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NLD Statement 23 in English
National League for Democracy
NO (97/B), West Shwegondine Road
Bahan, Rangoon
Statement No: 23(2/99)
1. Information received is that the very poor residents of Kyisu western
ward which surrounds Ywa-thar-gyi, North New Dagon township and South
New Dagon township, Rangoon Division were invited to attend a meeting
held on 29th January 1999 by the group headed by U Thein Tun, Chairman
of the administration unit in North New Dagon.
2. The explanation given was that as they were trespassers they would
have to vacate the land and return to where they came from. Arrangements
would be made only for groups of ten households. Individual households
would have to make their own arrangements. On the other hand they were
given the option to move to the new scheme called Arakan Development
(New Living Project) which would entitle them to a pair of cattle and
agricultural land at the going price. If they preferred to move towards
wetlands in Nyaungdon they would have no ownership rights to the land
but would have to work as labourers. The choice was to either go for a
new scheme without any proper definitions or to make their own plans. "
There was the Insein jail for those who refused to be relocated" was the
unmistakable threat given in no uncertain terms. Date of meeting was 29
January 1999 and the last date by which they were to be cleared out was
30 March 1999.
3. The residents of the area refused to sign the document that was
presented to them to indicate their approval of the terms. They appealed
and asked that consideration be given because of the children who were
attending schools in the area. The reply given was that this was not an
important issue because all the children will be promoted without having
to take any exams. Some of the people have lived in this area for over
10 years, others for over five and others for over three years.
4. On the 31 January, 1999 (the next day), those "power holders" entered
the area at a time when most were away at work. They demolished all the
houses that had no occupants despite the pleas from the neighbours. The
total population in that area is 1700 to 2000.
5. To proceed against people who refuse to be removes from their usual
place of residence under the prevailing law is not appropriate because
of the great distance and the unfamiliarity of the new sites, and the
vagueness of the terms offered. These people have no idea how and if
they will be able to make a living at the new location. All their plans
and business will be lost . They are now miserable and the tears flow
readily because of the enormity of the tragic circumstances they will
face. They are daily wages earners relying entirely on what they can
earn. Somehow they had trusted the authorities and hoped that they could
rely on them as on a parent, but no so.
There is no compassion for them in their distress. We earnestly urge the
authorities to take into consideration the social consequences and the
dire distress of these people and to find a peaceful and equitable
solution with compassion for fellow human beings.
Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy
Rangoon
15 February 1999
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