The intimidation of voters no matter which section they belong to in Burmese society is all pervasive. The Burmese ruling military junta has threatened to punish jade companies in Phakant (Hpakan) in Kachin State, northern Burma if they vote 'No' in the country's referendum to approve the constitution on May 10, sources from jade mines said.

Workers in all jade companies are being pressurized to cast only 'Yes' ballots on the referendum by the junta's authorities of Phakant, a local jade broker told KNG today.

According to local jade dealers, the authorities have warned that if workers in any jade company vote 'No' in the referendum, the companies will be shut down.

However, Buddhist monks from Rangoon have arrived in Phakant and they are telling people to cast the 'No' vote in the referendum on the junta-drafted country's new constitution, the residents of Phakant said.

Phakant is the biggest jade mining area in the country and there are over 100 companies there and every company has 50 to 150 workers, the residents added.

The authorities of Phakant are now setting up polling stations and putting in place ballot boxes in the areas. The preparations are designed to ensure 100 per cent 'Yes' votes, according to local jade dealers.
Phakant has been occupied by Teza's Htoo Company in the name of "Akjou-tu (equal interest)" since 2006 and jade mines of other private companies are allowed to operate by "Akjou-tu".