Farmers clash with troops near Pyin Oo Lwin military school
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Farmers and military personnel clashed on January 27 near the Pyin Oo Lwin Defence Service Technological Academy (DSTA) when soldiers tried to extend the fence around the facility.
The farmers were previously allowed to cultivate the land around the military facility in exchange for tax fees. The land had been regarded as a standby area for the DSTA since 1993. The extension of the fence cut into the land being cultivated by the local farmers.
“Female farmers requested that the military not extend the fence. Then, we tried to stop the building of the fence. They threw stones at us and beat us with sticks. Some were injured. One farmer was seriously injured and was sent to the hospital,” said local farmer Chan Thar.
“This land was confiscated in 1993. We got permission to do cultivation on the land in 1994. Now they want to extend the fence. Approximately 350 households are now facing difficulties making a living since we lost land to cultivate,” a farmer said.
