|PIC1|There are concerns that Christian leaders could be targeted by the military regime in Burma, as the crackdown continues - and that the death toll may be far higher than officially admitted.

The authorities have acknowledged the killing of ten people on the streets of Rangoon, but a Release International partner claims the death toll is in the "hundreds".

The partner, who cannot be named for safety reasons, has said: "Our people have seen hundreds of bodies and many more are filling the hospitals."

Diplomatic sources also put the numbers killed in the recent protests in the hundreds.

It's been reported that troops have rounded up thousands of Buddhist monks, and are holding them in chains at a disused race course and technical college. Concern is growing that Christian leaders are also on the junta's hit-list.

Release International's partner said: "We are in total lock-down. I have been warned to take precautions because government authorities are coming for me at any time. I was told to stay indoors and keep everything closed. Friends warned me: 'If they see even a window open they will assume somebody is inside and come to take you.'"

He continued: "Churches cannot meet. We are gathering quietly in small groups of no more than five to pray for our country and our people."

Many Christian leaders are already in jail in Burma, charged with running illegal churches, Bible colleges and orphanages. Some have been severely tortured to try to make them give up their faith, RI says.

One, known as 'Paul' described the treatment meted out to him when the authorities arrested him for preaching during a previous crackdown. Plain clothes intelligence officers had mingled with the crowd that had gathered to hear him. They dragged him away to a torture room.

"They handcuffed me and hoisted me above the ground by my handcuffs, and told me to preach the gospel that I loved so much," said Paul.

The authorities charged him with using his Christian faith to oppose the country and jailed him for 11 years.

Paul was released in 2002. Christians currently in jail in Burma include Myo-Chit, the head of the Assemblies of God Church.

The military has been using the curfew to move in and arrest suspected dissidents. According to the BBC, military loudspeaker trucks have been blaring: "We have photographs. We are going to make arrests."

Release International serves the persecuted Church in 30 nations - including Burma. RI's partner said the Burmese people were becoming increasingly desperate for freedom: "People are shouting, 'Shoot me, shoot me! I've nothing to live for anyway.'"

With the lack of further and higher education opportunities in Burma, church-run colleges are becoming increasingly popular - though illegal.

Another Christian leader who is running an unofficial church and Bible school told Release International: "Many shops are closed so rice and other food is expensive. We dare not go out far to buy things. There was a shooting downtown and people were killed. Many students dare not go to the school. Keep praying for us."

For more information please visit: www.releaseinternational.org