Multi-layered Human Rights abuses.
Flagrant repeated Human Rights abuses by the illegal junta(SPDC)
and its menials(USDA) are not only a thorn in the side of the
suffering, poverty stricken people of the Shan States, but also UN
agencies and other international organizations such as the ICRC,
ILO, UNICEF and NGO's.
As recently as the 20th August2007, the SPDC army guarding the
Tasang Salween dam project, created more IDPs by forcing many
villages at gun point, even threatening them with destruction using
field guns unless they move within three days. Mines were sown
around the perimeter, making traveling to their fields and orchards
hazardous. No compensation is forthcoming and the pitiful villagers
have no means of transportation like mules and bullock-carts;
except to carry what few belongings they had on their bare backs.
Since very few Shans speak Burmese; when certain orders are not
carried out, the villagers are beaten up mercilessly. They are
forced to carry heavy burdens in road construction without any hope
of pay. These abuses are purposely done with a vengeance on the
populace.
The example of the destruction of the City Hall and the2500th
commemorative Pagoda in Lashio, Northern Shan States, are glaring
cases of cultural and religious persecution. Both the City Hall and
the 2500th Commemorative Pagoda were constructed during Special
Commissioner Sao Hom Hpa's tenure in office. He was the saopha of
North Hsenwi State. The SPDC and commander of Northern Command
tried to erase the meritorious deeds of a Shan prince by an evil
act-that of dynamiting the building ( which brings to mind the
wanton destruction of the Haw or palace at Kengtung in 1989. This
focuses on the twisted minds of the junta.).
When a religious family, anticipating merit, donated a Hti
(pyramidal gold umbrella) to the ancient pagoda at Kutkai, NSS.
Being envious of the good deeds and seeking flattery, the SPDC
intelligence battalion commander Thein Soe, removed the Hti and
replaced it with one of his own. Which reminds one of a Shan
proverb," Ku So nerng pei, ngalai nerng joi. " In other words-the
imposter will receive a cent of merit, but a pound of hell(evil).We
can expect more violations from the evil junta.
Salween Princess.
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