select1 /the Pattern of Shut Downs.

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Subject: select1 /the Pattern of Shut Downs......


No.2/99
BURMA FILE: AN ANALYSIS OF THE SHUT DOWN OF NLD OFFICES BY THE JUNTA  

It is curious that of the total NLD offices shut down by the Rangoon 
junta -- a total of 43 offices, in the period between 16 October to 31 
December 1998 -- more than one-half (26) of these are in the ethnic 
nationalities States. 
   In a break down by States, Rakhine is the most affected with 10 shut 
downs. Next is the Shan State, with 8 shut downs (mostly in the Eastern 
part, bordering China, Laos, and Thailand). The number of NLD offices 
shut down in the Mon, Chin, and Kachin State are, respectively, 3, 2, and 
2.  
   The inference that can be drawn from the pattern of NLD office 
closures is that the junta is seriously concerned about the possibility 
of NLD establishing firm linkage with the ethnic nationalities, 
particularly the Rakhine. This falls in line with the repeated warnings 
given leaders of the ceasefire armies in the Kachin, Shan, and Mon State 
by the MI (military intelligence) not to have any contacts with Daw Aung 
San Suukyi and the NLD. The Shan National League for Democracy (SNLD), 
which won 25 seats in the 1990 elections, has also be similarly warned.  
   A further inference that can be drawn is that the junta's game plan to 
promote unity and maintain national solidarity -- a goal it trumpets 
loudly and often -- is to build walls between the Burman ethnic group and 
other ethnic nations.   

   The implication is that the military junta prefers division, even 
conflict, to communication, understanding, and unity between and among 
the ethnic nations of Burma. 

Below, the list of NLD offices that have been forcibly shut down:
[ Obtained from David Arnott <darnott@xxxxxxxxxxx> ]

LIST OF NLD BRANCH OFFICES REPORTED CLOSED
(October-December 1998)

16 October  1998    Ponnagyun Township, RAKHINE State
24 October  1998    Seikkyi Kanaungto Township, Yangon Division
27 October  1998    Thanbyuzayat Township, Mon State
27 October  1998    Sittwe Township, RAKHINE State
28 October  1998.   Mrauk-U Township, RAKHINE State
9 November 1998    Kya-in Seikkyi, KAREN State
9 November 1998    Bilin Township, SOUTHERN MON State
11 November 1998    Kyauktaw Township RAKHINE State
11 November 1998    Minbya Township, RAKHINE State
14 November 1998    Ann Township, RAKHINE State
15 November 1998    Kyaukphyu Township, RAKHINE State
15 November 1998    Myaybon Township, RAKHINE State
16 November 1998    Mongkhat Township, EASTERN SHAN STATE
17 November 1998    Pyapon Township, Irrawaddy Division
18 November 1998    Thanatpin Township, Pegu Division
18 November.1998    Paletwa Township, CHIN State
18 November 1998    Mong Yang Township, EASTERN SHAN STATE State
19 November 1998    Shwekyin Township, Pegu Division
20 November 1998    Pauktaw Township, RAKHINE State
22 November.1998    Loilem Township, SOUTHERN SHAN State
21 November 1998    Taunggyi Township, SHAN State
21 November 1998    Thabeikkyin Township, Mandalay Division
22 November 1998    Kyaikto Township, MON State
22 November 1998    Buthidaung Township, RAKHINE State
25 November 1998    Htantabin Township, Pegu Division
25 November 1998    Dala Township, Yangon Division
27 November 1998    Kyunhla Township, Sagaing Division
29 November 1998    Hpakant Township, KACHIN State
30 November 1998.   Mong Yawng Township, EASTERN SHAN State
1 December 1998    Matupi Township, CHIN State
3 December 1998.   Mong Hpyak (Mongphyat) Township, EASTERN SHAN State,
5 December 1998    Mong Hsat Township, EASTERN SHAN State
8 December 1998.   Myaungmya Township Irrawaddy Division,
10 December 1998    Mogaung Township, KACHIN State
14 December 1998    Tachilek Township, EASTERN SHAN State
21 December 1998    Shwegyin Township, Pegu Division
25 December 1998    Thayetchaung Township, Tenasserim  Division
27 December 1998    Tavoy Township, Tenasserim Division
27 December 1998    Kanbalu Township, Sagaing Division,
28 December.1998    Kyunzu Township, Tenasserim Division
28 December 1998.   Launglon Township, Tenasserim Division
28 December 1998    Yebyu Township, Tenasserim Division
31 December 1998.   Khamti Township, Sagaing Division


ANALYTICA BIRMANIE 99
January 13, 1999. 
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