Myanmar’s military junta sent troops to the country’s largest city on Tuesday after thousands of Buddhist monks defied warnings and continued their peaceful protest marches for the eight consecutive day.

A dozen buses brought security forces in downtown Yangon late Tuesday, observers saying it is a measure preceding another crackdown on the monk-led rebellion.

Local sources said hospitals in the city were advised to be prepared for a wave of patients, news which enforce the rumors of reprisals against the demonstrators.

Nearly 100,000 monks and followers marched through the streets of Yangon and other major cities on Tuesday regardless of the calls made by government officials to the monks, advising them to obey Buddhist rules that forbid any involvement in political activities.

Authorities dispatched vehicles equipped with loudspeakers on the streets to warn people once again that they could be imprisoned for three years if they are caught watching the demonstrations, while those who attend the marches would have to face ten years in jail.

The tension has increased with each day of protests and looks like the junta is not willing to tolerate the monks’ defiance anymore. Rumors said pro-democracy activist and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been moved from her home to a prison, but no one could confirm the rumors because the area surrounding her residence has been cordoned off.

The heroine, who received the Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against the military dictatorship has been under house arrest since May, 2003, the junta fearing she could lead the people in a massive rebellion.

Observers said clashes could break out in any moment, as the saffron-robbed monks seem determined to continue their protests against the fuel price hikes and strict rules imposed by the iron-fisted regime.

The military-controlled Buddhist clergy, the Sangha Nayaka Committee ordered all monks to end their marches to avoid confrontations with military troops that would lead to a another bloodshed, like the one in 1988.

Then, Myanmar was the site of fierce clashes between demonstrators and security forces which crushed the protesters into submission by using firearms. About 3,000 people paid the ultimate price for facing out the government, but their sacrifice sparked only criticism from other countries.

The country’s economy continued its free fall and the impoverished people took to the streets once again last month. Dozens were arrested, but the monks continued their protests under the junta’s supervision.

Inflation soared dramatically over the past years, but the government decided to double fuel prices and left the people with no chances of rising from poverty. The population’s discontent increases with each day that passes and street confrontation seem inevitable after these latest developments.