NLD Statement 29 in English

[nldburma@xxxxxxxxxxx]

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

Statement No: 29(2/99)


1.	In Sagaing Division, De-pae-yin Township, the authorities had made 
written contracts for advance purchase of paddy at the rate of Kyats 
three hundred and fifty per basket. It was specifically stated that such 
purchase will be conditional to a successful harvest.

2.	Unpredictable weather condition this year has caused a shortfall and 
in some cases no planting at all. The farmers were forced to give up all 
their crops including seed paddy for the next season and are in great 
trouble. Those who could not plant anything were not exempted and were 
forced to contribute Kyats seventy per acre (two hundred acres 
together), to entertain the purchasing party. These farmers are 
suffering enormous mental hardship.

3.	NLD members in De-pae-yin Township are being forced to resign their 
membership from the party. Should they refuse they have been threatened 
with their children's removal from schools.

4.	U Kan Sa, the chairman of the village administration unit of In-daing 
village in De-pae-yin township told the people who would not put their 
signatures to the letters of resignation that they would suffer the 
consequences. Then he called for the surveyor and inspected the fields 
after which he ordered payment of Kyats four hundred per acre. If that 
could not be paid then he ordered that 8 baskets of paddy per acre be 
supplied.

5. The farmers complained to U Nyunt, the principle purchasing agent 
that they were being forced despite the fact that an inspection of the 
fields revealed a failure of the crops. His reply was he had to obey 
orders of the village chairman regardless of crop failure or success. 
The farmers were forced to pay Kyats thirty one thousand two hundred for 
78 acres at the rate of Kyats four hundred an acre. This is the 
information that we have received.


Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy

Rangoon
18 February 1999


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