May 3: An emboldened junta’s increased violent crackdown on political dissidence in Burma has been prompted by China and Russia ’s veto on the resolution at the United Nations Security Council on Burma, 88 generation student leaders said today.

“Ever since the Burma resolution at the UNSC was vetoed by China and Russia , the junta has stepped up violence against political activists. And we feel that it is as if China and Russia have given the junta a license to be violent on political dissidents,” Jimmy a second rung 88 generation student leader told Mizzima.

Despite, the United States’ efforts to put Burma on the UN Security Council permanent agenda, two veto wielding countries, China and Russia , on January 12, rejected the resolution.

“Looking at a series of incidents that took place recently, it is clear the junta is using local authorities and civil organisations to attack political activists, Jimmy said.

In March, members of the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) in Hintatha Township attacked Myint Aye and members of Human Rights Promoters and Defenders.

The junta also closed down shops owned by members of opposition political party - the National League for Democracy - and harassed activists praying for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, Jimmy said.

Min Ko Naing, the high profile 88 student leader said, “While the junta slows down criticizing political activists through its state-run media, it’s tactics have drastically changed and become more violent and more daring ever since the Burma issue was vetoed by China and Russia at the UNSC.”

“It is like China and Russia have encouraged the military junta to rampantly suppress democracy activists. So, it is high time that the international community raises the question to the two veto wielding countries, and how they intend to solve the problems in Burma,” Min Ko Naing added.

U Myint Thein, the NLD spokesperson also said the junta, following the double veto by China and Russia at the Security Council, has enforced a violent crackdown on activists.

However, the Rangoon based self-styled nationalist, U Win Naing said, “The junta’s stepped up crackdown on activists and political dissidence are not the results of the Russia, China veto at the Security Council but the junta’s fear of a public uprising due to the present circumstances that the people are facing.”

“As Burma’s socio-economy scenario deteriorates day by day and poverty increases, an uprising or unrest among the people is possible. The junta fears this, so, they are using power to violently crackdown on dissidents,” added U Win Naing.