In Ahlone Township, Yangon Region, the military council is forcing the relocation of more than 500 households from Saw Yan Paing West Ward, claiming the area is needed for the expansion of the Ahlone International Port Terminal project. According to local residents who spoke to Yangon Modern News, this forced eviction is causing significant distress among the community. The military council states that the project will be implemented on 156.931 acres of Defense Ministry-owned land in Ahlone Township, with Phase 3 of the project covering 32.284 acres that encompasses the Saw Yan Paing West Ward area.
Local residents report that they have been living in the area for approximately 30 years, and this sudden eviction order has left thousands of family members facing severe hardship. The military council is invoking the 1955 Government Premises Eviction Act to force the evictions, threatening to use force if residents do not vacate within the specified timeframe. This situation has created a humanitarian crisis for the affected families, who have established deep roots in the community over decades.
A local taxi driver residing in Saw Yan Paing West Ward explained that while residents do not possess official land grants, the area has developed into an established neighborhood over more than two decades. The timing of the eviction order during the rainy season has made the situation particularly challenging for residents. Adding to their difficulties, the ward administrator is reportedly exploiting the situation by extorting money from affected residents. This forced relocation exemplifies the military council’s continuing pattern of disregard for civilian welfare, as they proceed with development projects at the expense of long-established communities.
