NLD Press Statements        National League for Democracy          Burma Fund WebIndex

The National League for Democracy

Statement #52

March 25, 1999

NO (97/B), West Shwegondine Road
Bahan, Rangoon

(3/99)

1. On 24 March 1999, headed by certain members of the local Peace and Development Council, teachers (male and female) in the Bahan township, went from house to house in the wards and asked for their household lists.

2. When asked what was the purpose of this exercise, they said that as per instruction from the higher authorities the purpose was for assessing the educational and pecuniary condition prevailing in the whole country. This would enable them to judge the amount to be given in educational grants to students who do not have means to continue their studies.

3. However, the inmates of the houses were not asked any questions pertaining to matters of education or their finances. Only the names as shown on the household list was recorded an underhand way of gleaning certain information.

4. Also, the forms which this group had with them had no columns earmarked for educational qualifications or financial status. All they wanted was the names of inmates in each house.

5. Under the circumstances it must be presumed that the purpose of this exercise is to facilitate their evil and deceitful preparations to denounce the NLD People's Parliament representatives whom these simple and innocent hard working people had elected of their own free will.

6. These exercises are wrong, deceitful and without lawful authority. We strongly denounce and record our objections to this activity.

Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy
Rangoon

25 March 1999