The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) acknowledges and supports public opposition to the junta’s efforts to revive the Myitsone Dam hydroelectric project, said Colonel Naw Bu, spokesperson for the KIO.

Colonel Naw Bu told MNJ that although the KIO has not issued a formal statement on the Myitsone Dam project, it has opposed the project since its inception and continues to stand with the public’s current rejection.

“We didn’t agree to this from the start, which is why the KIO now acknowledges the public’s objections. The public should continue to oppose this issue as strongly as possible,” he said.

The KIO has not been involved in any negotiations regarding the Myitsone Dam construction, a major Chinese investment project, and Colonel Naw Bu added that it does not know when the project will begin.

The Myitsone area selected for the dam is where the N Mai and Mali Kha rivers converge north of Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, forming the mighty Ayeyarwady River. Chipwi and Tsawlaw townships along the N Mai River are currently under the control of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the armed wing of the KIO. In addition, N’Jang Yang Township, through which the Mali Kha River flows, is also under KIA control.

Colonel Naw Bu said the junta is believed to be preparing military operations to retake the three townships to allow the Myitsone Dam project to resume without disruption. He pointed out that if the junta regains control of all three townships, it could implement the Myitsone Dam project without needing to negotiate with the KIO.

“If the junta can retake those areas, it will be able to bring in Chinese construction teams without negotiating with us. That’s why we believe the regime will try to regain the territory through military means first, rather than through negotiations,” he said.

The junta has already held more than 20 rallies in Myitkyina, Putao, Danai, and Monghnyin townships to promote the resumption of the Myitsone Dam project.

Colonel Naw Bu warned that the junta’s efforts to restart the Myitsone Dam project may not go as smoothly as it hopes.

Currently, locals and civil society organizations in Kachin State are also doing everything they can to oppose the Myitsone Dam project.

Construction of the dam has been suspended since 2011 under President U Thein Sein, following public opposition that emerged not only in Kachin State but also across the country.