At least nine youths from nearby villages where a bomb exploded on July 30 in the telecommunication (auto exchange) were arrested on suspicion of involvement.

According to a villager whose friends were arrested, the police and soldiers raided the homes of the youth at night. The bomb damaged five window panes of doors and windows. No one was injured.

"Two youths from my quarter were arrested on suspicion. One is a driver the other a local youth," a youth from Nyaung gone village said.

The authorities have beefed up security in the area and also switched off the power line and are keeping a close watch on the movement of youth.

Many youths are fleeing to evade arrest and many villagers in Kyone Pake, Wet tae, Nyaung gone, Kyaik Ye are scared.

"We can be framed by the authorities because they are raiding homes and seizing many things," a leader of the Mon National Democratic Front (MNDF) in the area said.

Most of the Thai cordless telephones on the hill in Nyaung gone village were seized by local authorities.

Police and soldiers setup check points in Cin Hna Gaung (Two elephants), and are seriously checking travellers as they believe four more bombs would be planted.

Local analysis said, their experience says the authorities will keep these youths as hostages to prove to senior officials that they have arrested the bombers.

To arrest local activists in Khawzar sub-township, the authorities had conspired and triggered a bomb explosion at a polling station during the constitution to approve the draft constitution on May 10 which was nothing damaged and no one injured.

The local police revealed later that the explosion was the handiwork of the Infantry Battalion No.31 and they arrested three activists. One died after torture.