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NLD Statement 52/2000:

National League for Democracy
No: (97/B), West Shwegonedine Road
Bahan Township, Rangoon

Statement 52 (4/00) (translation)

( To be read as a continuation of Statement 48 (4/00) issued on 16 April 2000)

1. The Military Intelligence further arrested three members of the Mingaladon NLD Youth Wing after the 11 April, 2000. Although the young daughter of U Nyunt Aung, a member of the Mingaladon Organising Committee had died and the religious "soon kywe" ceremony (feeding the monks and others and offering prayers on the seventh day following death) had not been performed, he was forcefully arrested again and hauled away. The lack of compassion and insensitivity of the military anashins (tyrants) at a time of burning grief and sorrowing is clearly revealed.

2. When the military intelligence arrested members of the youth wing of Dagon Myothit , U Kyi Lwin, a member of the organising committee was most harshly treated and threatened with guns pointed ready to shoot. This tyrannical behaviour of the MI reveals clearly that they have forgotten that those guns were purchased with money belonging to the people and that the guns have been entrusted to them to protect the people.

3. We have now been informed about the facts surrounding the arrest of Ma Khin Hla Htay ( member of organising committee, Bassein township, Irrawaddy Division who also holds the position of Secretary of the Women's Wing and member of the Youth Wing). On the 11th April '00, Deputy Superintendent of Police Than Oo and another Deputy Superintendent, U Kyi Win (Chairman of the ward PDC), U Aung Myint (member of the ward PDC) and one Daw Nyoentered and searched her residence. Her elder sister Ma Khin Hla Win was present with her at the time. After making a cursory search, Than Oo (Deputy Superintendent) exclaimed that he had found it and began to undo a plastic bag which contained cash Kyats 930.00, 3 "CHE" lottery books and 2 associated papers.

4. The sisters both denied ownership of the bag and its contents and vigorously claimed that they were extremely careful and avoided any action in violation of the law.

5. Then Deputy Superintendent Than Oo said that the search warrant had to be signed by the owner of the house and wanted to know who the owner was. When he was told that the owner was Daw Khin Hla Win he protested and said that it was Ma Khin Hla Htay they were after and tried to force her to sign the form. With great courage she adamantly refused and said that this was not her property and she had nothing to do with it. Then she put on her party uniform and said that if they wanted to arrest her for her political activities she would take the rap and went along with them.

6. She was taken to the police station and the case was presented to the township court under Section 15/16 the same day. They had hoped to get an immediate conviction but the case was postponed to the 25 March '00 because the search warrant did not bear her signature. We have been informed that she is presently being illegally held in the Bassein jail.

7. This flagrant abuse of power, this victimization, illegal procedure and arrest of fellow citizens is vehemently condemned.

Central Executive Committee
National League for Democracy

Rangoon
19 April 2000