RAKHINE STATE- Defend Myanmar Democracy Group calls for the sanctions and suspension of the Kyaukphyu projects until the people of Myanmar can permanently remove the military regime and hold them accountable for their crimes.
The Defend Myanmar Democracy group has called for the international community to suspend Kyaukphyu projects until a government that truly represents the people of Myanmar and upholds federal democratic principles can be established.
Myanmar’s Kyauk Phyu Port and special economic zone is more than a large-scale economic project. This project aims to reshape the geopolitical and economic development of Myanmar, and may also have serious effects on the country’s sovereignty and the lifestyle of the people.
Defend Myanmar Democracy also pointed out that the Kyaukphyu Port and Special Economic Zone project was compromised by a group of corrupt Generals, in the 25 percent of the military’s seats in the parliament according to the 2008 constitution, without informing the public or consulting the people to stay in power.
As a result of this project, the lands of the local ethnic groups were forced and confiscated, and the livelihoods of the locals were destroyed.
During the NLD civilian government, which the military could not overpower, the conditions of being trapped in China’s debt were avoided. However after the coup, the Kyaukphyu project operated as if China’s investment activities were not affected, and secret agreements were reportedly made with the coup military regime, according to Defend Myanmar Democracy’s statement.
It is pointed out that Chinese investors, preparing to do new projects with the military in the current situation where the Rakhine army is attacking and defeating the junta, are likely interrupting and disturbing the Arakha dream.
Defend Myanmar Democracy is leading a campaign, calling for the Kyaukphyu project to be sanctioned and suspended until the Junta regime is completely eliminated.