Grandchildren of Colonel Ba Htoo have denied that President Office Director General Zaw Htay said approval was sought from them to move the monument to their grandfather in Aungpan Town in Shan State.

During a press conference in Nay Pyi Taw on March 29, Zaw Htay claimed that the movement of the monument came after seeking consent of the grandchildren and town elders.

"No one came to us to seek approval. We were used as a tool in justifying the movement of the monument," said Kaythi Htoo, a granddaughter of late Col Ba Htoo, one of Myanmar's well-known military officers before independence period.

Late Col Ba Htoo has two sons. The second son, Hsan Htoo as a military corporal who died at the age of 57, has seven daughters. Kaythi Htoo is his fourth daughter.

"We can't say anything now. When Facebook news popped up, we felt sorry that our grandfather's monument was moved out. Following days, such a remark (approval sought) came and we were used," said Kaythi Htoo.

She said Aungpan dwellers had respect for her grandfather Col Ba Htoo and they used to attend his anniversaries.

The monument to Col Ba Htoo was demolished and moved out on March when the road was widened in Aungpan, southern Shan State, sparking public criticism.

The Col Ba Htoo Centenary Committee issued a statement denouncing the movement.

Some archaeologists also criticized the movement of the monument.

Archaeologist Tampawady Win Maung from Mandalay said: "They (authorities) demolished the monument just because it was not an ancient object. But being ancient and being historic are different. Our forefathers erected such a monument to convenience the people of past political situations."