Kachins in New Delhi protest Irrawaddy dam construction in Burma

Kachin residents and activists of the Burmese community in New Delhi, India today staged a protest at Juntar Mantar Park yet again against the construction of dams around the Irrawaddy River in Kachin State by a Chinese company.

Kachins and activists of the Burmese community in New Delhi, India protested at Juntar Mantar Park against the construction of Irrawaddy Myitsone dam in Northern Burma. Photo: Kachin News Group.

Marking the International Day of Action for Rivers on March 14, Burmese people in exile wanted China to listen to wishes of the people and stop the construction of the hydro power projects, which will destroy the ecology and the environment of Kachin State and threaten the lives of thousands of people.

The China Power Investment Corporation (CPI) is handling the construction with finance, technical knowhow and skilled work force from mainland China.

Min Thang, in charge of Zomi National Congress (ZNC-LA) liberated Area said at the protest rally that the “Military rulers are getting money from these projects to strengthen the army to oppress people.”

“All people from Burma should rally against it and must be made aware how the dams are going to affect people dependant on agriculture,” said Min Htang.

The 6000 MW hydropower project in Kachin State will provide electricity to China and the junta will benefit from it.

The 50-storey high Irrawaddy Myitsone dam project will displace at least 15,000 local residents near the project and millions of people will be facing disastrous floods if the dam collapses. The dam is 100 kilometers from the Sagaing fault line.

Overseas Kachins have sent a petition letter to halt the Myitsone dam construction to Prime Minister Wen Jiabao of the People’s Republic of China through its embassy in every country, where they are living. However there is no action or response from China, said the activist.

Since January last week all petition letters from Kachins around the world are being sent to the Chinese Embassies. Apart from Singapore Embassy no office has replied.

“Today we stand along with the affected people of Kachin State who have bravely voiced their concerns about this dam,” said the statement released by the Kachin community in Delhi.

“We hope that China will listen to the affected people’s voices and respond to our appeals,” said the statement.

Nearly 40 activists and refugees based in New Delhi were involved in the protest.

Source :http://kachinnews.com/News/Kachins-in-New-Delhi-protest-Irrawaddy-dam-construction-in-Burma.html