Amid protests by residents, the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) persistently engages in gold mining with heavy machinery in Monelawng Creek, which sustains over 500 acres of farmland

The farm water in Namphatkar Pangkai Village, Kutkai Township has become murky as a consequence of extensive gold mining activities in Monelawng Creek. This situation has presented numerous difficulties for the local farm owners. Kutkai is 24kms north of Lashio.

Around early February, approximately 400 local residents took part in a protest against the gold mining activities taking place at Monelawng Creek

Aa villager from Namphatkar Pangkai told KNG, "Farmers are using water from Monelawng Creek to cultivate more than 500 acres. The Shan armed group is currently engaged in gold mining activities along the river and now is the time for farmers to resume farming. However the water has become muddy, preventing them from using the water and causing many problems. Despite the opposition to gold mining, they carry on digging for gold day and night since January this year.”

A local from Namphatkar added, "When we, as farmers and local residents, gathered in large numbers to protest, they obstructed us. They blocked the road by shutting the gate and surrounded themselves with security while continuing their gold mining activities. We are unable to approach them or make any requests, which hinders us from starting the farming and accessing water resources.”

According to residents, the local households primarily dependent on Monelawng Creek and farmland are from villages such as Namphatkar, Pangkai, and Narmun. He emphasized that the inability to utilize the creek water for agricultural purposes, which is the primary source of livelihood for local residents, will have a significant impact on the stability of the region.

"Due to the current situation, the people who depend on the water from Monelawng Creek for farming are feeling lost and unsure about their future here. Since their livelihoods revolve around agriculture, they are even discussing where they will go if they can no longer farm,” he continued.

The local community is expressing concerns that if the creek water remains damaged, it could result in them losing their right to farm and sustain themselves. Consequently, they are urging the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) to halt gold mining activities in Monelawng Creek and restore the creek water to its previous condition, enabling them to resume their agricultural activities and maintain their livelihoods.