Around 30 families in Shwenyaungpin village, located in Waingmaw Township of Kachin State, have been compelled to evacuate their residences due to allegations of encroachment on land belonging to the 321st Battalion of the Military Council.
In the Ward No.1 area of Shwenyaungpin village, approximately 30 households have received orders for compulsory relocation.
“The Military Council soldiers said that place is Military-owned land, so it will be reclaimed, and they forcefully evict all the people currently living here. They suggested a new place for the evicted villagers to settle, but they did not provide any assistance in building houses”, a villager said.
The Military Council issued an ultimatum in April, requiring households residing in the disputed area to evacuate.
In April, troops from the Military Council visited the village head and residents to deliver a message ordering the villagers to vacate the land. They also proposed an alternative location for relocation. However, the residents expressed concern as the Military Council did not provide assurances regarding the reconstruction of their homes.
The majority of families who are compelled to relocate are households of military veterans who have retired from active service and are presently facing difficulties in finding a permanent place to settle.
The Military Council has directed the residents to relocate near the internally displaced people's camp in Ward No. 5 of Shwenyaungpin village, however there are ongoing challenges and obstacles in the process of moving to the designated location, according to U Lin Aung, a hundred-house-group-elder of Ward No. 1.
"I heard news that the individuals who need to be relocated will be provided with accommodation in the refugee camp”, he said.
Despite attempts by the Myitkyina News Journal to reach out to the village administrative officer U San Wai regarding the relocation of over 30 families from military-owned land, he could not be reached for comment.
Shwenyaungpin village is situated along the Myitkyina-Laiza Road, and it is in close proximity to the 321st Battalion of the Military Council, which has established its base near the village.
