The National League for Democracy’s Arakan State's office was demolished by unidentified people just a day before it was to open, said U Thein Hlaing, general secretary of NLD Arakan State.
"We had planned to open the NLD state office at 8 am on 11 March. Some senior state party leaders went to the office on the day to open it, and when they arrived they say there was no structure. Only the compound remained without any buildings," he said.
U Maung Krun Aung, MP of the 1990 election in the Rathidaung Township constituency, U San Shwe Tun, Sittwe Township NLD president, and prominent woman NLD leader Daw Myo Aye saw the building had been demolished on the opening day.
The office was located on Pan Kran Land, or Garden Road, in Myo Thu Gyi Ward in Sittwe, and it was built of wood and bamboo.
"We had discussed the opening of the office with Arakan State Police Chief Aung Than Shwe at his office on 10 March. A day after the discussion the office was demolished. I suspect some people who are pro-regime demolished the building," said Thein.
MP U Maung Krun Aung complained to Police Chief Aung Than Shwe and the ward chairman, but there has been no response or action regarding the incident.
"I heard that some government backed thugs demolished the house with the owner's permission. The owner was pressured by unknown high officials to demolish the house before the opening of the NLD office," Thein added.
Two NLD signboards, two party flags, a box with some important official files, and a chest of drawers were missing after the incident.
Another NLD member from Sittwe, who wished to remain anonymous said, "The military authorities are now pressuring the NLD to register the party with the Election Commission in accordance with recent election laws with the intent to expel Daw Aung San Kyi from the NLD. If the NLD refuses to bow to the authorities’ pressure, they will disturb the NLD in many ways. It is also included in the plan of government authorities to disturb the NLD officials."
The military run government wrote in provisions to its current constitution that effectively bars Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from participating in the forthcoming election.
