Farmers protest against land grabbing

This is the largest protest that farmers have staged against land grabbing since Myanmar transitioned to civilian rule. Farmers from Ayeyawady Region, Bago Region and Yangon Region participated in the protest.

The government earlier promised to return farmlands to the farmers, but most of them are facing court cases and prison sentences following disputes. The farmers have now called on the government to take action against those officials who do not follow Parliament’s ruling that farmlands must be returned. 

“We are calling on the government not to ignore the troubles of farmers but to return our farmlands,” said a farmer from Dike-U Township in Bago Region. “We are protesting against the government to stop putting activist farmers in prison.” 

The farmers also requested that Section 447 and 427 – with which activist farmers are charged in court – be abolished. They staged the rally without police permission, so they are prone to punishment under Section 18 that prohibits any procession or demonstration without consent of the authorities.

“Protection has been given to former dictators and their cronies,” said lawyer Phoe Phyu, an activist for farmers, from the People Equity Law Firm. “No particular improvement has been witnessed in the lives of farmers. Although the government offers compensation, it is just a minimal payment. It is certain that the incumbent government, which has inherited the 2008 constitution and power from the junta, failed to solve this issue during the past three years. If the problem remains unsolved, it will be a challenge for the next government. Unless this farmland problem is handled properly, it will disrupt foreign investment flowing into Myanmar.”