NLD members march in Hakha

Sep 04, 2007 (DVB)—A group of about 25 National League for Democracy members staged a protest in the Chin capital of Hakha this morning, eyewitnesses told DVB.

Hakha NLD secretary U Ban Lian, who was also involved in the protest, said that the group marched to the township peace and development council office at about 11:30 this morning to deliver a letter containing several demands to officials.

“Our demands are for the government to fix the commodity price rises. And we called for an end to the municipal council’s raising of taxes and the return of a social welfare program,” U Ban Lian said.

The protestors were reportedly cheered on by bystanders who watched the demonstration. U Ban Lian also called on the government to stop arresting peaceful protestors, saying that since they were demanding better social conditions and not political change, they did not pose a threat to the military.

Reporting by Naw Say Phaw