Monks in Myanmar protests seize 20

At least 200 Buddhist monks seized about 20 officials and burned vehicles Thursday in retaliation for soldiers manhandling them during a protest over rising prices, witnesses said.

The monks’ actions in the northern town of Pakokku illustrate the depth of popular discontent, even as three weeks of demonstrations against a fuel price increase and other consumer prices appeared to be winding down.

The officials were released after a few hours, but the events prompted an announcement during the evening news on state radio and TV that blamed the monks for causing violence.

The announcement -- the first direct reference by state media to the recent protests -- sounded a warning that attempts by a few people to destabilize the military-ruled country would not be tolerated.

Buddhist monks were at the forefront of protests against British colonialism and military dictatorship, and played a prominent part in a violently crushed 1988 rebellion.

The military government in Myanmar, also known as Burma, has detained scores of activists in the price protests.

In Sydney, Australia, President Bush today demanded the immediate release of those detained.

“We must press the regime in Burma to stop arresting, harassing and assaulting pro-democracy activists for organizing or participating in peaceful demonstrations,” he said in a speech to Asia-Pacific business executives.