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NLD Statement 28 in English



National League for Democracy
NO (97/B), West Shwegondine Road
Bahan, Rangoon

Statement No: 28(2/99)

1.	We have received information about the authorities compelling the 
villagers of Myaung Township in Sagaing Division to supply labour 
(forced labour) and of the imposition made by allotments.

2.	Since August 1998 to date, the authorities have required forced 
labour of one person per household for a canal construction project 
(without payment and setting aside his own work). The villages from 
which this conscription is made are Ma-gyi-boke, Twin-gyi, Shwe-pan, 
Kya-o, Pa-rein-ma, Shwe-pan-gyun, Thi-ri-zay-ya, Oke-hne-boke, Mya-san, 
King, Boo-gaing, Ko-pin, Kyauk-yit, Na-set, Ta-ma-say-gan, Za-yat-kone, 
in the township of Myaung.

3. 	In addition to this arduous, and lengthy service with no 
remuneration the authorities have collected by force a total of 
approximately five million Kyats at the rate of Kyats 50 per acre. 
(Total acreage of fifty thousand comprising 85 villages in 52 village 
tracts). What they have done with the money no one knows. 

4.	Then again, those workers who do not own any land have to pay an 
average of Kyats one hundred per household, those who are in service 
have to pay Kyats one hundred per head and those traders or brokers have 
to pay Kyats two hundred. The township authorities have issued orders 
threatening action for flouting authority against those who fail to make 
payment within the prescribed period.

5.	Having to provide a long period of forced labour in addition to the 
allotted impositions has resulted in great hardship (mental and 
physical) to the villagers in Myaung township.

6.	We therefore urge that out of compassion for fellow human beings, 
appropriate steps be taken to relieve the villagers in the above 
township of the heavy burden and hardships they are suffering.

Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy

Rangoon
18 February 1999


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