Empty temples, sweeping arrests and intimidation tactics keep the air tense and citizens fearful as Burma's ruling junta continues its campaign to crush opposition to its power.
Troops dragged people from their homes in the middle of the night Wednesday in capital city Yangon announcing on loudspeaker that they had photographs of civilians that warranted arrests, according to The Associated Press.Several dozen homes near Shwedagon Pagoda, Burma's most revered shrine and a protest point, gave reports of security forces hauling away men and even some women for questioning.
"People are terrified," said Shari Villarosa, the acting U.S. ambassador in Burma, according to AP. "People have been unhappy for a long time. Since the events of last week, there's now the unhappiness combined with anger, and fear."
Meanwhile, many temples were emptied of its inhabitants as Buddhist monks fled to their hometowns and villages following orders from unknown sources.
Bodies were also reported to be lying on the streets, in front of a pagoda, and on the back of truck, according to CNN. The bodies are thought to be part of the government's intimidation campaign.
In response to the atrocities, the Evangelical Fellowship of Asia (EFA) said in an issued statement Wednesday: "It is with deep anguish and shock that we learn of the violent attack on Buddhist monks and civilians who were engaged in a peaceful protest in Burma (Myanmar) during the past week.
"We are appalled by the violent repression of unarmed protestors ... and subsequent raids on Buddhist temples," the statement continued. "We condemn this brutal attack on religious leaders and civilians."
