully recovered from injuries were discharged from hospitals. Altogether 69 persons are still receiving treatment at hospitals.

Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win, State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers and responsible personnel visited the scenes of incident on 7-5-2005 and provided necessary assistance. They also visited hospitals and gave encouragement, clothes, food and medicines to the victims and their families.

So far, the Union Solidarity and Development Association provided K 968280 worth meals, food, powdered milk and eggs to the injured persons. Altogether 149 bottles of blood were donated. The Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association provided cash assistance of K 455,000 to the victims. The Myanmar Women Affairs Federation donated K 1.23 million to the victims.

The Ministry of Industry-1 provided clothes, consumer goods and foods worth K 871,000 to the patients. The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement provided K 1.5 million worth clothes, consumer goods and food and K 1,000 each to the patients. The Myanmar Red Cross Society provided K 5,220,914 worth clothes and consumer goods and medicine to the victims. Moreover, social organizations and well-wishers visited hospitals and gave encouragement, cash and medicines to the victims. While the Government, social organizations and well-wishers are providing cash and kind to the victims out of genuine goodwill, the national people in Shan State held mass rallies to unanimously denounce cruel and inhumane terrorist acts on 7 May. The Union Solidarity and Development Association also held Youth Seminar to denounce the inhumane 7-May terrorist bomb blasts. Likewise, 54 million population of the Union and social organizations are also denouncing the terrorist acts.

Myanmar had been under colonial rule for over 100 years. The national people sacrificed lives, blood and sweat to regain independence. After independence, the flame of war was set ablaze for over 40 years due to discord sown by the colonialists, the prejudice and narrow-minded racism amidst the national people. Disturbances also took place in 1988 and the people had suffered much.

Hence, the Tatmadaw Government took over State responsibilities on 18-9-1988 and unavoidably launched military operations for shouldering the State defence duty and safeguarding sovereignty. Peace door has been kept open and the welcoming hand is extended to national race armed groups. As the conflict among national brethren could inflict sufferings on both sides, the mutual beneficial path of peace is chosen. The 17 armed groups and other small groups with genuine goodwill to serve the interest of the Union and the people gave up armed insurrection and returned to the legal fold. Hence, the nation has become stable and energetic efforts could be made to build up development infrastructures on self-reliance basis.

Meanwhile, the SSNA brigade-11 led by U Kan Na and PSLA led by U Aik Mone unconditionally exchanged arms for peace and the entire national people are rejoicing at it.

It is the fact that if there is no interferences nor sanctions of big super power nations and if the internal forces avoid confrontation and make cooperation with family spirit, the Union would have developed ten times than the present-day conditions.

At present, the Government has given priority to national re-consolidation, and has made peace with 17 armed groups and other smaller groups. Thus peace and stability has been prevailing in the whole nation except in certain border areas. With the prevalence of peace and stability, the Government can now build development infrastructures in all sectors with heart and soul.

As they are enjoying the fruits of peace and progress, the people are supporting and taking part in the drive to build a peaceful, modern and developed nation, and it is an encouraging sign for the future state.

While the nation is witnessing peace, stability and progress, the people are making collective discussions and suggestions in unity in the task of smooth transition to democracy that is achieving success.

At a time when the nation is achieving the fruits of unity, peace, cooperation, and progress, the remaining insurgents, who cannot free themselves from the narrow racism, dogmatic ideology and egoism, are committing terrorist acts against the people a just to buttress themselves from their shaky situation and in line with the three-pronged attack.

The external masters are raising the remaining insurgents that see only the bait not the hook. As their puppets are about to collapse, their masters are intensifying their interferences in Myanmar.

At the same time, the remnants of BCP insurgents have formed temporary alliance with other terrorist insurgent groups to make instigative acts to incite unrest in the nation.

It is natural that there will be the right and the wrong and the good and the evil in this world.

There may be few persons clinging to the evil and giving priority to the narrow nationalism. The pessimists will continue to destroy the public interest with their all-out strength, while turning a blind eye to everything. The neo-colonialists will continue to make instigation and drive in a wedge to cause conflicts in the nation as their policy is to make their prey tired and weakened with the aim of serving self-interest to the most possible degree.

Looking back the history of Myanmar and the Tatmadaw, the nation encountered grave danger in 1948-49 due to emergence of multi-coloured insurgencies. The Government at that period was dubbed as Yangon Government. Some battalions went under-ground and the Tatmadaw became weaker and weaker. By sacrificing lives, blood and sweat the Tatmadaw crushed the multi-coloured insurgents and saved the nation. During the period of 1955-60, Kuomington nationalist Chinese troops intruded into Myanmar with great strength, arms and foreign assistance. That external danger was also crushed by the Tatmadaw by waging military operations with its own strength.

During the period from 1968 to 1989, multi-coloured insurgents with strong manpower and arms waged battles against the Tatmadaw in some border areas. With firm deter-mination and zeal, the Tatmadaw crushed various attacks of the insurgents and saved the nation from falling into abyss.

Nowadays, all insurgent groups are weak in manpower, arms and organizational capacity. They cannot hold their bases in the country, so they have to move into a neighbouring country. The insurgent groups cannot attack the Tatmadaw face-to-face. They can commit terrorist acts only.

By reviewing the historical incidents and foreseeing the future of the nation, the Government has built up the Tatmadaw to be a modern and efficient one. So, the Tatmadaw has now possessed the Military Might to a certain extent to guard against and repulse the dangers of the nation.

Since 1988, endea-vours have been made to ensure all-round develop-ment of the nation. Necessary infrastructures such as dams, reservoirs, roads, bridges, etc… required for development in agriculture, livestock breeding, education, health and transportation sectors have been built and the nation has possessed Economic Might con-siderably. As the Govern-ment fully realized that stability as well as peace and tranquillity are essential for the national development, priority is given to national reconsolidation. Altogether 17 armed groups of national races have returned to the legal fold and they are joining hands with the Government in carrying out regional development works. Almost all the regions of the nation has become peaceful and tranquil. Considerable progress has been made in building up the nation into a democratic one. Thus, the nation has achieved Political Might.

Even though the Government and the Tatmadaw in the past were not as strong as that of today they could successfully crush enemies and repulse dangers and save the country. With greater Political, Economic and Military Mights today, the Government can easily crush, in cooperation with the people, the terrorist destructionists who are taking refuge at the border of a neighbouring country. The Government and the Tatmadaw are strong enough to safeguard the sovereignty and lives and properties of the people. Thus, the people do not have to worry.

While the Government is taking necessary security mea-sures at its utmost, organizations, companies and entrepreneurs are also taking security measures at their work establishments, supermarkets, cinemas, etc under the supervision of the Government. As the Government has made public security arrange-ments to the best of its ability, people can do their daily business without having any anxiety. Moreover, the people should not believe rumours that are likely to surface and spread at this time.

The people should be alert with security awareness, as the terrorists may mingle with and disguise themselves as ordinary people to commit harmful acts. The people should report to the security personnel immediately if they see any suspicious looking stranger or object in the surroundings.

The Tatmadaw while discharging the national defence duty and national re-consolidation duty steadfastly, will certainly take necessary security measures and safeguard the lives and properties of the people. In accord with the maxim, which says, “the strength of the nation lies within”, the nation will certainly overcome and ward off all kinds of disturbances and hardships with the three combined forces — the Government, the people and the Tatmadaw.