Media Release from Kachin National Organisation – UK
For Immediate Release 5th February 2010
Protest against a series of dam projects on the Irrawaddy river in the Kachin State
On this 49th anniversary of Kachin Revolution day, Kachin living in exile, including Japan, India, and United Kingdom protest against a series of dam projects in Kachin State constructed by the state owned China Power Investment Corporation and Burma’s military regime.
In Myitsone, Kachin State, the 50-storey-tall mega dam is being built by China Power Investment Corporation, will produce 3,600 MW of power for export to China, and is the first in a series of seven Chinese dams on the Irrawaddy River.
More than 60 villages, approximately 15,000 people are in the process of being forcibly relocated without informed consent.
“The dam will destroy the lives and property of the people living along the downstream Irrawaddy river”, said Gun Tawng, Chairman of the Kachin National Organisation, UK. “Many farmlands and cattle will be lost. Moreover, since the Myitsone confluence is essential to the Kachin identity and history as well as a cultural treasure for the whole Burma, it is important to protect and this must not be destroyed”.
Despite the risks of arrest, torture or death for dissent in military-ruled Burma, brave local villagers are demanding a halt to the dams. Mass prayer ceremonies calling for the protection of the rivers have been held along the riverbanks and in churches up and downstream. Posters, open letters, and graffiti from students, elders and prominent leaders have objected to the dams. In a face-to-face meeting with the Burma Army’s Northern Commander, local residents made it clear that no amount of compensation will make up for the losses these dams will bring to their community and future generations.
Kachin communities in exile stand with the people of Kachin State and throughout Burma who oppose these dams. They will be protesting and urging the military junta to stop the Myitsone Irrawaddy dam.
The ceremonies for the 49th Kachin Revolution Day will take place in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Australia, Malaysia, UK, and USA.
For more information, please contact
UK – Gun Tawng, Chairman of Kachin National Organisation – UK at +44 (0) 759 576 3340
Hkan Hpa, Deputy Secretary, Kachin Nataional Council at +44 (0) 750 863 5694
Japan – Seng Bu, Secretary of Kachin National Organisation – Japan at + 81 (0) 904 076 6579
India – Andrew, Secretary of Kachin National Organisation – India at + 91 (0) 112 555 2176