NLD Statement 116 in English

[nldburma@xxxxxxxxxxx]

National League for Democracy
No: (97/b) West Shwegondine Road
Bahan, Rangoon

STATEMENT 116 (12/98)


1. 	Out of a pure and generous heart and filled with charitable 
intentions, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the General Secretary of the National 
League for Democracy donated rice to the impoverished people from all 
the townships in the Rangoon Division on two occasions. The first time 
was on the anniversary of the National Day (13 Nov 1998) and the second 
was on 30 November 1998 at about 13:00 hours. The distribution centre 
was at the NLD head office at 67B, west Shwegondine Road, Bahan 
Township.

2. 	Everything went smoothly on the first occasion but on the second 
occasion the authorities blockaded the West  Shwegonedine Road when the 
time fixed for distribution drew near. This caused great inconvenience 
and problems to those who were looking forward to be the beneficiaries 
of this charity. An ugly incident that marred this event was experienced 
by one of the donees who was handcuffed and prevented by a group of " 
Lonehtein" ( Special anti-riot police force instituted by the 
authorities). This illegal restraint amounts to a criminal offence. The 
man's poverty and destitution caused him to struggle and free himself 
from the shackles to arrive at the scene with bruised wrists. 

3. 	Charitable distribution of food is considered an act of great merit 
by Buddhists. We should shower praises on those performing such good 
deeds. Buddhist Scriptures teach us that obstructing and preventing the 
performance of such charitable acts can earn one a place in the four 
nether worlds and denying food to other will transform you after death 
into a ghost, ghost, goblin etc in one of the four states of suffering. 

4. 	We urge and remind the authorities that they should refrain doing 
what is not appropriate.


                                                              

Central Executive Committee             
National League for Democracy

1 December 1998.





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