MANDALAY- Five have been arrested with many more injured after police forces broke up the a protest against a coal-powered cement factory in Patheingyi Township, Mandalay Region yesterday morning.

Police fired warning shots to disperse the villagers that were blocking company cars from going to coal-fire powered cement factory project in Patheingyi Township, Mandalay Region since May 14.

A force of over 100 policemen took to the scenes, while sources claimed many villagers had sustained wounds from rubber bullets shot by the police.

The police also utilized teargas during the crackdown on the villagers which allegedly prompted the villagers to enter the cement factory compound and set fire to the construction site.

The police , full equipped for riot control, issued warnings but the locals called on the police to withdraw court cases of farmers who were being charged unfairly and to release them, to cancel the coal-powered cement factory project, not to trespass on their farmland land and not to pass the vehicles over the village roads.

A freelance reporter that had broadcasted live the crackdown on social media have also been arrested.

“Over 100 police members participated in the crackdown. They threw teargas yesterday morning around 5am as well as fired shots to the villagers. That’s why many villagers had wounds and some were arrested. Later, locals entered to the company compound and set fire to the construction site. We would like to call on the government to suspend the factory project,” said one of the locals.

“The company created the conflict. The locals faced many impacts. Although we frequently reported about the project to the authorities, it always failed. Only us locals were charged and sentenced to prison. It is not fair to us. Many locals have been detained and we cannot stand up to their charges. We would like to call on the authorities to withdraw the charges against the farmers, to release the detained farmers and to cancel the cement factory project,” said farmer Shwe Ohn.

“Police shot at us around 5am of May 15th. Many police members involved in the crackdown on the villagers. I was shot,” said local Yan Myo.

Sources said that some buildings in the company compound, two cars and three motorbikes were set ablaze while some machinery were also damaged as a result.

Protestors refused to allow fire engines in to battle the fire, thus plans were supposedly initiated to disperse the people forcefully.

However, police and township administrative department negotiated with the locals to let the firefighters in the factory compound.

The situation is now stable but around 200 police members are now taking security measures in the cement factory compound site as well as near the Aung Thabyay village where the riot started. 

"We are not protecting Chinese citizens only. Whether  a person is Chinese or Indian or American, if he commits a crime, we will take action according to law. But we have to protect those here for a project. We have to protect all including the public. We have to protect people who live in accordance with law. Those that break the law will be taken action against. I cannot confirm but I believe there are puppeteers behind this incident. We couldn't say for sure who is behind it all. In regards to the fire, all responsible will be taken action against as per the laws," said Police Brig-General Win Bo of No-3 Police Check Point area.

Myint Investment company is building a 5000 ton production-per-day cement factory using the coal power plant near Aung Thabyay village in Pathein Gyi Township. Aung Thabyay villagers had in the past demonstrated over the project and had sent complaint letters to various departments.  

The government and company are filing lawsuit against the villagers while three villagers were filed with trespassing law with Road and Bridges Law Section 22, 23. Among the three include a 70 years old woman but she was granted bail on medical reasons.

Locals charged with peaceful procession law were not pleased with the decision of the township court and protested against it. A one month prison sentence was given for those charged with Trespassing while villagers sued the company for destroying Village Signboard with Section 427.

But, the township court released the people from company, which supposedly made villagers lose their trust in the court and no longer showing up to the

Mandalay Region Chief Minister Dr. Zaw Myint Maung  said that, "Myint Company has been granted permission by the MIC. More than 500 villagers were employed by the company. But, still there is  protest. The reason behind the protest is not sufficient. It is because there are people with ulterior motives behind the protest. This is me saying very honestly. For the development of a country, we need investment. If there is investment, we can create job opportunities. And we are not permitting investment easily.  Investments must create job opportunities and must earn taxes for the country. Concerning the Myint company, MIC has already granted permit for investment. Villagers are employed. Their reason for the company paving the roads is just an excuse. The factory project had also been inspected by the regional security minister.  There are more than 5,000 signatures supporting this project while those against it do not even number 50. Do you think every protest is correct?  You are also responsible for seeking out the truth. Conduct a field trip and ask people whether the protest is right or wrong. Another thing is that when MIC has approved an investment, our government has to give protection."