Web users have abandoned Internet shops in Thanphyuzayart, after increased security crackdowns have heightened patrons’ fears of being affiliated with suspected political dissidence.
Two internet shops in Thanphyuzayart town, in Thanphyuzayart Township, Mon State, have both noticed deceased sales of internet use beginning in January, as Burmese military government forces began arresting community member suspected of political dissidence. Both shops are relatively new, having opened in 2009.
“Now at internet [shops] in Thanphyuzayart, people no longer come to use it,” commented a student who used the Internet shops regularly in Thanphyuzayart. “Before the authority came to arrest the monk, [people] had to wait to use the computer, [now] people coming to use it have really decreased.”
On January 7th, a monk, Ashin Uk Kong Sah, was arrested by police in Kjan Khaing Ye quarter, Thanphyuzayart Town, and was reported to have been carrying a laptop computer, a video camera, and 4 leaflets against the upcoming 2010 election.
Ashin Uk Kong Sah is reported to have been a frequent patron, according to a student who also often used the internet at either of the Thanphyuzayart internet shops.
After the arrest police called and questioned the Thanphyuzayart Internet shop owners. According to a source close to one of the shop owners, police asked questions demanding, “‘[Has] this monk has been using the Internet at your shop. Do you know this monk?, Did monk have contact with any overseas groups? Have any other monks come and used the Internet after that monk was arrested?’"
Internet use is widely unavailable through out Burma. The vast majority of public use comes from Internet shops like those in Thanphyuzayart. In an article published in May 2009, the Committee to Protect Journalists branded Burma as the worst country in the world to be an Internet blogger.
A student from Moulmein told IMNA that he has noticed the addition of signs posted, warning against the use of internet for political activity. Some shops now sport cardboard signs outside shops, and above each computer reading, “connecting about political writing, reading , and opening and sending mail [is forbidden].”
The student, who is also familiar of the arrest of Ashin Uk Kong Sah, complained, “ [The] Internet is a necessary tool for modern education of students and now youth need it to support and to develop their education…and their future.”
