Rangoon Put Under Martial Law

BANGKOK, Thailand —  The Burmese government today imposed martial law on the capital of Rangoon after thousands of masked students marched through downtown shouting slogans denouncing leader Sein Lwin, diplomats said.

Burma’s official Radio Rangoon announced that the city was placed under judicial control of the military at 1 p.m. “to permit those students who would like to study peacefully to do so.” The decree said martial law would “cease when the Council of State so declares.” The declaration of martial law came one week after Sein Lwin, known for his ruthless suppression of dissidents, assumed power.