National League for Democracy

(97/b), West Shwegondine

Bahan, Rangoon

Statement 122 (12/98)

1. A project to transform virgin land of about four thousands acres

known as Hanthawaddy land in Kalaymyo Township, Sagaing Division and

Gangaw township of Magwe Division has been being done by the authorities

who assumed state power in 1988.

2. Illegal and forced labour employed in the project are very

transparent. They are"-

(a) Eight townships in Monywa District, Sagaing Division have been

allotted 500 acres each.

(b) The authorities have demanded that 2 villagers provide labour from

one village tract of each township.

(c) In addition, the sum of one thousand Kyats is demanded by the

authorities as remuneration and for purchase of rice, oil, and salt and

provisions for each labourer.

(d) To meet this demand, each household has to subscribe Kyats 200.

3. (a) Presently, in order to provide this forced labour once for

fifteen days, a total of fifty villagers are required from each

township. This totals to 100 villagers every month. The money that has

had to be given totals one lakh. The burden is too heavy for these poor

and destitute villages. This is highly unjust and merciless persecution

imposed on the people.

(b) Kyats 7000/- is decucted for the living expenses of one labourer. On

days when the person is sick and can not work, an additional penalty is

imposed. The family is left impoverished and with nothing. This is a

very pitiful state of affairs.

4. People who are undernourished and without the physical strength to

earn a living have been forced to supply this labour. They suffer from

malaria and are returned. Then when a request is made for medical

expenses, the sum of Kyat 250/- which is their allotment is confiscated

by the authorities. The person is left with nothing. Our information is

that about 10 individuals have died in Yinmarbin township because of

such circumstances. Many others must have died. There are no records.

5. (a) In Yinmarbin township, Monywa District, there is a project where

land is being developed for the welfare of the public servants. Forced

labour is being employed for this. The people from the village tracts

knowm as Labine, Theegone, Kyat, Thaminthat, Nyaunggine, Ta-wa,

Khinesha, Wa-yone, Lattapya, Mauk-loke have been threatened and forced

to supply the labour and they are not given the appropriate remuneration

for their labour.

(b) Some of the land that is being transformed is also being acquired

forcefully.

6. It is obvious that the people living in the villages and townships

above are suffering untold hardships because of the illegal and abuse of

power by the authorities. We have reports that the people are murmuring

that the hardships suffered in this Hanthawaddy land project are worse

than that suffered under the Japanese who conscripted a labour force

known as the "Sweat Brigade".

7. This use of force on the people by the authorities is not only

illegal but reflects a lack of human compassion on their fellow beings.

This is highly deplored. We urge those in high positions to investigate

the matter and listen to the grievances of the people. The authorities

who proclaim that forced labour does not happen in this country are

deliberately stating falsehoods.

Central Executive Committee

National League for Democracy

14 December 1998