Shwetwin Villagers are fearful for their safety as illegal gold mining have been seen along roads as well as within the proximity of the village itself.
Illegal gold mining was previously carried out nearby ShweTwin village, located in Homalin Towship, but now has extended into the village. The use of explosives, mining equipment, dug up soil and debris may also damage the village’s houses, schools and roads.
“Previously, illegal gold mining only took place nearby the village. Later, houses in the village were removed in order for the gold mines to be extended. Those houses that have been removed were actually bought out from families for twice the going amount. Some of them even deconstructed their houses on their own accord to join up with the mining. Because of s illegal such and unsystematic digging, some locals feared that the rest of the families in the village may get affected. Some have been seen digging near No-2 strategic road connecting Sagaing Region and Kachin State, a road which villagers rely mainly to travel. The gold mining is now just 3 feet away from the No-2 strategic road. People passing on the road, whether via cars or motorcycles, may accidentally fall in the holes dotted along the road. It is very dangerous now. Many villagers have complained off illegal gold mining activities invading into the village’s territory but nothing have been done so far. Some of the illegal digging are taking place very closely to clinics donated by the NLD as well as the primary school building. When it is season for the schools to open, children may fall in these big holes. In the rainy season, these holes get filled with water and parents are in fear of their children falling down and being drowned in those holes,” said a Shwetwin villager.
“Complaints were made to respective government departments but no actions have been taken. We couldn’t prevent their activities on our own so we submitted letters to Township, District and Regional governments. When they came down for inspection, all these illegal gold diggers have to do is to be informed in advance and hide their equipment. After the inspection team is gone, they go right back to business usual. Another complaint was made in regards to that but and the same thing happened. Nothing was done”, continued that villager.
Shwetwin village is situated at the border of Homalin Township and Kachin State. There are 240 households living there. In places where gold can be found in Sagaing Region, many locals earn their income illegally by digging for gold.
Authorities are in the position to find out who or which organization are excavating houses and land in order to make way for their gold digging efforts before a field inspection was carried out. The government had stated by law that action will be taken if people were found to be processing equipment used or are proven to be partaking in illegal gold digs.
