Kantarawaddy Times
The mining operation on Myin Ma Hti Mountain, located in Pekhon Township near the Shan-Karenni border, has been temporarily suspended due to protests from local residents, according to Ko Aung Zaya Tun, a member of the protest leadership committee.
“Before our protest, the company was repairing and maintaining its machinery. But currently, based on what we’ve observed on the ground, their operations have been suspended. Some workers have left, while others remain on-site,” Ko Aung Zaya Tun said.
It is unclear how many workers Mr. Wan Company has stationed on Myin Ma Hti Mountain. Locals have been continuously protesting against Mr. Wan Company and the Four Stars Company for proceeding with mining operations without consulting the resident community.
Due to a lack of agreement after three meetings between the Pradawng ethnic group and the Four Stars Company, local residents blocked mining equipment from entering Thikhyit village tract. Moreover, subsequent protests were also carried out.
“As representatives of the people, especially us youth committee members, we have made it clear from the beginning. We cannot accept this mining operation in any form,” Ko Aung Zaya Tun emphasized.
On May 5, the Kayan New Land Party (KNLP) issued a statement that seems to relate to the Myin Ma Hti mining operation.
According to point 5 of the statement, “An unauthorized social group is inciting and misleading uninformed youth, committing acts of intimidation against villagers, and threatening the stability and peace of the Kayan region.”
According to Ko Aung Zaya Tun, who is both a protest committee member and a representative of the Pradawng ethnic group, this statement is seen as a response from the Four Stars Company, led by KNLP Chairman U Than Soe Naing, to the local protest movement.
Pradawng ethnic group chairman Khun Aung Naing Soe declined to comment on the KNLP statement when contacted by Kantarawaddy Times.
Residents of Thikhyit village, part of the Myin Ma Hti area, began protesting on May 1 (Labour Day) and continued until May 5, opposing the Chinese company’s lead mining operations in their village.
