Date: April 17, 2007.

Main Office of Mizzima News Group sealed off

Burma News International, a network of ten Burmese news organizations, urges Indian authorities to immediately reopen the main office of Mizzima News Group, in Viskaspuri, New Delhi , India , which was sealed off on Monday.

Aung Naing, development officer of BNI, said, "It is crucial for democratic country like India to have access to independent news sources like Mizzima".

BNI learnt that the office of Mizzima News Group, one of the network members of BNI was sealed off with the reason of running business in residential area.

However, Soe Myint, Editor in Chief of Mizzima said there was strong suspicion that the raid was related to Mizzima's coverage on Burma and his role as translator for the 34 Arakan and Karen rebels currently on trial in Kolkata , India , for allegedly supplying weapons to Indian insurgents. The rebels claim to be freedom fighters opposing the Burmese junta's iron-fist regime.

The editor of Mizzima News Group Sein Win said, "Mizzima's editorial operations have now been severely hampered. It appealed for international support, even as it sought the understanding of its readers in anticipation of further interruptions in delivering its news products".

Mizzima, which was founded in August 1998, is an independent and non-profitable news agency producing independent news and commentary on Burma . It has been reporting consistently about the human rights situation in Burma , including violations against the media and journalists by the Burmese military junta.

In covering Burma , Mizzima also covers Southeast Asian and South Asian politics that impact on the military-ruled country. Among other things, it covers and critiques India 's current policy towards Rangoon .

For support, write a letter to

hri Shivraj Patil,

Minister of Home Affairs,

Government of India , New Delhi

North Block, Central Secretariat, New Delhi - 110 001

Phone: 23092011, 23092161 Fax: 23093750, 23092763

Contact: Aung Naing (BNI development officer)

Phone: +66 (0) 89 701 8661

BNI is composed of 10 members such as

Mizzima News Group

Khonumthung News Group

Kaladan Press Network

Narinjara News

Kao Wao News Group

Kachin News Group

Independent Mon News Agency

Shan Herald Agency for News

Network Media Group

Kantarawaddy Times