In an effort to quell growing dissent against its authority, the Burmese military regime detained 71 individuals identified as supporters of Aung San Suu Kyi, the prominent leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD). The arrests took place as preparations were underway for a pro-democracy meeting, which was seen as a direct challenge to the military's control over Myanmar. The regime's action was part of a broader strategy to stifle any potential movements towards democratic reform during a period marked by significant unrest and public demand for democratic governance.

The detentions occurred amidst a wave of protests and public gatherings calling for greater political freedom and respect for human rights, which had been severely restricted under the military's rule. The military established a climate of fear, employing arrests and intimidation tactics against opposition members and activists. Suu Kyi's growing popularity and the NLD's electoral success in the previous years heightened the regime's paranoia about losing power, and such arrests were seen as necessary to maintain the status quo.

The meeting that was intended to occur was structured around discussions of constitutional reform and the reinstatement of democratic practices, highlighting the aspirations of the people for a more participatory system of governance. The crackdown significantly impacted the morale of the pro-democracy movement and showcased the lengths to which the military junta would go to suppress dissent and prevent the rallying of opposition forces.