Fifty-two Kachin-based CSOs and 14 political and social organizations separately sent open letters to Chinese President Xi Jinping who is on a two-day visit in Myanmar, calling for the total shutdown of suspended controversial Myitsone Dam project. 

Naung Khaing Tu Aung, the spokespersons of the 52 CSOs said: “The CSOs sent open letters to the Chinese President via Chinese Embassy in Myanmar on January 17. The CSO calls for the complete shutdown of the dam project as the lack of transparency in the contract signing and sufficient surveys cause a loss to locals. 

“Myitsone is the river of the whole country. As it is an invaluable one for the country, the implementation of project should not be allowed,” Naung Khaing Tu Aung added.

The open letter covers the facts that should be followed by the Chinese companies in implementing the investment projects and doing the businesses. 

A total of 14 political and social organizations including the Former Political Prisoners Society (FPPS), Yangon Watch, Farmer Rights Network and Human Rights Protection and Promotion Group, also sent an open letter covering five points to the Chinese President. 

Tin Maung Oo, a member of the FPPS said: “ Myitsone is the lifeblood of Myanmar. Giving the nod for the project would enable China to control the flow of Ayeyawady River. I feel it is a matter of sovereignty. We oppose this project as it has more advantages like heavy debt burden, hatred between the government and the public and the possible damages and collapse of dam to be caused by an earthquake, than advantages. 

The open letter includes the fact that they welcome China’s BRI project covering more than 60 countries, in principle. They worry that Myitsone hydropower project may include in the above-mentioned project which faces opposition from the majority of people in Myanmar. 

The 14 political and social organizations urge the Chinese President to seek the best solution to the problems 

The open letter said Myanmar people may have negative views on China due to trafficking of young girls from Myanmar to China, tissue-cultured banana plantations, illegal timber logging and mining and unethical acts of some Chinese businesspersons. The 14 political and social organizations have urged the Chinese President to seek the best solution to the problems as they worry that the actual profit-making projects do not achieve successes when they are implemented. 

The open letter was sent to the Chinese Ambassador via the post office as the Chinese embassy did not accept it on January 17.