Burma’s army force local people to cut down trees in Arakan State

DVB - December 18, 2003

Local people in Arakan State, western Burma are forced to cut down trees in protected areas by the order of the Western Command of the Burmese army.

The trees are to be used for the construction of hotels to accommodate tourists at the famous Ngapali Beach.

Local people from villages including Khamein, Kalaungtaing and Yemyetthin villages in Ann Township are forced to ‘volunteer’ for the job of cutting down the trees, and they have to bring their own food and transport to carry the felled trees.

Irresponsible felling of trees in Burma by the military junta and its supporters is causing severe environmental damages to wild life habitats and local communities.

Recently, flash floods and rainstorms destroyed some paddy fields and villages. Some months ago, one village was swept away by a flash flood from Shan State in central Burma.

After 1988, the military government in Burma, the SPDC (State Peace and Development Council) allowed timber companies from Thailand and China to cut down virgin Burmese jungles in exchange for weapons and cash in great need for the junta to rebuild its power after the coup.