In a statement oddly reminiscent of Myanmar’s paranoid former ruling military junta, the new government has vowed to “expose” and press charges against anarchists hiding amid ostensibly peaceful organizations.
Colonel Tin Aung Htun, Minister for Security and Border Affairs for Yangon Region included anarchists in a list of undesirable elements he intended to pursue legal action against, including disruptive squatters and fugitives from justice, according to the Global New Light of Myanmar.
“These kinds of people are scarce amongst genuine organizations,” he was quoted as saying.
“But there are those anarchical groups of people who, after breaking the law, ostensibly work for peaceful organizations but only as front for making money. These groups will be exposed and legal action taken against them in accordance with the law.
The colonel’s comments were echoed by Phyo Min Thein, Yangon Region’s new Chief Minister.
“There are some instances of these people … attributing themselves military abbreviations and wearing a uniform before acting as they please,” he said in the report. “It really impacts negatively on the reputation of genuine peace organizations. We’ve informed peace organizations of such people.”
