Human rights activists in Kachin State have alleged that the junta’s push to restart construction of the Myitsone hydroelectric dam project benefits only a select few and threatens local communities.
The coup regime’s attempt to restart the decade-delayed project amid political instability and intense military conflict serves not the public interest, but rather a select group of people, the Chin State Human Rights Defenders Network (KSHRDN) said on April 1.
Furthermore, a spokesperson for the Kachin Human Rights Watch (KHRW) made a similar allegation, opposing the implementation of large-scale projects while political issues remain unresolved.
“No major economic or development projects should be undertaken before the current political conflicts are resolved through dialogue. This is our firm belief. Otherwise, forcing such projects forward will only serve the interests of a few,” she told NMG.
The Myitsone Dam, a major Chinese investment project in Kachin State in northern Myanmar, was suspended in 2011 by then-president U Thein Sein following strong public opposition. However, the junta that seized power in a coup has since sought to revive the project.
Locals are concerned that junta officials are using incentives, threats, and pressure to persuade residents to stop protesting and secure their support for restarting the project.
The Myitsone Dam not only poses a significant threat to the ecosystem and cultural heritage, but its proximity to a major earthquake fault also presents a serious risk. The massive hydroelectric project is planned for the Myitsone area north of Kachin State’s capital, Myitkyina, where the Ayeyarwady River originates. Myitsone is considered a natural landmark of the region.
“No matter how promising the dam project might seem, being so close to a fault line is extremely dangerous. On top of that, fighting is ongoing around the Myitsone Dam site, making it difficult to properly and systematically assess the project's structural integrity. And there’s still no clear policy to ensure public safety,” the KHRW spokesperson added.
The junta’s aggressive push to restart the project using various tactics is also raising concerns among locals.
“The public is facing both psychological and physical impacts from this. Junta authorities have repeatedly warned local communities not to oppose the Myitsone Dam project, which has understandably caused fear and anxiety among the people,” said Ko Jacob, the spokesperson for the KSHRDN.
KSHRDN is urging the Chinese government and the junta to heed the people's voices and halt the risky Myitsone Dam project.
Human rights groups have warned that restarting the project in Kachin State, where hundreds of thousands have been displaced by war, could further erode trust and spark unnecessary conflict.
