No.08 - 03/2006
7 March 2006

Human Rights

New uprooting in eastern Shan State

The Burma Army has ordered fresh relocation of several villages in Monghsat and Monghpyak townships, eastern Shan State, last month, said sources.

Although details are still lacking, at least 10 villages in Mongloong tract, Mongkok sub-township in Monghsat township, are said to have moved out to relocated sites by the end of last month:

• Wankoon and Wanlong to the subtownship seat Mongkok and Tachilek
• Khopien to Wan Homong in Mongloong tract
• Mong Ann and the rest to other sites

The order was issued by the Mongkhark-based Light Infantry Battalion 579 on 19 February.

Several villages in the neighboring Monghai tract, Monghpyak township were also reported to have been relocated lately.

The object of the exercises has not been determined. Speculations so far have focused on three factors:

• The Shan State Army's increasing activities in the area
• The discovery of antimony deposits in Mongloong
• The Memorandum of Understanding between Bangkok and Rangoon on 24 February 2004 to construct reservoirs in the Kok and Maesai river basins.

Both rivers originate in the Mongkok sub-township.

According to human rights groups, forced relocations in Shan State between 1996 and 2001 had displaced 426,000 people.

Related Report: Opening survey on the Kok begins, 13 March 2004.