Sep 11, 2007 (DVB), Pakokku authorities have arrested four town residents for allegedly providing foreign media with information on the protest staged last week by monks over poor economic conditions, according to local residents.

Four Pakokku residents; U Thant Shin, U Nay La, U Sein Linn and U Thar Aung, were arrested by authorities on Friday evening and held at the police station but were later sent to the police station jail.

"They were arrested under suspicion of speaking by telephone to reporters from foreign news agencies. They were kept in the police station at first and family members were allowed to visit and give food to them," said an unnamed monk.

"But they were then moved to the police station jail on Sunday and their current situation is unknown."

Reporting by Aye Nai