Kaloh village’s appeal for confiscated land remains unresolved

June 28, 2013

HURFOM: On 4 March, 2011 HURFOM reported on the case of 210 acres of land confiscated from residents of Kaloh village in southern Ye Township, Mon State. Two years on, appeals for justice from these villagers have been left largely unaddressed.

The land was seized in late February 2011 by the headmen of Kaloh village and Khaw Zar sub-township, with the support of administrative staff. HURFOM received reports that landowners had not been consulted about the seizure, and in some cases only became aware of the authorities’ plans when village administration arrived to take measurements of their land.

Following the confiscation, the villagers’ land, in addition to 50 plots of regularly used public land, was split into 60×40 ft. plots and sold. Villagers were told that the money raised would be invested in the community. However, promises of community development failed to come into fruition. Residents expressed belief that profits were being channelled towards the sub-township headman, U Kyaw Moe, and Kaloh village’s administration.

Speaking in 2011, a 55-year old Kaloh villager who lost 2.9 acres of land told HURFOM, “[It was announced that] the money from the sold land… [will] be allocated to funds for community development. But, obviously, this money will go into the authorities’ pockets instead… If it were not risky to report to the state or central government I would report it. I just want to get my land back”.

In 2013, residents began the long process of seeking justice. Earlier in the year a group of villagers and monks submitted a letter of appeal to township authorities, followed by an appeal to state authorities. However, Kaloh village’s new headman, son of former headman U Aye Lwin, has yet to resolve the case. So far, land has been returned to just one villager.

According to Ko Oo, one of the residents involved in the appeal, “We are still seeking a solution that will get our land back. We have already submitted letters to the upper authorities many times. But the situation remains unresolved”.

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