Officials to Protect Ne Win

Burmese authorities have promised to take care of ailing Gen Ne Win despite the arrest of his son-in-law and three grandsons following the uncovering of a planned coup, Ne Win's son Phyo Wai Win told the Washington-based Radio Free Asia (RFA) this morning. While no one can confirm Ne Win's current health status, he is widely believed to be quite sick. Phyo Wai Win, who is currently living in Denmark, told RFA that he was promised by the ruling authorities that they would take good care of their predecessor. The 92-year old former strongman and his beloved daughter Sandar Win, wife of the arrested Aye Zaw Win, are now under house arrest following the thwarted plan. The two are staying at Ne Win's compound on Inya Lake in central Rangoon. Ne Win's son also said that authorities told him by phone that they would not only take care of Ne Win, but that they continued to revere the former dictator who held power in Burma for twenty-six years. Burma's military regime also sacked three high-ranking military officials after evidence surfaced connecting them to the plotted coup. They are Air Force Chief Maj Gen Myint Swe, military commander Brig Gen Chit Than and Police Chief Soe Win. A Rangoon resident told The Irrawaddy that people were totally surprised and happy to hear that Ne Win's family had been arrested. "I think Ne Win's health will only get worse following this," noted one Rangoon resident. Ne Win's son-in-law and three grandsons were arrested by Military Intelligence Officers on Thursday while eating dinner in Rangoon after a planned coup was uncovered by military officials.