Weekly Analysis: Fears of Forced Evictions by the Junta Worsen Displacement Crisis

December 16, 2024

Land grabs by the military junta have been a long-standing threat to the security of local people. A decades-old tactic deployed to exert control over ethnic lands and territory in targeted areas of the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM), civilians are concerned about the possibility of further displacement. In Mon State, Karen State, and the Tanintharyi region, forced evictions are frightening communities.

The military junta has ordered the demolition of over 50 homes and shops in Ye Town, Mon State, accusing the residents of illegal land encroachment.

The targeted properties include homes and shops in various wards, including Aung Myitta, Nanda, Yan Myo Aung, Khay Mar, Anawa, Malar, and Zeya wards. On November 25, the junta specifically instructed removing all shops encroaching along Yaza Thi Rit Road and Tanintharyi Road.

Additionally, nearly 40 homes east of the station in Aung Myitta Ward were ordered to be vacated by December 7. Residents were given a two-week deadline to dismantle their properties, with a warning that bulldozers would be deployed if they failed to comply.

“There are roadside shops and homes they consider as encroachment. They simply say it’s an order from above,” a resident said.

The homes slated for removal include those of locals and migrant workers from the Ayeyarwady Region. Many of them have lived in the area for over a decade since the administration of former President U Thein Sein. Over 50 homes, housing more than 200 residents, are affected.

“Ward administrators allowed them to build homes by paying a small fee over 10 years ago. Now, they’re being told to leave. Many residents have been renting out rooms to support themselves,” another resident explained.

Over a decade ago, ward administrators and local authorities informally sold the land in Aung Myitta Ward, allowing residents to purchase and settle the plots. However, disputes over ownership persist, and the junta now claims the plots are illegal.

The roadside shops reportedly extend about 15 feet into the original 130-foot-wide road. While the junta has ordered the removal of all roadside encroachments, residents plan to appeal to authorities to spare the homes from demolition.

Residents also allege that the newly appointed district administrative head for Ye Township has been pressuring homeowners to vacate their properties on farmlands, exploiting the threat of demolition for bribes.

“This land-grabbing tactic targets vulnerable residents and migrant workers, making them feel powerless and forced into paying bribes,” said a resident familiar with the situation.

The forced evictions have left residents fearing further displacement and financial hardship, as appeals to the junta’s directives often go unheard.

Overview of Main Cases

Junta Forces Over 20 Villagers in Kawthoung Township to be Human Shields
Junta troops entered the Mali Wun area of Kawthoung Township on December 4, detaining over 20 villagers and using them as human shields during their operations.The troops arrived in Mali Wun by boat from Kawthoung, arresting at least 20 men and women. The detainees were interrogated about the locations of PDF (People’s Defense Force) camps.
Junta Detains and Kills Former Village Administrator in Kaw Thaung Township
On December 1, 2024, the military junta arrested a former village administrator and five of his co-workers in a 7-mile village, Kaw Thaung Township, Tenasserim Division. The arrests were carried out at their homes, and the detainees were taken to a military strategic base in a 6-mile village. Three days later, on December 4, the junta returned the lifeless body of the former administrator to his family members.
Young Man from Paung Township Arrested and Forcibly Conscripted into Military Service
A young man from Mok Tama village, Paung Township, Mon State, has been arrested and forcibly conscripted into military service. On the evening of December 5, a 24-year-old named Maung Aung Soe was detained by junta police at the Thanlwin Bridge in Mawlamyine while riding a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol.Despite Maung Aung Soe’s family being supporters of the military junta—his father is a member of a militia group—he has been conscripted. This incident follows a similar pattern in the area.Reports indicate that at least 1,600 men have been forcibly conscripted into military service from batches 1 to 7.