NLD Statement 12 in English

[nldburma@xxxxxxxxxxx]

National League for Democracy
NO (97/B), West Shwegondine Road
Bahan, Rangoon

Statement NO: 12(1/99)


Contents of letter dated 20 January 1999 from the Chairman of the 
National League for Democracy to the chairman of the Peace and 
Development Council relating to incidents of illegal incarceration, and 
persecution of NLD members in the Mandalay Division are made public for 
all to know.

START
"xxx	1. Objections to the illegal, unwarranted and enforced 
incarceration of NLD members by the Military Intelligence Unit No 15 in 
Meiktila township of the Mandalay Division were lodged with the township 
Multiparty General Election Commission in accordance with the law. With 
regard to the illegality of the incarceration, arguments have been 
stated in the matter under reference.

2.  (1) In retaliation to the legal objections, the MIS 15, without 
consultation and with habitual arrogance arrested the members.
(a) On the 26 December 1998 the following members were arrested: U Ye 
Naung, U Tin Maung, U Aung Moe, U Kyaw Htwe Oo, U Aye Thein (Joint 
Secretary), U Joseph, and U Hla Tun (ordinary member). U Hla Tun was 
released the same day.

(b) More arrests followed. They were U Thein AUng (Vice chairman), U 
Htoon Shwe, U San Tun, U Thaung Shein, U Maung Maung, U Sein Ywet and 
Daw Tin Tin Htwe.

(c) Daw Myint Myint Aye (Secretary of the township organising committee) 
had been arrested and incarcerated since the 6 September 1998.

(d) Dr. Thein Lwin (Chairman of township organising committee and 
parliamentarian-elect) had also been arrested and incarcerated since 6 
September 1998.

   (2) That is why the fifteen members of the Meiktila township 
organising committee have been illegally arrested and incarcerated.

3. Our information is that on 6 January 1999, when U Htun and U Sein 
Ywet was examined by an unidentified civilian doctor who was called in 
despite the fact that there are many military doctors  at the Meiktila 
Military Base, where Infantry, Artillery, Armour and Air Force units are 
based. Therefore there is cause for suspicion.
4. After examination the doctor left and the persons exercising 
authority made them swallow five tablets each all in one go.
5. (1)  Our information is that U Than Maung suffered mental derangement 
that same night and behaved violently shouting and screaming. He also 
suffered muscular pain forcing him to somersault and attempt to throw 
himself out of the window. Those exercising authority did not send him 

to the hospital immediately but had him manacled. This shameless and 
brutal response by the holders of authority indicates their complete 
lack of human feeling and compassion. He was later sent to the hospital 
and the information we have is that instead of being given medical 
treatment, his hands and legs were bound.
   (2) Our information is that he was taken to the Meiktila Police 
Station 2 on 7 January where he was photographed and sent home. We 
understand that there has been no improvement in his health.
7. U Than Maung was in good health at the time of his illegal arrest. 
What and how the medicine prescribed by the doctor who examined him was 
to be taken in not known. There are many unknown factors in this matter. 
A report sent by connected and concerned persons to the Central 
Executive Committee contains the statement that " MIS 15 will be held 
entirely responsible for the mental and physical health of those they 
have incarcerated". The Central Executive Committee endorses this 
statement.

7.  The thirst for illegal brutality not being satiated, the MIS 15 have 
now dispatched all those incarcerated with the exception of Dr. Thein 
Lwin, Daw Myint Myint Aye and U Than Maung to the prison of Meiktila.
8. The above illegal persecutions inflicted by those in authority are 
intolerable and are indicative of a total absence of humane feelings for 
one's fellow beings. It is the authorities who are committing the 
crimes. It is no offence whatsoever to endeavour and have aspirations 
for the good of the country in accordance with one's personal 
convictions. Therefore, the National League for Democracy condemns the 
actions of the authorities and urge you to take suitable action as 
required against those offending the law.


Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy

22 January 1999



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