Pajau Media
22nd January, 2025
KIA Brigade (1) has called upon local residents who oppose a gold mining initiative located at the source of the Lungsha Creek in the Lungsha Yang Group of Putao Township. Reports indicate that 46 local residents are en route to the headquarters of Brigade (1) in response to this summons.
“The situation has reached a critical point. Numerous entrepreneurs are operating large machinery in the area. Local residents, including village elders, representatives of various religions, and committee members, have raised significant objections to this. All individuals who submitted objections have been called to the KIA Brigade (1) Headquarters. During their last meeting, they were advised against voicing objections. Consequently, we have submitted a formal letter to the KIA Brigade (1) Headquarters. Despite facing numerous challenges, a total of 46 individuals have gathered to engage in discussions,” as stated by a representative from the Lungsha Yang Group.
Last year, community members, village elders, religious leaders, and representatives of the Lungsha Creek Protection Committee collectively signed a letter of protest, which was subsequently submitted to the KIA (1) Brigade Headquarters as the gold mining project began to advance once more.
On January 17, a notification was issued by Brigade (1) indicating that all individuals who had participated in the protest were required to report to the headquarters. Consequently, a total of 46 local residents attended the headquarters.
The local stated, "I am uncertain about the response from the KIA Brigade (1) headquarters. It appears that certain senior members of the KIA Brigade (1) may be participating in the gold mining initiative. They are exerting pressure on us to refrain from opposing the activities being conducted for the War Fund."
At present, 46 community members are convening at the KIA 1st Brigade headquarters to deliberate on strategies to halt the gold mining project; however, the specific resolution that will be achieved remains uncertain.
Local residents have been resisting this initiative for more than two years and are prepared to take all necessary measures to prevent it. Lungsha Creek is regarded by the community as a vital resource and holds significant importance in their lives.
“It is imperative that we take a stand against this, as over 5,000 individuals from the Lungsha Yang community rely on the Lungsha Creek for agriculture, potable water, and energy. Therefore, we are committed to its preservation. Our protest is driven by the concern that gold mining will lead to the depletion of the stream,” as said by another resident.
Lungsha Yang village group is a community comprising more than 5,000 residents, distributed across over 800 households, situated along the Myitkyina-Putao road.
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