Ann, Arakan State : About 128 prisoners are being used as laborers for Physic nut cultivation in fields owned by Western Command Commander Headquarters near Ann Airport , in Ann Township under Arakan State , said a local from Ann. The prisoners are from Ann prison.

The Physic nut cultivation area is 50 acres and the prisoners are having to cut grass, dump soil and fertilizers for the plants and fence the area, he added.

The operation is being led by the Deputy Commander of Western Command Tin Haling. The prisoners have been ordered to remove their prison uniforms and wear plain clothes while on the field. They are not allowed to contact anyone outside. Nobody is allowed near the cultivation area, said a source from Western Command. The prisoners have commenced work on June 3, 2008.