Burmese authorities say they have arrested the son-in-law and three grandsons of former dictator Ne Win for plotting a coup against the military government. 

Burma's deputy head of military intelligence, Major-General Kyaw Win, told a news conference Saturday that Aye Zaw Win and his three sons were arrested in a restaurant Thursday evening as they allegedly discussed the plot. Aye Zaw Win is the husband of of Ne Win's daughter, Sandar Win. 

The general denied reports that Ne Win and his daughter were under house arrest. He said barricades and guards had been placed around their lakeside Rangoon residence as a security measure. 

However, reporters' attempts to reach the Ne Win house by telephone have not been successful. 

Ne Win ruled Burma from 1962, when he seized power in a bloodless coup, until he retired in 1988. The military government that succeeded him remains in power. 

The last reported public appearance of the 90-year-old Ne Win was in March of last year, when he attended a religious ceremony at a Rangoon hotel. 

Some information for this report provided by AFP, AP and Reuters. 

Email this article to a friend.
Printer Friendly Version