United Nations envoy for Burma Razali Ismail is expected to have a tough task on his hands during his prospective visit to Rangoon later this week.

News leaking from the country hints at a much worse scenario than has been reported.

Although the envoy has refused to be drawn into the speculation, he is clearly concerned over reports that the military government has launched a crackdown on members of the main political opposition - the National League of Democracy (NLD) helmed by Aung San Suu Kyi.