Armed group demolishes the ancient city of “Tar Ga Ra” and is selling the land

February 18, 2025

HURFOM: Since February 15^th, 2025, an armed group has been demolishing “Tar Ga Ra”, the ancient city in Long Lone Township, Dawei District, Tenasserim Division. The demolition is so the group can create and sell land plots.

“Tar Ga Ra” the ancient city was established in 715 and is part of the cultural heritage of Tavoyans – people in Dawei. The “Ba Htoo” Army has been cooperating with local business persons to demolish the ancient city and create land plots for sale.

“We don’t know how many areas they have already demolished. They’ve used a backhoe to demolish the city and they’ve carried soil with a lorry to level the ground. The “Ba Htoo” Army has provided security in a nearby area,” said a local source.

This is the second time the “Ba Htoo” Army has demolished part of “Tar Ga Ra”. In late March, 2024, they also demolished part of the city.

“The residents are very upset but they dare not speak out. It’s a cultural heritage of the Dawei people and it is irreplaceable,” said a resident.

In 2012, in order to protect “Tar Ga Ra”, residents declared the city and nearby area as a protected cultural zone.

On February 16^th, 2025, the Tenasserim Military Command, part of the Ministry of Defense of the National Unity Government, issued an order to stop demolition. The NUG said, those who fail to follow the order would be punished severely.

The “Ba Htoo” Army has also already created and resold land plots in Maung Ma Kan, Myo Saung, Taung Min Pyaung, Sin Pu Nit and Nat Twin villages.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News