Dec 31, 2007 (DVB), Christian missionaries in Kalay township, Sagaing division, were given permission to provide a Christmas meal and donate clothing to inmates in three local prison camps.

The missionaries had been denied permission to give donations last year, but were told this year by authorities that they would be able to do so.

The clothing and meat-based meals were provided to inmates in the Yarsakyo, Mawlike Kalay and 55 Miles work camps.

Kalay township residents said that the living condition for inmates in prison work camps in the area has been very poor, with prisoners shackled and given demanding farm work to do with no proper meals.

Death rates among prisoners have been on the rise too, residents said.

Reporting by Thet Naing