The fifth day regular session of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw took place at Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Hall in Hluttaw Complex here this afternoon, with attendance of Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Speaker U Khin Aung Myint, Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann and 609 Pyidaungsu Hluttaw representatives.

Union Minister for Finance and Revenue U Hla Tun submitted a report and Chairman of Joint Bill Committee U Mya Nyein, report of findings and comments on JICA credit (former OECF credit).
As the Hluttaw agreed on bridge loan from Japanese Commerce Bank and ODA loan from JICA proposed by the Union government, they were approved. U Hmat Gyi of Mandalay Region Constituency No (9), U Aung Zin of Pazundaung Constituency, U Sai Thant Zin of Shan State Constituency No (4), Daw Mi Myint Than of Ye Constituency, U Ba Shein of Kyaukpyu Constituency, Daw Khin Than Myint of Ngapudaw Constituency, Daw Su Su Hlaing of Dagon Myothit (South) Constituency, U Soe Aung of Thegon Constituency, U Kyaw Myint (a) U Po Toke of Momeik Constituency and U Tin Win of Kawlin Constituency discussed the proposal on doing justice in confiscation of farmlands not to harm farmers.

They discussed farmlands were confiscated for urbanization, establishing industrial zones and extension of base of battalions of Tatmadaw. Farmlands in operation of the farmers were confiscated in extension of railroads, motor roads and airports, establishing state-owned factories and workshops and allotting lands to private companies for farming purposes.

The farmers are traditionally engaging in the farming on the lands with no knowledge on legal status of the lands. Village land committee was found to be failing to register the lands in accordance with the law.

The farmers, who had not applied for permission or had no knowledge to do so to do farming on the lands of their ancestors, were labeled encroachers citing lack of documents. The farmers in each corner of the country are victimized by the individuals who allegedly acquired permissions for the lands which are not vacant or fallow lands with recommendations of officials at each level and removed farmers by bringing them to the courts.

The least possible area of farmlands with least possible risk to farming or vacant and virgin lands should be confiscated. Investigations should be launched whether the lands were confiscated fairly. The issue should be tackled fairly not to hurt the farmers. The session was concluded at 3.40 pm today. The sixth day session is held on 25 July 2012.—