Some residents in Hakha Township are angry with the government’s decision to extend the Bogyoke Road. Forty-two people have signed a petition letter demanding compensation for land loss they say will be caused by a road extension in Chin State. In the letter addressed to the state government, signees threatened to send a letter to the president, organize a protest and go through the courts if demands are not met.
The petition letter stated the road extension, currently being surveyed by Kawthonekaw, a group made up of three committees from land, municipal and administration departments, didn’t get input from residents.
“In the initial survey the road was supposed to be only extended 40 feet and it wouldn’t have affected houses in the area. But now Kawthinekaw (led by State Prime Minister U Hong Ngai) will extend the road by 60 feet and many people will lose their homes,” said Hakha resident Salai Sume.
Kawthonekaw didn't inform locals about the details of the project, or invite them to take part in the planning process, Salai Sume told Khonumthung News. It would be much better if existing roads were repaired instead of this extension.
If it goes ahead, the road extension is expected to finish in March.
English version translated by Aung Myat Soe, edited by Brennan O`Connor
