Junta threatens legal action against unauthorised construction of religious buildings in Paletwa

By Admin 23 Sep 2023

DMG Newsroom
23 September 2023, Paletwa

Myanmar’s military regime has threatened legal action against unauthorised construction and expansion of religious buildings in Chin State’s Paletwa.

A notice from the township General Administration Department, issued on August 21, calls on departments to make sure there is no construction or expansion of religious buildings in wards and villages in Paletwa Township without permission.

“Ward/village-tract administrators and clerks have been instructed to report in real time if they notice unauthorised construction and expansion of religious buildings,” reads the notice.

The relevant departments have been making checks, according to locals.

The order drew mixed reactions. A Buddhist monk from Paletwa town said: “It is not a problem if the building is really a religious building. These days, there are cases in which some people use religious buildings as a cover for their wrongdoings. So, it is good to instruct.”

Previously, religious buildings could be built with approval from the administrator of the concerned ward or village, said residents.

“Now, we have to seek approval from township-level authorities,” said Ma Aye Sandar from Pyinwa Village in Paletwa Township.

Resistance group Chinland Defense Force (Paletwa) has complained about the order on social media.

DMG was unable to obtain comment from acting Paletwa Township administrator U Hsan Lin Oo.

A grocery owner from Paletwa town said: “There have been greater restrictions. We even have to seek their permission to run a grocery.”

Paletwa has been rocked by clashes between the Myanmar military and Chinland Defense Force since the coup. Food prices have continued to rise in Paletwa due to armed conflict and junta travel restrictions.