Contents of letter dated 22 February 1999 from the Chairman, National League for Democracy to the Chairman of the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council is reproduced and published for the information  of all.

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" Subject- Protest against the acquisition of land by force:-

1. The authorities have plans to acquire by force approximately 6300

acres of land in the villages of Pay-gyi, Kha-ohn-bar, Nge-pyaw-taing,

Phoke-kone, Htauk-sha-ain in Kant-ba-lu township, Sagaing Division

supposedly for the construction of the Mandalay-Myitkyina highway. The

villagers concerned are deeply disturbed and have objected by letters

and posters.

2. Information received is that Lt.Col Than Han (Chairman of District

Administrative body) has five times visited the area and threatened the

people to get them to put their signatures to land sale agreements. He

even claimed that the land would be acquired with or without their

signatures to sale agreements and resold to private entrepreneurs. Those

who sought to discuss the matter further are being detained at the

police station.

3. The above action which will deprive a large group of cultivators of

a means of livelihood is deplorable and we register our objection to

it."

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Central Executive Committee

National League for Democracy

Rangoon

5 March 1999