The military and municipal authorities are pressuring residents to demolish nearly 500 homes in Hlaing Ward (also known as Oatpo Ward) in Mawlamyine Township, Mon State, by April 10. On March 26, military, police, and administrative officials distributed demolition orders to homes in the area. While the land had previously received L/N-39 permits from the former Mawlamyine Municipal Administrative Officer, authorities claim the buildings were constructed without proper permits. The order affects all structures built on a total land area of 11.239 acres.
According to local residents, thousands of people, mostly from working-class backgrounds, live in the area. The land plots were officially sold by the military and municipal authorities about 8 years ago, with residents legally purchasing and settling there. Although construction permits were initially granted, authorities are now declaring the structures illegal and ordering their demolition. Residents note this is the second demolition order they have received.
On January 26 this year, the military forcibly demolished homes, monasteries, and fences in both Hlaing Ward and Thayar Aye Ward using bulldozers. The demolition order was issued during a meeting at the Mon State Government Office’s Aung San Hall on January 10, where the Minister for Security and Border Affairs gave the directive. Additionally, it has been reported that the military is now subdividing and reselling land that was forcibly seized from Thayar Aye Ward residents.
