Feb 17, 2009 (DVB), Three members of the Best Fertiliser underground activist group were arrested by local authorities in Rangoon on Valentine’s Day after distributing leaflets as part of their rose campaign.

A spokesperson for the group said the three activists were detained after they were seen sticking posters up in North Okkalapa on 14 February.

"Our group members Aung Htet Min, Soe Min Htike and Kyaw Zin Naing were sticking posters and leaflets on the wall in front of North Okkalapa High School (5) early on Valentine’s Day, at around 4am," he said.

"A trishaw driver named Pho Toke who is a local Swan Arr Shin member saw them and they were arrested later in their homes, at around 6am, by the police," he said.

"[The police were] accompanied by officials from the Ward Peace and Development Council, the fire brigade, the Union Solidarity and Development Association and Swan Arr Shin."

The group spokesperson claimed the three had been beaten and mistreated during their interrogation at the township Peace and Development Council office.

The Best Fertiliser group launched the rose campaign last week along with activists from Generation Wave and the All Burma Federation of Student Unions.

The groups called on people to offer roses at pagodas and wear or carry roses or rose ornaments on Valentine's Day to show support for a peaceful resolution to Burma's political divisions.

Reporting by Ahunt Phone Myat