Jul 18, 2008 (DVB), Burmese authorities detained four National League for Democracy members today in the run-up to Martyrs’ Day on 19 July, according to an NLD spokesperson.

The four were Rangoon division’ NLD youth support member Ko Myint Htay, Dagon township NLD member Ko The Han, Khayan township NLD youth wing member Ko Win Myint Maung and Shwe Pyi Thar NLD member Ma Htet The Oo Wei.

NLD spokesperson U Win Naing said the four party members were taken from their houses last night and early this morning.

"The three males were taken from their houses last night and Htet Htet Oo Wei was taken early this morning , we don’t know what the reason behind it was," said Win Naing.

"The government officials said they needed to ask them some questions."

Ma Khin Khin Sein, wife of Ko Myint Htay, said her husband was out when the authorities called at the house.

"A few government officials including an official from the Home Affairs ministry and Special Police from Tamwe township arrived at our house around 9.30pm yesterday evening and waited for my husband who was out," Khin Khin Sein said.

"He arrived back home at around 10.30pm and had a talk with the officials. He asked them if he needed to take some extra clothing and they told him it was not needed," she said.

"Their car arrived at around 10.45pm and my husband went with them. They said they just needed to ask him about his planned activities for Martyrs’ Day."

Government officials have routinely detained political activists in the past in this way prior to politically symbolic events such as Martyrs' Day.

Reporting by Naw Say Phaw