Mogok Blog Writer Warned

Thar Phyu, a blog writer and a computer shop owner in Mogok Township in central Burma, was issued a warning by local authorities on Monday, according to local residents. He is a member of the National League for Democracy's youth division. A second computer shop owner was also warned for not having a license.

Hla Oo, the chairman of the NLD in Mogok Township, said that Thar Phyu was warned by officials who were inspecting computer shops in the area.

“Authorities checked all the computer shops in Mogok on Monday. He [Thar Phyu] was called in and warned briefly, because he doesn’t have a license for his computer shop," said Hla Oo.

Thar Phyu also writes a blog for MOGOK MEDIA about the environment and political issues in the area.

The blog has recently reported about the flooding in Mogok as well as demonstrations against the hike in fuel prices.

Authorities briefly seized and checked Thar Phyu’s computer, said residents, who added that this was the first instance of a blog writer being called in and warned by local authorities.

With the spread of technology, growing numbers of young people in Burma have a personal blog and share information online.