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               Violent Standoff Continues at Myanmar Mine Protest

   by Aye Aye Mar

   Violence is continuing at a Chinese-run copper mine in Myanmar, also
   known as Burma, as protesters continue a standoff with security forces
   over plans to expand the mine.

   At least two people were hurt in clashes Tuesday, one day after one
   person was killed and 20 were injured in violence at the Letpadaung
   mine in the northern part of the country.

   A local resident who did not want to be named, tells VOA's Burmese
   service that protesters are continuing their campaign to stop mine
   expansion that will force villagers to be relocated.

   "[Tuesday] in the early morning, around 2,000 members of security
   forces and Wan Bao security guards attempt to fence off land for the
   mining project, and local villagers went there to stop the attempt. Two
   villagers were seriously injured in shooting that ensued," said the
   resident.

   ''Wan Bao, the Chinese company that runs the mine as part of a joint
   project, released a statement on its website Tuesday expressing
   sympathy for the woman who died in the violence Monday.

   The company also said most local residents support its plans and that
   two percent of the mine's profits will go to community development. The
   local support cited by the company cannot be independently verified.

   When reached by VOA, local security officials declined to comment on
   the situation. Reports have said 11 police are among those injured on
   Monday.

   Expansion of the Letpadaung mine has drawn frequent protests from
   locals, who say they have been unfairly compensated for the land and
   are worried about the environmental impact of the project.

   Earlier this year, two Chinese workers at the mine were briefly
   kidnapped by local activists. However, they were later released
   unharmed.

   Wan Bao runs the mine together with local companies under a deal that
   dates to the previous military government.

   This report was produced in collaboration with VOA's Burmese Service.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/violent-standoff-continues-at-myanmar
   -mine-protest/2570915.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/violent-standoff-continues-at-myanmar-mine-protest/2570915.html