[Myanmar] Monks Join Copper Mine Protests

Hundreds of Buddhist monks came out in support of the mass protests by villagers against a controversial Chinese-backed copper mine in northwestern Burma on Tuesday, RFA reported. Several hundreds monks arrived in buses from as far away as Mandalay, Monywa and Pakokku to support thousands of local villagers who have protested for several months against Letpadaung Copper Mine in Sagaing Division’s Sarlingyi Township. Villagers claim mine developers have illegally confiscated more than 3,200 hectares (8,000 acres) of farmland from 26 villages without providing adequate compensation.