Myitsone dam protesters continue their march north
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Leaving Yangon on March 23, a group of dam protesters marched on after taking a short break during the Thingyan New Year's festival.
They arrived in Myingyan on April 12 and stopped for medical treatment before their departure in two groups, on either side of the Ayeyawady River on April 17.
The march will continue northward, extending the total length to hundreds of kilometres, as they hope to voice their opposition to the Chinese-backed Myitsone dam project, which remains suspended by President Thein Sein.
Despite the suspension, government contractors and the China Power Investment Corporation (CPI) have been busy lobbying to restart the project, which is expected to export between 3,600 to 6,000 megawatts of electricity to Yunnan, China.
“Although the President announced the termination of the project during his five-year term, we students and the people know CPI and companies are taking steps to continue it,” said protest leader Ye Htut Khaing.
The protesters resumed their march from Myingyan on April 17 with two groups heading for Mandalay, walking on both sides of the river.
Throughout their journey they have explained their cause to local residents, shouted slogans calling for the end of the project and sang folk songs which evoke the historical and cultural ties to the river.
“The Myanmar people by no means accept the continuation of this project,” added Ye Htut Khaing.
“But as our country is sitting at the door of a big nation [China], it is in some measure militarily, politically and economically dependent on it. This is adding pressure during this time of transition and reformation. Our march wants to see the end of the project and to have internal peace.”
