Feb 22, 2008 (DVB), Residents of Insein township, Rangoon division, were angered when local authorities allowed a pro-government group to hand out leaflets in the township.

While opposition groups face harassment from the authorities for trying to run similar campaigns, the pro-government 88 Generation Students (Union of Myanmar) received assistance and security from local officials.

A couple of people from the group, led by Aye Lwin, were seen in Insein township yesterday morning distributing leaflets with information on Aye Lwin, his group and statements they had made about the government.

An eyewitness said he was handed a leaflet when he was on his way to the market.

"They were wearing white and green uniforms that are very similar to those worn by the Union Solidarity and Development Association," the eyewitness said.

"The leaflets contain information about Aye Lwin and his background, and statements by his group," he explained.

"There are also explanations about the origin of the group [, ], but no one was really paying attention to what was in the leaflet."

The witness said that the leaflets were accepted by local government officials, and USDA and Swan Arr Shin members provided security for the group.

"This is not fair. When we do this kind of thing they arrest us, but when pro-government people do the same thing they even provide security and assistance," he said.

Reporting by Naw Say Phaw