The Wicked Witch is Dead??!!

March 12, Mizzima News
Than Shwe rumored to be hospitalized

Burma's Ministry of Information has brushed aside rumors that Head of
State Senior General Than Shwe's health is failing and that he is
currently hospitalized.

Rumors have been circulating Rangoon and among exile Burmese communities
that Than Shwe's health is deteriorating and that he is receiving medical
treatment at Rangoon's No. 2 Military Hospital.

A source close to the military establishment in Rangoon said, "I heard
that his health has been deteriorating for about a week."

Similarly, rumors are spreading among the Burmese exile community that
Than Shwe is suffering from colon cancer for which he is currently
receiving treatment.

The rumor is spreading rapidly via blogs operated by Burmese bloggers both
inside and outside the country.

Burmese bloggers have posted several messages claiming that Than Shwe has
undergone medical treatment for colon cancer at the No. 2 Military
Hospital in Rangoon.

While the information could not be independently verified, an official at
the Burmese Ministry of Information dismissed the rumor, saying, "No, he
is not hospitalized and he is in good health."

However Burma's military strongman has long been reported to be suffering
from ill-health and several important meetings, including the junta's
quarterly meetings, had been previously postponed due to speculation of
his fragile condition.