Over a thousand acres of public land and farms were seized by junta authorities for the construction of a railway project between the eastern Shan state township of Kengtung and the southern Shan state township of Mongnai, local villagers have alleged.
The land and farms were said to be owned by villagers from Keng Phawng, Na Kham and Keng Kham villages, said a local resident on condition of anonymity.
However, the reporter has not been able to access the exact acreage of the seized lands. But almost all the lands and farms near the project were said to be confiscated, she said.
Villagers were not compensated for their losses. “Just some villagers who dared to go to the authorities were given some money as compensation. But it was not much.”
“But most villagers are afraid to ask because they cannot speak Burmese very well. So they just stay silent,” she added. The seized lands were reported to be carrots and flower plots.
The proposed railway project is expected to pass through Langkher, Mongpan, Mongton, Monghsat, Mongkok and Mongphyak.
On February 16, Lt-Gen Min Aung Hlaing of the Ministry of Defense visited Kengtung for inspection of the project areas, according to the New Light of Myanmar.
It is now reported to be under construction. And its railway station is also being built between Keng Phawng and Na Kham villages, near Kengtung University, on the highway to Taunggyi, Southern Shan State.
A local businessman Sai Tip Awn is said to have been awarded the contract for the station building, said another villager from Keng Phawng.
His vehicles are now carrying materials for the building, bought from Thailand. A total of 15 of his trucks are at the work sites, he said.
In addition, another new rail bridge to cross the Thanlwin (Salween) will also be constructed very soon, near Tasang Bridge, which is only for motor use.
Initially, the authorities planned to construct between Kengtung and Namzang, Shan State South. Regional commanders came to inspect areas in 2008. But the authorities have been silent about the project since then.
