The Burmese military junta authorities have been compiling family lists in wards in downtown Nam Kham, Northern Shan State since October 20.

Women clerks of the Township Peace and Development Council's (TPDC) office have been made responsible for the compilation of family lists as preparation ahead of the 2010 general elections, a person, close to TPDC office, told S.H.A.N

"They are compiling family lists now because if it is delayed and done nearer the 2010 elections, the work will become too much to handle and disorganized. Currently they are compiling the family lists in wards in downtown Nam Kham," he said.

Photographs of family members were taken in Mant Naung, Mant Kham, Hsel Hai, Kaung Hser, Kaung Weinn, Manm Kat, and Naung Kham villages in Nam Kham Township in early September, according to locals.

At the same time family lists are being made in villages in Muse Township.

A local from downtown Nam Kham confirmed that women clerks were putting together the family lists in the wards in downtown Nam Kham.

"They came to collect the family list in my home on October 20. They asked questions as to who has been travelling, where they are going and currently how many people are at home? They said that they are compiling the family lists ahead of the election," the local said.

Village officers, immigration officers and policemen have been involved in compiling family lists in villages since September. According to police sources, it is not just compilation of family lists but they are also checking family members and taking photographs.

"Currently the situation is very complicated. The secretary of Naung Kham village was killed on October 17. The compilation of family lists could have a connection with it," the Nam Kham local added.