1. In Sagaing Division, De-pae-yin Township, the authorities had made

written contracts for advance purchase of paddy at the rate of Kyats

three hundred and fifty per basket. It was specifically stated that such

purchase will be conditional to a successful harvest.

2. Unpredictable weather condition this year has caused a shortfall and

in some cases no planting at all. The farmers were forced to give up all

their crops including seed paddy for the next season and are in great

trouble. Those who could not plant anything were not exempted and were

forced to contribute Kyats seventy per acre (two hundred acres

together), to entertain the purchasing party. These farmers are

suffering enormous mental hardship.

3. NLD members in De-pae-yin Township are being forced to resign their

membership from the party. Should they refuse they have been threatened

with their children's removal from schools.

4. U Kan Sa, the chairman of the village administration unit of In-daing

village in De-pae-yin township told the people who would not put their

signatures to the letters of resignation that they would suffer the

consequences. Then he called for the surveyor and inspected the fields

after which he ordered payment of Kyats four hundred per acre. If that

could not be paid then he ordered that 8 baskets of paddy per acre be

supplied.

5. The farmers complained to U Nyunt, the principle purchasing agent

that they were being forced despite the fact that an inspection of the

fields revealed a failure of the crops. His reply was he had to obey

orders of the village chairman regardless of crop failure or success.

The farmers were forced to pay Kyats thirty one thousand two hundred for

78 acres at the rate of Kyats four hundred an acre. This is the

information that we have received.

Central Executive Committee

National League for Democracy

Rangoon

18 February 1999