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NLD Statement 119 (English)
National League for Democracy
(97/b), West Shwegondine
Bahan, Rangoon
Statement 119 (12/98)
Contents of two letters dated 7/12/98 from the Chairman of the National
League for Democracy to the Chairman of the State Peace and Development
Council are reproduced and distributed for information.
BEGIN
" Subject: The charitable act of rice donation to the destitute and poor
of Rangoon Division by the General Secretary, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
1. With a pure and upright spirit, the General Secretary of the National
League for Democracy performed the charitable act of donating rice to
the poor and destitute to relieve them from hunger to a certain extent.
2. The circumstances were
(a) The poor and destitute recipients of the charitable act came
individually and as they approached the appointed place (Number 97/b
West Shwegondine Road, Bahan) to receive the rice, the numbers grew.
This was an unavoidable situation.
(b) The recipients of this charity came peacefully to receive the gift
which would be an enabling factor for the donor to gain merit.
(c) There was no disturbance of the peace in the locality and after
receiving the rice it was witnessed that they departed peacefully.
(d) There wasn't the slightest infringement of the laws, rules and
notifications prescribed by the State Law and Order Restoration Council
(now the State Peace and Development Council)
(e) Present in the vicinity where the rice was distributed were persons
in authority from the township, police and military intelligence
personnel also. They saw that the proceedings went smoothly and
peacefully. We so not believe that they would be pretending not to see
or not to hear what was happening.
(f) If one is unable to perform such charities, the occasion should be
one for rejoicing and giving praise.
3. Despite the fact that everything went smoothly and peacefully, the
chairman and some members of the Peace and Development Council of the
area summoned the owner( a widow) of the premises where the distribution
was done and some of her friends and unjustly, illegally and without any
justification whatsoever threatened them in a manner unbecoming of a
public servant. They refused to accept her explanation that she was in
no way involved with the charity and that it was entirely the doing of
the National League for Democracy. They said that she was responsible
for the accumulation of the large number of people assembled on the
road. She is not the owner of the road. This is something that should
never have been said or done by the authorities. As stated in the
subject matter above, only the General Secretary of the National League
for Democracy, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was the donor. The owner of the
premises had no say in this matter.
4. The abuse of authority by the chairman and members of the local
Peace and Development Council against the innocent owner of the premises
is unwarranted and illegal and is strongly objected to. It is necessary
that the persons concerned should be reminded to refrain from acting
inappropriately and to be courteous and polite in their dealings with
the public for a smooth and peaceful outcome. We would like that they be
directed to stop their churlish behaviour. We repeat that the donation
and distribution of rice had nothing to do with the individual."
END
BEGIN
"Subject: The charitable act of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, General Secretary
of the National League for Democracy towards the poor and destitute
citizens living in the Rangoon Division
Reference: NLD letter Number 104/SEE(CHAN)/98 continuation
1. It has come to our knowledge that the chairman of the SPDC of the
area forced the pitiable owner (widow), who was entirely unrelated to
the donating and distribution of rice to sign (without any legal
authority) a declaration that "rice must not be distributed". Her
explanations of the circumstances were completely ignored. It is a
flagrant example of injustice. Now it appears that any pronouncement by
the authorities has the force of law.
2. The distribution of rice had absolutely nothing to do with the owner
of the premises.
It was entirely the business of the National League for Democracy and
the donor was the general secretary, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The abuse of
power by the authorities is outrageous. Actions that have not been
sanctioned by law should not be resorted to.
3. The actions of the National League for Democracy are in the national
interest for
democracy and human rights. The owner of the premises was not involved
in any way, neither is she involves with the NLD.
4. I wish to repeat that the donation and distribution of rice was
entirely the general secretary Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's personal decision.
5. The meritorious action of donating and distributing rice will relieve
the donor from hunger and thirst in his/her next lifetime is a concept
which is contained in the Buddhist Scriptures.
6. Therefore the owner of the premises who had absolutely nothing to do
with the matter should never have been intimidated and persecuted. This
is most unjust and bullying behaviour. We again strongly urge that
directives be given to the Bahan authorities to cease and refrain from
acting outside the law in future." END
It is hereby publicly declared that we will continue with charitable
acts for merit that can be gained and shared. Blessings will be showered
on all.
Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy
8 December 1998
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