1. Out of a pure and generous heart and filled with charitable

intentions, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the General Secretary of the National

League for Democracy donated rice to the impoverished people from all

the townships in the Rangoon Division on two occasions. The first time

was on the anniversary of the National Day (13 Nov 1998) and the second

was on 30 November 1998 at about 13:00 hours. The distribution centre

was at the NLD head office at 67B, west Shwegondine Road, Bahan

Township.

2. Everything went smoothly on the first occasion but on the second

occasion the authorities blockaded the West Shwegonedine Road when the

time fixed for distribution drew near. This caused great inconvenience

and problems to those who were looking forward to be the beneficiaries

of this charity. An ugly incident that marred this event was experienced

by one of the donees who was handcuffed and prevented by a group of "

Lonehtein" ( Special anti-riot police force instituted by the

authorities). This illegal restraint amounts to a criminal offence. The

man's poverty and destitution caused him to struggle and free himself

from the shackles to arrive at the scene with bruised wrists.

3. Charitable distribution of food is considered an act of great merit

by Buddhists. We should shower praises on those performing such good

deeds. Buddhist Scriptures teach us that obstructing and preventing the

performance of such charitable acts can earn one a place in the four

nether worlds and denying food to other will transform you after death

into a ghost, ghost, goblin etc in one of the four states of suffering.

4. We urge and remind the authorities that they should refrain doing

what is not appropriate.

Central Executive Committee

National League for Democracy

1 December 1998.

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