NLD Statement 93 (translation)

[nldburma@xxxxxxxxxxx]

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

STATEMENT 93 (7/99)(translation)

1.  Kyats 2000/- per household was demanded from all the villages in the
district allegedly as labour costs for the road construction on the
embankment connecting the villages of Kin and Pu-kun in Da-nu-byu
township, Irrawaddy division. Our information is that the first payment
was in October/November.

2.  Another demand of Kyats 700/- per household was made later allegedly
for the "Pan-ta" embankment in Tha-byu administrative unit of the same
township.

3. Most of the villagers are living in very stringent circumstances with
no spare cash.  To meet the demand, money had to be borrowed, goods sold
or pawned. Our information is that 27 individuals including Ko Sein Win,
Ko Thei Thei, Ko Pe Kyei had nothing whatsoever to pawn or sell and were
just not able to pay.

4.  For this they were arrested, imprisoned and beaten up at the Tha-byu
police station by Lance Corporal Thet Maung and his group.

5. Friends and relatives of some of the 27 offered to meet the demand on
their behalf but this was not accepted. They were released only when
payment in full for all was received.

6.  These extortionate charges and brutal beating and arrests of the poor
and unfortunate as ransom are practices that we vehemently denounce.


Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy

Rangoon
12 July 1999.




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