Anti-junta group moves to sell land on ancient Tanintharyi historic site

An anti-junta group is moving to sell land in the historic Thargaya City of Myanmar’s Tanintharyi Region, raising questions about control and development in the conflict-hit area, according to local sources. Last week, the Ba Htoo Army, a resistance group active in Tanintharyi Region, and local businesspeople used heavy machinery to level and fill land near Myohaung Village in Launglon Township. The site, located near the ancient city walls, is reportedly being prepared for sale. The project has drawn criticism from locals and Dawei pro-democracy officials as the area is an important historic site. Thargaya, an ancient city with a history spanning thousands of years, is fortified by three layers of walls. The official from the Dawei District Democracy Movement Strike Committee, a grassroots organisation based in Dawei, told Myanmar Now that at least 50 acres in the area are being leveled to create land plots. However, it’s unclear if any of the land has been sold. "These are businesspeople, not big companies,” an official from the Dawei strike committee told Myanmar Now. “Landowners and the others are working together to fill land and create new plots. And the Ba Htoo Army gave permission for this.” A committee member noted that local individuals, not large companies, are behind the development, but Myanmar Now has yet to verify details of the alleged sales. According to the Department of Archaeology and National Museum, the walls stretch about one mile east to west and half a mile north to south. The inner city covers approximately 130 acres, while the outer city extends across 260 acres. In March last year, similar demolition work was carried out near the city, according to an official from the Dawei District Democracy Movement Strike Committee.In a recent statement by the committee, land development is being carried out under the authority of the Ba Htoo Army. The statement expressed opposition to the destruction of the ancient cultural zone, noting that severe action would be taken if there is non-compliance.The Ba Htoo Army operates independently, and is not an armed group under the Ministry of Defense of the National Unity Government (NUG). On February 16, the Tanintharyi Military Command, of the NUG, warned against the use of heavy machinery used near the ancient site.Myanmar Now has made attempts to reach the Ba Htoo Army regarding the project, but the anti-junta group has not responded to comment requests.

Anti-junta group moves to sell land on ancient Tanintharyi historic site

The project, led by a resistance group, is raising concerns over cultural destruction

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