NLD Statement 122 in English

[nldburma@xxxxxxxxxxx]

National League for Democracy
(97/b), West Shwegondine
Bahan, Rangoon

Statement 122 (12/98)

1.	 A project to transform virgin land of about four thousands acres 
known as Hanthawaddy land in Kalaymyo Township, Sagaing Division and 
Gangaw township of Magwe Division has been being done by the authorities 
who assumed state power in 1988.
2.    	Illegal and forced labour employed in the project are very 
transparent. They are"-
(a) Eight townships in Monywa District, Sagaing Division have been 
allotted 500 acres each.
(b) The authorities have demanded that 2 villagers provide labour from 
one village tract of each township.
(c) In addition, the sum of one thousand Kyats is demanded by the 
authorities as remuneration and for purchase of rice, oil, and salt and 
provisions for each labourer.
(d) To meet this demand, each household has to subscribe Kyats 200.
3.	(a) Presently, in order to provide this forced labour once for 
fifteen days, a total of fifty villagers are required from each 
township. This totals to 100 villagers every month. The money that has 
had to be given totals one lakh. The burden is too heavy for these poor 
and destitute villages. This is highly unjust and merciless persecution 
imposed on the people.
(b) Kyats 7000/- is decucted for the living expenses of one labourer. On 
days when the person is sick and can not work, an additional penalty is 
imposed. The family is left impoverished and with nothing. This is a 
very pitiful state of affairs.
4. 	People who are undernourished and without the physical strength to 
earn a living have been forced to supply this labour. They suffer from 
malaria and are returned. Then when a request is made for medical 
expenses, the sum of Kyat 250/- which is their allotment is confiscated 
by the authorities. The person is left with nothing. Our information is 
that about 10 individuals have died in Yinmarbin township because of 
such circumstances. Many others must have died. There are no records.
5. 	(a) In Yinmarbin township, Monywa District, there is a project where 
land is being developed for the welfare of the public servants. Forced 
labour is being employed for this. The people from the village tracts 
knowm as Labine, Theegone, Kyat, Thaminthat, Nyaunggine, Ta-wa, 
Khinesha, Wa-yone, Lattapya, Mauk-loke have been threatened and forced 
to supply the labour and they are not given the appropriate remuneration 
for their labour.
(b) Some of the land that is being transformed is also being acquired 
forcefully.
6. 	It is obvious that the people living in the villages and townships 
above are suffering untold hardships because of the illegal and abuse of 
power by the authorities. We have reports that the people are murmuring 
that the hardships suffered in this Hanthawaddy land project are worse 
than that suffered under the Japanese who conscripted a labour force 
known as the "Sweat Brigade".
7. 	This use of force on the people by the authorities is not only 
illegal but reflects a lack of human compassion on their fellow beings. 
This is highly deplored. We urge those in high positions to investigate 
the matter and listen to the grievances of the people. The authorities 
who proclaim that forced labour does not happen in this country are 
deliberately stating falsehoods.

Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy
14 December 1998 




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