Myanmar: While Myanmar Military Touts Reforms, Villages Still Fight Land Grabs

Aug 6, 2015 | Simon Lewis and John Zaw, Union of Catholic Asian News
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The problem has been reported across Myanmar, including in ethnic minority areas where many Catholics and other Christians live. A report released in June by the Karen Human Rights Group — a campaign organization representing the largely Christian Karen ethnic group — found that “villagers in Karen areas of southeast Myanmar continue to face widespread land confiscation at the hands of a multiplicity of actors”, including the Myanmar army, armed groups and private businesses. In Shan state, local activist Tin Shwe — who is affiliated with the opposition National League for Democracy — said that land grabbing, involving both the military and companies with close ties to local officials, was a major problem. He said there were more than 2,000 ongoing cases in Shan state alone.