Wed Sep 26, 1:28 AM ET

YANGON - Noted pro-democracy politician Win Naing was arrested overnight at his home in Yangon, a friend and a western diplomat said Wednesday, as Myanmar's junta tightened security around the country.

"He was arrested around 2:30am," a friend told AFP.

A western diplomat said Win Naing was arrested after he was seen providing food and water to Buddhist monks who have spearheaded the largest anti-junta protests seen in the country in nearly 20 years.

Win Naing had been arrested on March 8 for organising a press conference for activists who staged a small protest in February against the crippling economic hardships faced by Myanmar's people.

The septuagenarian politician was then released after one night in jail.

"He has always placed the economy before politics," the diplomat told AFP.

One of Myanmar's top comedians, Zaganar, was also arrested during the night. He had also brought food and water to monks who had led 100,000 people in the streets on Monday and Tuesday.