New Delhi (Mizzima) – The National League for Democracy (NLD), Burma’s major opposition party, is hoping its Vice-Chairman U Tin Oo will be released soon.
Former Gen. Tin Oo was arrested after the Depayin massacre. His six-year house arrest term will be over on February 13.
“We are hopeful of his release since Home Minister Maj. Gen. Maung Oo hinted that he would be freed in February, while speaking during his visit to middle Burma. His house arrest term will expire on February 13,” party spokesman and Central Executive Committee (CEC) member Khin Maung Swe told Mizzima.
During his visit to Kyaukpadaung, Maj. Gen. Maung Oo said on January 21 that the NLD Vice-Chairman U Tin Oo would be released in the coming month and General Secretary Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would be released in November.
On a tour of Upper Burma, the motorcade carrying 84-year old retired Defence Commander-in-Chief Gen. Tin Oo, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, party members and party sympathizers were ambushed on 30 May 2003 in Kyi village near Depeyin town, Sagaing Division by a mob backed by the junta. They were assaulted and arrested.
U Tin Oo was sent to Kale town prison in Sagaing Division and then put under house arrest from February 2004.
The Thai based Burma Lawyers Council (BLC) Chairman U Thein Oo said, “The detention of U Tin Oo is illegal. It is a violation of the law and human rights. He must be released. We hope he will be released soon”.
The junta recently declared BLC, an unlawful organization.
“We will be encouraged if the Vice-Chairman comes back and works when our Chairman is not able to. Even though he cannot work hard due to his advancing age, he can boost our morale,” party CEC member Khin Maung Swe said.
Mizzima News
NLD hopes for U Tin Oo’s release 
