The Burmese military junta authorities of Kalemyo, Sagaing Division, northwest Burma , have ordered shifting of the Taungphila grave yard before the onset of summer.

According to a report, the authorities plan to extend the Kalaymyo airport area so they want to shift the grave yard to another place.  

In fact, Taungphila grave yard is being used by three territories of Kalemyo areas no. 18, 19 and 20. The authorities ordered shifting in 2008.

But so far the authorities have not extended the airport, so the cemetery continues to be used.

“They issued the order in 2008, but they have not begun extending the airport and we don’t know when they can start the work. So we are using the cemetery till now,” said a local.

The grave-yard was purchased by the three territories with a population of 3,000 by collecting Kyat 3000 per family. They purchased 30 acres at a cost of Kyat 70 lakhs three miles from Kalemyo in 2008.

Now there is no problem in terms of burials but it may occur if the grave-yard is shifted to another place far from Kalemyo. It will mean hiring vehicles and paying fares. It will be another burden for the family of the deceased.

At the same time, the authorities have issued an order to shift private houses in order to extend the Kalemyo airport. Some houses have already been shifted and reconstructed but the airport construction is yet to start. The authorities have not bothered to compensate the owners of the grave yard or the relocated houses.

People living in the border areas, panicked following the deployment of a huge number of Burmese troops along the Bangladesh-Burma border, a villager from Bangladesh said.