The construction of a major hydroelectric dam in the Myitsone area of Kachin State has been suspended for an extended period due to widespread opposition, but the junta is ramping up its efforts to gain local support for restarting the project.

Members of the junta’s Kachin State Local Committee for Facilitating and Cooperating with Hydroelectric Projects met with government officials, business owners, local organizations, and residents in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, on May 6 to seek their support.

At the event, junta-appointed Kachin State Chief Minister U Khat Htein Nan emphasized the importance of meeting electricity demand, stating that the current generation must work together to improve the lives of future generations.

Prior to the meeting, on May 5, Kachin State residents and 49 Kachin civil society organizations jointly announced their opposition to the China-backed Myitsone Dam project.

The statement urged the Chinese state-owned company SPIC-Yunnan to respect the will of the Myanmar people, who oppose the Myitsone project, and to refrain from proceeding with any coercive measures.

The junta has held at least 16 meetings with residents of Myitkyina and Waingmaw townships to lobby for the restart of the Myitsone Dam project.

Plans to increase electricity generation were also discussed at a meeting of the new cabinet led by coup leader-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing.