Local people afraid of General Khin Nyunt

Local people afraid of General Khin Nyunt's visit

According to a report from the north on 27 June, the people of a border town were thoroughly put off by the exorbitant demands of the local authorities on them during the preparations for the visit of Burma's No. 3 strongman, Gen. Khin Nyunt that is due soon. On 26 June, the market in Namkham, 129 miles north of Lashio, northern Shan State, was "set upon" by the township peace and development council and the municipality officials, who exacted "contributions" from the shopkeepers in accordance with the following rates: 

• Those selling construction materials K 10,000 each; 

• Big shops K 8,000 each; 

• Small shops K 500 each 

• Shoe shops, big K 3,000 each 

They also requisitioned 300-pairs of Yinma brand white shoes for students who would participate in the reception with dances. "Even the students had to pay K 2,000 each," said one shopkeeper. "You can be sure some of the loot will be lining their pockets. Voluntary contributions, they say. I'd say it's daylight robbery." Many prayed there be no more visits by Rangoon's top generals in future, said the source. Namkham's market has more than 2,000 shops. Gen. Khin Nyunt was going there for the inauguration of the town's first computer complex, according to the source.