Mine protest probe 'to uncover truth'

Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi said the findings of the body tasked to investigate the crackdown on the copper mine protest must be submitted to the president, even if the results may not please all parties. 

“It is not easy to gain satisfaction from all. Disputes must be settled with the best solution. After discussing [the matter], a compromise can reached. We must seek the best solution for all. We must bravely put forward the truth,” she said during a press conference at the Parliament building in Yangon. 

Suu Kyi, who heads the Investigation Commission probing the case of the Chinese-backed Lapadaungtaung mine project, said the body will be submitting an accurate account of the crackdown, including the possible involvement of Buddhist monks. 

She also said police told her that protesters were warned that camps will be dispersed with canons first and tear gas next. The commission will properly investigate the matter and give all parties the benefit of doubt. 

“The commission will not shirk its responsibilities and it will hold people accountable,” Suu Kyi said. 

During its probe, she said foreign experts will be invited to inspect evidence related to the case, and no government officials will be invited. 

She also said since China is involved in the matter, each side must seek a flexible approach. 

“China itself cannot do what it wants to do. In those issues, give and take is necessary,” she said. “Doing what one wants to do without a compromise is not democratic. Myanmar needs to try promoting democracy.” 

President Thein Sein on December 1 directed the formation of an investigation commission with Aung San Suu Kyi as chairperson after riot police forcibly broke up the protest camps in the Lapaduangtaung copper mine project area on November 29, drawing severe criticisms from the international community. The crackdown provoked a series of protests in Yangon and Mandalay.

Meanwhile, police have filed a lawsuit against seven protesters denouncing the brutal crackdown over the Chinese-run copper mine project. 

Following the November 29 clashes of rioters and police that injured at least 74 people including monks, protests have been staged in many parts of the country. 

On December 1, monks marched in protest before the Chinese Embassy in Yangon. Other rallies were held on December 2 in Sanchaung, Kyimyindine, Ahlon, and Dagaon in Yangon. 

D Nyein Linn, Myint Kyaw Oo, Thugy Soe Moe Tun, Aung Myo Oo, Ma Thandar, Moe Thway and Aung Soe were held for violating Article 18 of “The Decree on the Right to Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Procession”, a Yangon Region Police officer said. 

“All demonstrations on the Lapadaungtaung project were staged without permits,” he said. 

Naga Sena, who took part in the December 1 protest to demand the formation of an independent investigating body, said since the “the public has a negative view of the Myanmar Police Force, security forces should sensibly handle demonstrations even if these are against the law”. 

“The police should not take brutal action against the protesters to avoid public hatred,” she added. 

Earlier, the Union of Myanmar Economics Holdings Limited (UMEHL) said it would follow any decision by the investigation commission regarding the Lapadaungtaung issue.

“It is an official organisation [the commission] formed by the government. So we will act upon any decision reached by the commission,” said a project official from the company.

The project is jointly undertaken by the military-backed UMEHL and a Chinese company named Myanmar Wanboa Mining Copper Limited.