Mon Peace and Defense Front Destroy Rubber Plantations

June 29, 2016

HURFOM: On 22June 2016, 4 rubber plantation owners in Thanbyuzayat, Mon State, have reported that the Mon Peace and Defense Front (MPDF)have dug into theirlocal plantation land in the hopes to search for metal.

The 4 rubber plantation owners: NaiHtunNgwe, Nai Mai Chao, Nai Mai Aye, and Nai Ton Lwin have said that MPDFhave dug into the ground on their land and on NaiHtunNgwe’s land 200 rubber plants were destroyed and 100 plants fromNai Ton Lwin. NaiNgwealso said his rubber has only been planted and used forthe last four seasons (equivalent to 4 years).

“We used to also grow Durian and other fruits. For the past 4 years, we have been planting rubber trees”.

NaiNgwe told HURFOM “last week, they came to our plantation and dug into the ground to search for metal. Our plantation is located in Kwan Hlar and PhaungSein villages between Mudon and Thanbyuzayat Townships. Yesterday, Kwan Hlarvillage administrator asked both sides to meet: MPDF leader,Nai Chit Soe, and us, the local people”.

Nai Chit Soe claimed that he was granted permission from the suitable authorities to dig into the ground on the land from the plantation owners. However,thepermission documents have not yet been revealed.

According to sources, Nai Chit Soe has stepped down from his position of power. However, his pupils still call him “General” and it hasclearly not been revealed what his current position of power is.

“Coming to dig on our land is one issue, and the loss of our rubber plantation is another issue. For the loss of rubber plants, we will have to sue them. Currently, Kwan Hlar village administrator has convinced them to stop for a moment. However, they said they will continue digging and we will also continue reporting to Mining Ministry if they don’t stop.”Plantation owners have stated that they have sent letters of complaint to the Mining Minister.

At a similar location, there was another metal mining operation, also dug by MPDF. They also did not inform land owner about any plans or changes. This led to conflict and because of this; the Irrigation Ministry stopped the company from furtherconducting their activities.

“They came to dig on our land without informing us which is breaking the law. We assumed that they wouldn’t dare to come to us without permission. They must have been granted permission to do so”, said plantation owner NaiNgwe.

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