Published
Monday, February 25, 2008 - 14:40
Villagers persuaded to become soldiers
The Burmese military junta is persuading people to join as soldiers or become members of Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) by promising high positions in Nam Kham Township on the Sino-Burma border, said a local source.
The Burmese military junta is persuading people to join as soldiers or become members of Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) by promising high positions in Nam Kham Township on the Sino-Burma border, said a local source.
On February 22 2008 at 10 am, Nam Kham Second Police Chief Aung Naing with people from over 20 other departments held a meeting at the youth centre in Kay Hkun village which is located at North of Nam Mao (Shweli) River. There were over 100 participants at the meeting.
A participant said the police chief told them that "Whoever wants to become soldiers please give your name to us. But you must have a secondary or high school level education. If you are a university graduate, it is even better. We will appoint you at higher positions".
"If we don't want to become soldiers we can become members of USDA. If we join them, we can cross the water gate from our village to Nam Kham even after the closing time by showing our USDA cards. The gate opens at 6 am and closes at 6 pm," he added.
Last month, the authorities also collected names of people who are over 18 in Nam Kham Township to send to the new capital for the referendum on the constitution on May 21, 2008. People who do not have current ID cards must renew. But immigration officers said it might be difficult to finish renewing all ID cards given the insufficient time.
On the same day, three meetings were held in other villages: Hat Hin with over 100 participants Nawng Hking with over 80 attendees and Kay Khun.
On February 22 2008 at 10 am, Nam Kham Second Police Chief Aung Naing with people from over 20 other departments held a meeting at the youth centre in Kay Hkun village which is located at North of Nam Mao (Shweli) River. There were over 100 participants at the meeting.
A participant said the police chief told them that "Whoever wants to become soldiers please give your name to us. But you must have a secondary or high school level education. If you are a university graduate, it is even better. We will appoint you at higher positions".
"If we don't want to become soldiers we can become members of USDA. If we join them, we can cross the water gate from our village to Nam Kham even after the closing time by showing our USDA cards. The gate opens at 6 am and closes at 6 pm," he added.
Last month, the authorities also collected names of people who are over 18 in Nam Kham Township to send to the new capital for the referendum on the constitution on May 21, 2008. People who do not have current ID cards must renew. But immigration officers said it might be difficult to finish renewing all ID cards given the insufficient time.
On the same day, three meetings were held in other villages: Hat Hin with over 100 participants Nawng Hking with over 80 attendees and Kay Khun.
