Local residents have reported that the military forces are forcibly demolishing residential apartments near the football field in Nandawkun Ward, Meiktila City, Mandalay Region, claiming they are illegal encroachments. Starting from March 26, the military began issuing demolition orders for the apartments located beside the Pauk Chaung field in Nandawkun Ward, Meiktila. These apartments were legally sold in 2005 under a 30-year residential permit, with each unit priced at 2 million kyats, through contracts signed by Sports Minister U Aye Myint and the Ministry of Sports.
The military’s actions have caused severe hardship for the apartment residents who are now facing significant difficulties in relocating. Despite having 10 years remaining on their legal residential contracts, the military has unilaterally filed lawsuits and is forcing evictions. During the previous civilian government, residents had even contributed to the area’s infrastructure by constructing drainage systems. However, their homes are now being deliberately destroyed. The residents emphasize that these apartments are part of Meiktila’s sports housing complex, and the military is violating the terms of their legally binding contracts.
Since the military coup on February 1, 2021, the military has systematically carried out land confiscations and forced demolitions of civilian homes, neighborhoods, and villages across Myanmar. The current situation in Meiktila represents another example of the military’s oppression of civilians, demonstrating a complete lack of rule of law and the use of force to persecute the public. This forced eviction is being carried out without any compensation or consideration for the legal rights of the residents, who are now facing significant humanitarian challenges as a result of these actions.
