Dec 26, 2007 (DVB), Nine members of the Shan State Nationalities Liberation Organisation are still being held following their arrest by the ruling State Peace and Development Council on 18 December.

Battalion commander major Bar Pray (also known as Ye Naing) and eight other SSNPLO members were arrested by about 100 SPDC troops while travelling through Palan Naw Ka village in See Sai township, according to an SSNPLO official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The SSNPLO's communications office in Taunggyi has also faced pressure from the government, with SSNPLO chairman Tarkale under house arrest.

The official said that the regime is unlikely to negotiate over the arrest, as they are currently fortifying their troops in See Sai and Naung Htaw townships.

Reporting by Htet Aung Kyaw