Feb 1, 2008 (DVB), Taunggok township National League for Democracy communications committee member and human rights activist U Aung Than Htun passed away on 29 January at the age of 51.

The NLD party in Taunggok township, Arakan state, said his funeral was held on 30 January and the following morning, his family offered a meal to monks at his house as a traditional way of making merit for the dead.

Taunggok NLD’s communication committee deputy chairman U Tin Linn Aung said that Aung Than Htun was an enthusiastic human rights activist alongside his dedicated work with the opposition party.

U Tin Linn Aung said Aung Than Htun always stood on the side of people who had been suffered forced labour and other human rights violations from the military government.

"For the people in government who abuse their power, it is a good thing that one more activist who stood on the civilians’ side all the time has now passed away," said Tin Linn Aung.

"But for us, for the people of Burma and for all the people who are defending human rights in the country, it is the loss of a hero."

Aung Than Htun was formerly a government official in the forestry department and became a member of the NLD after he was sacked from his position for his involvement in the national uprising in 1988.

Reporting by Naw Say Phaw