Police authorities were accused by activists of forcing the farmers to stop their protests near the Letpadaung mine in Monywa central Myanmar by using batons and rubber bullets. This incident brought injuries to more than two dozen villagers and arrested three others, AFP news reported.
As the country is undergoing various reforms, land disputes seems to be the one of the problem among the farmers. The hostilities are just being repeated in which a ruthless and cruel attack on demonstrators near the mine last year left dozens wounded including monks.
The state owned New Light of Myanmar reported that dozens of farmers tried to cultivate the land which they do not own last Thursday and this alerted the police authorities to stop them.
On the other hand, handmade fire (petrol) bombs and stones were used by the villagers to attack the police and the security personnel. Around fifteen police officers were injured and this prompted the authorities to fire warning shots using rubber bullets.
Villagers continuously attacked the police with two of the protesters holding a stick and sword in spite of the orders for them to stop.
They said that another protest is expected by Friday afternoon.They demanded to release the three persons the police have taken into their custody, the report said.
According to environmental activist Ba Htoo, they used stones to attacked police lines but denied using petrol bombs.
Most of the farmers disclosed that they were forced by the authorities to leave their lands surrounding the mine which is a joint project of military-owned Myanmar Economic Holding and the Chinese firm Wanbao. Many of the locals want the mine project to close. Original source: http://www.betweenonline.com/2013/04/26/police-defend-a-brutal-crackdown-on-mine-demonstrators/
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