Local villagers located near the General Headquarters of NMSP were given state issued ID cards, Kaowao has learned.

The local Immigration and Population authorities issued ID cards to villagers from Panang Bein, Joo Khaprao, Suwunnabhum, Pasar and some NMSP members.  About four thousand people in the core areas of the NMSP were given the cards according to an officer of the Party.

The Burmese authorities charged 2500 Kyats each and the process started from February 25, last month until March 5.  Other villagers of NMSP’s stronghold area, Chedike, Hanee and Halan will be provided with the cards in the near future.

Nai Arot who received the new ID card said, “I am very happy for this and I hope there will be less trouble when we travel to Ye and other areas.  In the past, we were extorted or threatened at the check point (White Bridge Gate near Ye) for not having an ID.”

Most people in the urban areas have state issued ID cards while many ethnic nationalities in the rural (black zone) are not given one.  The Burmese authorities often conduct surprise checks late in the night to examine ID or household registration lists. If someone is found residing in a particular home and is not on the list they are likely to be arrested.

 A source from Ye said the ID program also aims to prepare the civilians to vote in the next general election in 2010.  However, during the referendum for the Constitution in May 2008, this Panang Bein area voted in favour of the Constitution only 27 out of 4000.

Panang Bein Village