[Myanmar] Protesters Begin March from Mandalay to Copper Mine to Protect Buddhist Site

[News_Editor]

Police intervene to try to stall a protest march as it begins in Mandalay on Sunday. (Photo: Tay Za Hlaing / The Irrawaddy)

About 60 protesters on Sunday began a peaceful march from Mandalay to the controversial Letpadaung copper mining project in Sagaing Division, calling for the Chinese company developing the mine not to destroy an ancient religious building.

About 100 police followed the protesters closely and briefly detained several people involved in walking to the mining site, which is about 95 miles by road. The protesters stayed at a Buddhist monastery in Sagaing on Sunday night, but police have told them not to continue their march Monday.

The mostly female protesters, including five monks and activists, are from Letpadaung, Mandalay and Rangoon. They launched the march to demand protection for an ancient ordination hall and temple—established by an influential Buddhist monk, Letti Sayadaw—which is under threat of being destroyed to make way for the massive copper project.

After minor clashes with police Sunday, the protesters were on Monday in negotiations with the local authorities. They want assurances that no one will be arrested or prosecuted for taking part in the march, a promise that the Buddhist hall will be preserved and to be allowed to pray at the site.

If the authorities agree to the demands, the protesters say they will stop their march and travel by car to pray at the Letti temple. However, if the authorities fail to agree to the demands, they say will continue on foot to Letpaduang.

The protesters are under the close watch by the authorities and their march is likely to be broken up if it continues, according to sources in Sagaing.

On Sunday, the protesters had a verbal confrontation and minor clashes with police, after several of the marchers were detained. The protesters were soon released after negotiations.

The Letpadaung copper mine is a multi-million dollar project by Chinese-backed Wanbao Mining Ltd in partnership with the Burmese military-backed Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd (UMEHL).

Operations were suspended at the US$600 million project in November after authorities violently cracked down on peaceful demonstrators opposed to its environmental and social impacts.

Following an investigation by a parliamentary committee, a new deal was announced in July with the government saying local communities would now benefit from the project. Under the new terms the government will take a 51 percent stake in the mine, which is expected to produce 40,000 tons of copper per month.

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Source: Irrawaddy.org