National League for Democracy

NO (97/B), West Shwegondine Road

Bahan, Rangoon

Statement NO: 19(2/99)

1. The Military Intelligence (MI) has been illegally, without cause or

justification, arresting and incarcerating NLD Hluttaw representatives

and NLD members in the States, Divisions, Townships, Wards and Villages.

Some have been arrested since July and others since September 1998.

2. Arrest and incarceration of persons who have committed no offence

whatsoever without legal authority reflects a state of lawlessness in

the country.

3. The Military Intelligence is compelling NLD parliamentarians to

resign from their positions and the party. Members of the organisations

are being compelled to resign from their positions and the party.

Members of the organisation are being compelled to resign in

contravention of the law. These measures amount to criminal offences for

which charges can be laid against the offenders under Section 503 and

506 of the Law of Crimes. Arresting, incarcerating and forcing their

victims to resign their positions are activities that should never be

done. It is most disgraceful behaviour.

4. Our information is that Major Sithu (MI 6) and Major Thura (a) Nay

Soe (MI12) are personally involved in the operation of getting the

forced resignation of NLD Pyithu Hluttaw representatives. If the rule of

law is to prevail as proclaimed by those in authority, we urge that

steps be taken to halt the activities that have been mentioned above.

Central Executive Committee

National League for Democracy

1 February 1999