Myanmar military sets fire to mining equipment in Hpakant, forcing residents to flee

Mizzima

Troops from Myanmar’s junta reportedly torched mining equipment near Hmawsizar village in Kachin State’s Hpakant Township on the morning of 3 June, prompting fears and displacement among local residents.

According to local sources, a backhoe, two earthmoving trucks, and a guardhouse at the 111 Mining Site were set ablaze around 8 am. The equipment had been brought to the site by junta forces the previous evening. Witnesses said the same soldiers then moved toward nearby Aung Ya village by 11:30 am and allegedly ignited another fire there.

“Every day, the regime troops are extorting money from company sites and setting fire to machinery. Some civilians are fleeing from areas where the military is stationed, while others are staying and monitoring the situation,” said one Hpakant resident.