Local villagers near the General Headquarters of NMSP were given state ID cards, Kaowao has learnt.

The local Immigration and Population authorities issued ID cards to villagers from Panang Bein, Joo Khaprao, Suwunnabhum, Pasar and to some NMSP members.  About 4,000 people in the core areas of the NMSP were given the cards according to an officer of the Party.

The Burmese junta authorities charged 2500 Kyats each and the process started from February 25 till March 5.  Other villagers in NMSP’s strongholds, Chedike, Hanee and Halan will be provided with cards in the near future.

Nai Arot who received the new ID card said, “I am very happy and I hope there will be less trouble when we travel to Ye and other areas. In the past, we faced extortion or were threatened at the check point (White Bridge Gate near Ye) for not having an ID.”

Most people in the urban areas have state issued ID cards while many ethnic nationalities in the rural (black zone) are not given one.  The Burmese authorities often conduct surprise checks late in the night to examine ID or household registration lists. If someone is found residing in a particular home and is not on the list they are likely to be arrested.

A source from Ye said the ID programme also aims to prepare the civilians to vote in the next general election in 2010.  However, during the referendum for the Constitution in May 2008, this Panang Bein area voted in favour of the Constitution in the ratio 27 out of 4000.