NLD Statement 73 (translation )

[nldburma@xxxxxxxxxxx]

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

STATEMENT 73(6/99)(translation)

1. Letter dated 8 June 1999 from Chairman NLD to Chairman SPDC is
reproduced below for information.

(Start)    " Subject - Alleged suicide of NLD member U Hla Khin
                                                      in Insein  jail.

1. It was only by reading an announcement in the newspaper that the
League came to know about the suicide and death on 31st May, 1999 at
03:30 hours of member U Hla Khin.  He had been arrested and imprisoned
in Insein jail under 1975 Law to protect the disruption of the state by
harmful persons. The fact that he was a member of the NLD was mentioned
in the newspaper.

2. (a) As far as the League is concerned, U Hla Khin had committed no
offence.  He is a man of good repute who earned a living by honest
means. He was an amiable person who performed his social obligations
with credit.
    (b) Therefore the League feels that action under the 1975 law to
protect the disruption of the state by harmful persons was not
warranted.  It was an abuse of power.

3. Between 12 August and 24 August of 1998, NLD General Secretary Daw
Aung San Suu Kyi and chairman of the Irrawaddy division organising
committee were illegally blockaded by the authorities at Htan-ta-bin
township near A-nya-su village on their journey to Pathein. They were
travelling peacefully on a public highway and on a customary mission to
give succor and support to families of 2 leaders of the party who had
been illegally arrested and incarcerated.

4.  (a) On that occasion, U Hla Khin and three companions, out of
concern and regard traveled on the public highway to where their leaders
were marooned to witness the situation. There was no prohibition against
such a visit and they caused no disturbance either so there was no cause
of action against him under the law that was quoted.
     (b) Action was only taken against U Hla Khin and 8 others (not his
3 companions on that occasion) amongst the many others who visited the
scene then. Two others were released.

5. The authorities in announcing his death alleged that he indulged in
alcohol which resulted in brain damage and suicide.  This is
questionable. He had been imprisoned for nine months. How was it
possible for him to have access to liquor? If he had that affliction,
did the authorities take any remedial steps? It is not impossible for
this disease to be cured.


6.  His family members are in great shock and were not able to give any
explanation whatsoever to the members of the League when inquiries were
made. It is very likely that they had been threatened and intimidated by
some person or organisation. No response was obtained to questions about
whether the family was given permission to view the corpse or to bury
it. However on the 7th day after his death, in accordance with Buddhist
beliefs and custom, the League offered prayers and food to Buddhist
monks on his behalf.

7.  The entire responsibility for U Hla Khin's death lies with the
Insein prison authorities. This is because a prisoner's health and
well-being during the period of imprisonment rests with the person under
whose charge he is held. This is imperative. The League demands that a
full public inquiry be held into the death and circumstances surrounding
his death.

Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy

Rangoon
8 June 1999











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