The Shan Farmers’ Network and Shan Human Rights Foundation, have demanded the prosecution of Myanmar Army troops who opened fire on villagers at a gold mine in eastern Shan State on 13 October, killing one man and injuring five others, according to statement from the group on 14 October.
On October 13, 2015, twenty villagers of Na Hai Long village, in Mong Len tract of Tachilek Township, went up the Loi Kham hills to monitor whether gold mining companies had stopped their operations, as agreed between government officials, mining companies and local villagers in July 2014. Toxic waste from these gold mines has been destroying farmlands and harming the health of local villagers for several years.
After arriving at a mine operated by Loi Kham Long Company, the villagers tried to talk to the manager, but he became angry and went to fetch soldiers of Myanmar Army Battalion 330, who were stationed nearby. When the villagers saw about 20 armed soldiers coming, they began leaving the area, but as they were walking away, the soldiers started firing at them.
One 50-year-old man, Loong Sarm, was shot and badly injured. He was taken to Mong Phyak Hospital, where he died. Five other men – Loong Pat, Sai La, Sai Sam, Sai Noi and Loong Inn – were injured after falling down the hillside as they tried to run away.
The statement concluded, ‘We are appalled at this use of firearms against villagers who were simply trying to protect their community and natural environment. We demand that the government authorities take immediate action to punish those responsible for this attack.
We also urge the authorities to effectively implement the order to the companies to stop their damaging mining operations and pay proper compensation as demanded and promised by the companies last year.’
