Sniffer dogs flown to Rangoon

Trained sniffer dogs assigned to cross-border towns have been reassigned to Burma's two main cities Rangoon and Mandalay since yesterday, reports a source close to the Army.

The dogs were administered anaesthetic before embarkation from Tachilek. "We were only told there weren't enough dogs to go round," an officer was quoted as saying. "No reason was given."

The source said there were speculations that the generals wanted to keep the international airports at the two cities under close surveillance. "Most likely the consequence of the May 7 bombings (that killed more than 70 and injured hundreds," he commented. "But some have pointed out the suddenness of the order from Rangoon, which might mean that there is a crisis situation that calls for urgent and swift action."

New Delhi-based Mizzima News reported yesterday that the Buddha's tooth relic, a religious object of much occult value to Burma's rulers, was stolen on Sunday, 14 August.