E/CN.4/1995/91/Add.1 page 44 (6) to avoid high-handedness in dealing with the people and not to take advantage of the fact that they (the armed forces) wield arms; (7) to be careful not to get involved in matters that do not concern oneself; (8) to give priority to the people’s welfare; not seek advantage for oneself; (9) to satisfy the people by being at their service; (10) to respect the beliefs, customs, cultures and traditions of the people. 6. As such, during military operations or otherwise, both in spirit and in law, members of the armed forces are strictly required not to commit arrests of persons, acts of torture, rapes and other abuses and other illegal acts. 7. In view of the foregoing, it is obvious that alleged abuses or illegal acts such as torture and killings did not take place during the military operations in 1991 in the Ayeyarwaddy Division. 8. It may be mentioned here that the local populace who had suffered at the hands of the insurgents joined hands with the security forces of the Government in quelling these insurgents. They organized themselves into a people’s militia, arming themselves with whatever artifacts they could use as weapons against the insurgents. Ordinary people took part in the military operations against the insurgents in the delta areas in 1973 and in the Pegu Mountain Range in 1975. These insurgents belonged to the Burma Communist Party and the Karen Armed Group. Similarly, in 1993, the Wa people who had suffered at the hands of the insurgents rose up against them and defeated them. Law and order has returned to these areas which have become peaceful since then. Allegations concerning forced labour 9. During these military operations, porters were used in the border and mountainous areas to help carry the equipment. They were given a reasonable amount of wages as well as food. Their health and security were also taken care of by the armed forces. A separate ration was allocated for the porters by the army. In the unlikely event of loss of life or limb unconnected with any armed conflict, their families were compensated. Therefore, the allegation that porters were not given food or water during the operations is not true. Nor is the allegation that they were tortured. These allegations emanated from false statements made by those that have ill-will against the Myanmar authorities. 10. Of the population in Myanmar, 89.5 per cent are Buddhists. Buddhists believe in and observe the merits of constructing and repairing roads and bridges, and growing trees and flower plants, digging and salvaging wells and ponds, installing drinking water stands,