The military has issued orders to demolish numerous civilian homes across five townships in Bago city by September 3rd, as part of a project to excavate the moat and city walls of the ancient Hanthawaddy city and Kambawzathadi Palace. This directive came following Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to Bago on August 3rd, during which he inspected the preservation status of the Kambawzathadi Golden Palace and ordered the restoration of the ancient Hanthawaddy city site, including the reconstruction of a continuous palace moat system.
Following these orders, the military and Bago regional authorities have commanded the complete evacuation and clearance of homes in Socialist Ward, Myawkan Ward, Ponnasu Ward, Zingya Chan Ward, and Alangyaung Ward. According to local residents, many families who have lived in these areas for 40-50 years are now being classified as squatters and forced to evacuate. Sources indicate that this is only the first phase of evacuations, with more homes potentially targeted for demolition as excavation work continues. Military surveyors are already conducting land measurements in the affected areas.
A local business owner from Bago has analyzed this forced eviction as retaliation against Bago residents’ active participation in anti-military dictatorship movements. This perspective is particularly relevant in light of the April 9, 2021 incident, when Infantry Division 77 led a violent crackdown on protest camps throughout Bago city, resulting in the deaths of more than 80 civilians and youth. The business owner questioned the military’s priorities, noting the contrast between preserving historical structures and maintaining current civilian housing needs. The demolition orders have created significant concern among residents, who face becoming homeless after decades of established residence in these areas.
