Dec 19, 2007 (DVB), The deputy chairman of Taunggok township National League for Democracy, U Than Pe, has accused local authorities of victimizing party members and blaming them for anti-government campaigns.

Than Pe claimed that NLD members have been called in for questioning by police following a poster campaign targeted against the government.

"Our party member U Htun Kyi and two others were summoned to the township police station on Monday afternoon and they were interrogated for about three hours on whether they had involvement in the recent poster and graffiti campaigns in town," he said.

Than Pe said he was also questioned in connection with the investigation into the campaign.

"Later in the evening it was my turn. They wanted to know if I knew anything about the campaign or if I was behind it," he said.

"I told them I don’t know anything and that I had nothing to do with it."

A fifth party member was summoned to the police station for questioning yesterday.

The campaigns have consisted of anti-government messages on posters and walls, and leaflets have been distributed threatening the government with a national uprising and call on people to join in.

The People's Movement Leader Committee has claimed responsibility for the campaigns.

The PMLC is an umbrella group which was formed on 27 September and includes the All-Burmese Monks Alliance, the 88 generation students and the Ethnic Youth Cooperation Group.

Than Pe complained that NLD members were being blamed for all anti-government activities in the township.

"The Taunggok township authorities are treating our NLD members like criminals. Whenever there is a problem in town, we are the first ones to be questioned," said Tha Pe.

We have tried to tolerate this disrespectful behaviour for a long time. But it is getting a bit too much now," he said.

"We are starting to feel like there is no security and privacy for us anymore. I have been questioned four times since I was released from detention on 25 September."

Reporting by Aye Nai