Shans told to tell foreigners there

Shans told to tell foreigners there's no forced labor

Forced Labor 

Shan villagers in several townships have been instructed by military authorities to inform foreign investigators expected to tour Shan State soon that forced labor had ended. 

On 28 July, Lt. Col Myint Maung, Commander LIB 515 (Laikha) told people in Mongkerng, 108 miles northeast of Taunggyi, that a "foreign" fact-finding team was expected during the month of August and he "hoped" the people would give "proper" answers. "Please tell them all labor given is voluntary out of your love for the army," he reportedly told the gathering. Sources coming from the area reported that Col. Myint Maung had already briefed the people of Laikha, 29 miles south, a day earlier. 

Similar reports were received from Monghsat and Mongton, opposite Chiangmai and Chiangrai provinces. 

Sources from Mongkerng said since June, forced labor had in fact significantly lessened but, on the other hand, monetary requisitions had increased. 

"For instance, each village tract is expected to pay for rent of 10 mules to be used in the army's monthly patrol details," said one. "Rental for each mule is K. 5,000 per month. So we have to share about K. 300-500 per household." 

According to Rangoon, Burma had ceased the practice of forced labor since 27 October 2000.