Workers at gold and amber mines in Kachin’s Tanai township have been served an eviction notice.
On June 5, a letter allegedly from the Tatmadaw was airdropped to the area, and instructed the locals to leave by June 15.
“The Tatmadaw will clear out the territory soon since the mines in Tanai township are not officially permitted by the state [government] and gold and amber mining has caused harm to the environment and the ecosystem,” the letter said.
Tanai resident U Naung Taung said that the letter has circulated in the mines and the nearby villages, which are under the Kachin Independence Army’s control.
According to the letter, anyone who chooses not to leave the gold and amber mines will be considered associates of the KIA, adding that the advanced evacuation warning has been provided to avoid civilian casualties during the upcoming clearance.
Network Media Group was unable to contact the Tatmadaw’s Northern Command confirm the letter’s authenticity.
Residents of Tanai township say they will face financial difficulties if the town is shut down by the Tatmadaw.
“Most of us are vegetable sellers and workers making a bare living. The livelihood of the public will be greatly affected if they do this,” said a local resident who asked not to be named.
“They didn’t say anything when big machines were used in [Hpakant’s] jade mines. Mountains have been destroyed and whole villages have been relocated…But, now they are trying to clear the these small mines and ruin the living of the local residents by claiming that they harm the ecosystem,” the resident added.
Fight between the KIA and the Tatmadaw escalated throughout Kachin State after the first 21st-Century Panglong Conference last August, with the Tatmadaw seizing major outposts in November and December. Clashes were reported around Tanai township starting on June 3.
Translated by Thida Linn
Edited by Laignee Barron
