The Nation - Burmese junta expel officials over tunnel photos

Published on June 24, 2009

Several senior military Burmese officials have been dismissed over the weeks followed the recent publication of photographs of secret tunnels built by North Korean experts between 2003-2006 inside Burma, according informed sources.

The sources, who asked not to be identified because the information they gave could endanger their lives, said that the Burmese intelligence officials have began massive investigations to identify the sources of leakages.

They have combed the city of Rangoon and interviewed associates of former intelligence chief, Lt Gen Khin Nyunt to search for persons who might leak one of the most secretive programs.

They have already arrested several suspects including journalists who might have accessed to these sensitive photos and documents.

Swedish journalist, Bertil Litner, detailed Pyongyang's effort in helping Rangoon to build underground bunkers in various locations.

The author said the photographs, which were obtained by Democratic Voice of Burma, showed an extensive network of underground installations that was built near Burma's new, fortified new capital Naypyidaw, 450 kilometers north of Rangoon.

The photographs which first appeared in Yale Global Online on 8 June 2009 have puzzled Bangkok-based diplomatic community.

"We are interested in the news and we are following it closely," said a senior diplomat from an Asean country, who asked not be identified.

A Thai intelligence source yesterday confirmed that existence of the tunnel but does not express any serious concern.

"The Burmese generals fear outside attacks, so they are building these underground hidden places," he said. Thailand is also watching closely about Burma's effort to increase its nuclear capacity.

These tunnels are equipped with underground facilities including communications and strategic rooms, which would enable the Burmese leaders to survive any attack from their peoples and the outside world. Some tunnels are big enough for military and transport vehicles to go through.

Sources also revealed that dozens of tunnels are also dug near Thai-Burma border. They said the construction of these tunnels were disguised as part of the country's plan to lay optic fibers throughout the country

Bertil wrote that well-hidden complex ensures there is no danger of angry civilians storming government buildings as they did during the massive pro-democracy uprising in August-September 1988. It could also serve as their deep bunkers in case there are air strikes of the kind that the Taliban faced in Afghanistan.

According to the author, it is not clear how North Korean experts got paid. The payment could be in the form of food or god, which Burma has. The country is rich in mineral and agricultural product.