NLD Statement 91 (translation)

[nldburma@xxxxxxxxxxx]

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

STATEMENT 91 (7/99)(translation)

1. In 1998, forced labour of villagers was used for the reclamation of
virgin and vacant lands in Indaw district, Sagaing division for relief
and comfort of the civil service members. Again, this year (1999) for
the second time forced labour is being required of the same villagers
for the same cause.

2.  The said areas comprise a total of 300 acres in Mauloo (100 acres),
Meza (100 acres), and Indaw (100 acres) and the work involved is
clearing of bushes and weeds, cutting down of trees (big and small),
digging up of roots.  Men, women, children and even the elderly are
conscripted.  Penalty for inability to supply labour is Kyats one
thousand.

3. The people are being driven deeper and deeper into the pit of poverty
because of such unreasonably high and increasing cost of living and
added to this is the above forced labour requirements.

4. We urge that there be some compassion for people in their misery and
such demands for money and forced labour be immediately stopped.


Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy


Rangoon
6 July 1999


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