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Statement on the 3rd Anniversary of Nai Yekha's and Nai Cheem Gakao's Imprisonments
(July 17, 2006)
On July 17, 2003, the Burmese military regime accused two Mon political activists, Nai Yakha and Nai Cheem Gakao, of conspiracy for attempting to overthrow the Burmese military regime and unjustly sentenced them to death. The sentences were later reduced to life in prison, and Nail Yakha and Nai Cheem Gakao have been in a notorious Burmese jail ever since. Today, on the third anniversary of their imprisonments, we, Mon people around the world join Nai Yekha's and Nai Cheem Gakao's families to pray for their freedoms.
The arrests of Nai Yekha and Nai Cheem Gakao were nothing but one of the various attempts by the Burmese military regime to eliminate democratic forces in Burma. The accusations of the regime were groundless. Nai Yekha and Nai Cheem Gakao are members of the New Mon State Party (NMSP) and they had been simply organizing activities to help bring freedom and democracy in Burma. Both Nai Yekha and Nai Cheem Gakao had received no fair trials since there have been no rules of law and independent judicial system under the military regime.
Since it bloodily took power in 1988, the regime has made every attempt to eliminate everyone who tries to bring freedom and democracy in Burma. The arrests of Nai Yekha and Nai Cheem Gakoa came after the regime attempted to assassinate the opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi while she and her convey were travelling in Upper Burma. Human rights activists and opposition parties' supporters were often given harsh sentences for their activities to bringing democracy and human rights in Burma. Currently, there are more then 1,000 political prisoners in Burma.
Both Nai Yekha and Nai Cheem Gakao have been in notorious Innsein Jail since they were arrested. Due to harsh condition of the jail, their health conditions have been deteriorated recently. The military government has denied them to access proper medical care.
Therefore, we strongly urge:
- The Burmese military regime to immediately release Nai Yekha, Nai Cheem Gakao, and all political prisoners in Burma.
- The international community to support the efforts to bringing Burma case to th e United Nation Security Council.
This statement is joined by:
- The Australia Mon Association (AMA)
- Euro-Mon Community
- Mon Canadian Society of Alberta
- Mon Land Restoration Council (USA)
- Mon National League for Consolidating and Aiding (Mae Sot, Thailand)
- Mon Women's Association of America
- Mon Youth Progressive Organization (Thailand)
- Mon Unity League (Thailand)
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The Burmese army often accuses local Mons people as rebel sympathizers, killings, rapes, forced labours, and lands confiscating by the army are widespread in the areas.
After land confiscation, the Mon farmers in the surrounding areas greatly suffered as below;
- Suddenly being deprived of employment
- Deterioration in social life
- Population Displacement and Flux of Refugees
- Migrating into Thailand
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