An interview with a local from Tigyaing Township about the protest of the locals against the construction of a new road by the “3Ps” – People’s Defense Forces, People’s Administration Teams and People’s Security Teams – operating under the NUG
From 16 to 18 June, locals in Tigyaing Township protested against the construction of a new road by the “3Ps” – People’s Defense Forces, People’s Administration Teams and People’s Security Teams – operating under the National Unity Government (NUG), arguing that the road construction could damage their farmland.
Shanni Voice conducted this interview with a local from Tigyaing Township, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons, to find out more about the reasons behind the locals’ protest and the arrests of those taking part in the protest.
Q: Why are the locals protesting against the construction of the new road?
A: The 3Ps tried to build the road connecting Su Poke Chaung village, which is ten miles north of the town, to the Shwebo-Myitkyina road. The locals prevented them from continuing the road construction, but they just kept building. As a result, the locals protested for three consecutive days from 16 to 18 June. Some of the protesters were arrested.
Q: Why did the locals prevent the construction of the new road?
A: The construction of the new road will damage more than five acres of farmland. That’s why the they protested. They had previously negotiated the matter with local farmers on 15 June. They (the resistance officials) offered compensation. However, three of the farmers present at the negotiation rejected the offer on the grounds that it is their ancestral farmland. They said they would neither accept the compensation amount nor the construction of the new road while there is the old road.
The locals are questioning why a new road is being built at a time of resistance when they’ve often been forced to flee their homes, leaving all their belongings behind, due to the military junta’s violent raids and arson attacks. I wonder why they’re so desperate to do this. The road construction has been underway since early this month.
Q: Did the 3Ps explain why the new road is necessary?
A: They said they had spent 1.5 billion kyat on the road project. They said the new road was necessary to improve production, to channel water to the paddy fields and to provide electricity to the locals. Despite these explanations, the locals simply don’t accept the project. I don’t think they should go ahead with the construction against the will of the locals. Another thing to consider is that Tigyaing is an area that the resistance forces have taken control of. Fighting can erupt at any time, so the locals live in constant fear. I therefore see no point in building a new road here.
Q: We have heard that some of the protesters have been arrested. Is that true?
A: Yes, that is true. Four men were arrested on the very first day of the protest (16 June). Three residents of Inn Tein village were released the same evening. They are still holding the other man from Lay Thar village, claiming that he organized the protest. I have heard that he will be charged.
Over a hundred people took part in the protest. On that day, they (People’s Administration Teams and People’s Security Teams) arrived during the protest holding firearms. There were also people photographing and videotaping the event. They even threatened the protesters with arrest, claiming they had an order to open fire. They didn’t fire any shots, but threatened to shoot if the protesters crossed the line.
Some protesters ran away when they saw the men in guerrilla uniforms arriving armed. They (the members of the resistance) didn’t seem to realize that what they were doing was exactly the same as the junta. Not only that, two protest leaders were also arrested on 30 May. They were later released on bail.
Caption – Members of the PDF-Tigyaing take part in military training
Q: What did the locals demand during the protest?
A: They made demands and held up placards that read, “No 3Ps… Road construction on farmland doesn’t produce rice, only rice cultivation… …No encroachment on public farmland…. This is what the people want”
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: As the government of the people, I want the NUG to heed the will of the people. Why did they take such an immediate action despite the protest? They should think carefully about whether it is really necessary to build a road in wartime. We don’t want the NUG to ignore this, we want them to address it. That is all I want to say.
Sent from Shanni Voice.