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NLD Statement 24 in English
National League for Democracy
NO (97/B), West Shwegondine Road
Bahan, Rangoon
Statement No: 24(2/99)
1. From 1 January 1999, villagers living in the area between Pa-kko-ku
Township and Myit-chay Township in Magwe Division have been ordered to
clear all their crops (without compensation) and give voluntary labour
in digging canals for the implementation of a new project.
2. The villages involved are those in western side of Pakkoku township
such as Koke-ko-hla, Ywar-thit-kone, Sei, Sin-lan, Tha-phan-pin,
Kyun-nyo, Kan-hla and others extending up to Myit-chay township. The
"power-holders" gave notice that the new project would commence within a
month when the digging of canals would commence and that the entire area
was to be cleared of all crops without thought of any compensation.
3. In addition to not receiving compensation for the loss of crops and
land, the cultivators were forced to provide labour for the digging of
the canals. The loss suffered by each household for this unjust and
compelling measures taken by the authorities is approximately as
follows:-
(a) Cost of land ?????????.Kyats 150,000
(b) Cost of tobacco seedlings ????????. 4,000
(c) Cost of ploughing ???????????.. 3,600
(d) Fertilizers (2 bags) ???????????. 5,000
(e) Cost of pumping water ?????????? 4,800
(f) Cost of labour ?????????????? 300
Total Kyats 167,700
The loss for some is greater. There are approximately 40 to 50 household
in one village tract.
4. Another burden that has to be born by these cultivators in the
Pakkokku district is the compulsory requirement to grow sunflowers for
the seed. The seeds harvested has to be made over to the authorities for
a nominal price which is then sold at a much higher price resulting in a
loss of Kyats 170 a pyi for the cultivator. It is the authorities who
enjoy the profits. Any views expressed is considered as obstructing the
project for which one could be arrested. One such action was against U
Tin Shwe, chairman of the administrative unit of Nyaungbin village,
Myit-chay township.
5. We denounce the aforesaid actions of the "power-holders" in causing
such great loss to the villagers and we strongly urge that they be
suitably and equitably compensated for their sufferings.
Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy
Rangoon
16 February 1999
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