Statement of NLD (inland)

[lurie@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

                      NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR DEMOCRACY
            97-B West Shwe Gon Daing, Bahan Township, Rangoon



                             Press Statement
                             ---------------

Since the students' demonstrations began on Monday, 2 December, a
number of young women and young men from the Youth Wing of the
National League for Democracy have been taken into custody by the
authorities. There is no evidence that these young people were
involved in the demonstrations. However, it has become official
practice to victimize the NLD whenever there are signs of public
discontent. In addition to the arrest of NLD members, access to
the house of the General Secretary, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, has
been shut off and restrictions have been placed upon her
movements. Such measures constitute wrongful restraint upon Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi personally, as well as upon the activities of
the NLD.

The demonstrations arose out of the perception that the
legitimate grievances of university students have been ignored by
the authorities. The NLD deplores the use of violence to put down
the demonstrations. We believe that long term solutions to social
and political problems can be found only through a process of
negotiation and reconciliation.

The NLD urges the State Law and Order Restoration Council to
release immediately all those who have been taken into custody; 
to address the grievances of the students urgently; to refrain
from resorting to further violence and to lift all restrictions
imposed on the General Secretary, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and on
the activities of the NLD.




9 December 1996                    Central Executive Committee
Rangoon                            National League for Democracy