A leader of Burma's main opposition party – the National League for Democracy – in Rangoon was severely injured when an unidentified assailant attacked him on Monday night.

Myint Hlaing, Chairman of Hlaingtharyar Township NLD, received three stitches on his head after the identified man hit him on the head.

Myint Hlaing a resident of Ward 11 in Hlaingtharyar Township was attacked at about 7:30 p.m. (local time) on Monday while he was strolling in front of his house.

"I don't know the person who attacked me. But I am sure he is not from our locality, he maybe from another ward, not from our ward," Myint Hlaing said.

While the reason behind the mysterious attack is not clear, several people in the locality said Myint Hlaing has a good reputation in the locality and is loved and respected by many.

A local resident described him saying "He is admired by most of the local people and is known to be a good person. He is gentle and is a devout Buddhist and he always meditates, even when he is strolling."

The local said the attack on Myint Hlaing was surprising and he believed that there was a political motive behind the attack.
"I think this is political violence against him," the local added.

Myint Hlaing, following the attack was treated at the Hlaingtharyar government hospital and received three stitches on his scalp. He complained of suffering from a mild headache.

Myint Hlaing said, "Earlier, Ko Maung Lay from Henzada, Ko Myint Aye of 'Human Rights Defenders and Promoters' (HRDP), U Than Lwin from Madaya Township NLD and NLD members of Tungup Township were beaten up. Now this has come to our township and I am being targeted". He was responding to an apparent suggestion that the attacks on dissidents are organized and well planned.