NLD Statement 119 (English)

[nldburma@xxxxxxxxxxx]

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 


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com