Forced Labor briefs

Forced Labor briefs

Road Construction in Namtu

Since 19 August, villagers in Namtu Township had been busy repairing the Hsipaw-Namtu road in northern Shan State. 

"Normally, it's the time we harvest our Htonao (soyabean) but we are not allowed to say anything about it," said a source. 

Women Sentries 

Villagers from Mongton to BP-1, opposite Chiangmai, have been ordered to stand watch since the battle of Pakhee ended in May, said sources visiting the border. 

Each sentry box is 9-10 fathoms (1 fathom is 6 ft) from the nearest box on either side and is attended by 2 villagers at all hours to report any unusual happenings. "During the day time, it was us women who kept watch, because men have to go to our fields and gardens. They replace us during the night time," said one woman who fled to the border. 

Only those who have money hire other people to fill up their slots, K. 500 per day, she said. "It had been difficult for us, especially after the army told us in mid August that they would be buying 15 baskets of rice per acre at K. 300 per basket rate. And they refused to make any allowance for our other services to them."