FORCED PADDY COLLECTION IN MON VILLAGES ( Kao-Wao ) January 31, 2003

FORCED PADDY COLLECTION IN MON VILLAGES

KyaInn SeikKyi, January 31, 2003 – Kao Wao

The Burmese Army has forced Mon villagers to provide sufficient paddy to the government in KyarIn SeikKyi areas, a local source reported.

The Burmese Army Light Infantry Battalion No. 32 led by Major Naing Soe and local militia groups launched an operation from January 16, teaming up with Township State Peace and Development Council led by U Thet Naing Oo.

The armed groups go around knocking door to door in local villages, including Taung Pauk, Pok KhLay, War KaLein, Than PaYar and Kaok Hlon on 17 January led by Lt Myo Aung. The teams move quickly taking as much paddy as they can find from the houses.

Villagers are forced to hand in cash as well to the authorities at the real market price which is more than the government price if they fail to fill the quota set by the military.

" Farmers have sold their belongings to find money for the deposit cash to the government " a local man who escaped to the Thai-Burma border said. " I know the government prohibits us from going to Thailand for work but I have no choice and have left home to look for work and to survive, " the man said.

The Paddy Collection Centre deducts the weight of paddy during the sale claiming for the amount of water in the paddy. Many villagers, with no other means of survival, have fled to the border areas to look for employment or cross over into Thailand due to the forced collection.

According to a village headman, many rice fields in this area were seriously damaged by heavy flood this year and farmers are unable to provide enough paddy at the fixed rate.

Paddy Collection Centre (known as SaPar Dine in Burmese) is a prime source of income for the government as well as for the welfare of the Burmese army. The former Ne Win government introduced this project over thirty years ago for export to boost the state budget.