Exclusive interview with Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun over Thabyu mining site
Q: There are some news reports that the Tatmadaw fighter jets launched airstrikes at Thabyu mine in Payathonzu.
Some media outlets accused that the mine was being operated under the permission of the government and said that some people including foreigners were killed during the airstrikes.
We would like to know the actual situation of the incident.
A: First of all, I would like to point out that there are no mining and exploration activities at Thabyu mining site in Payathonzu approved by the government.
In the past, there were mining activities and some mines at the site before 2016.
The mines were operated by Thabyu Mining Company Limited and other companies. Their mining contracts expired on 11 December 2016. So, they applied for renewals of their contracts.
The government declared the contracts null and void and sent replies to the companies accordingly.
The government informed Thabyu Mining Company Limited of the closure of the mines repeatedly. Evidence shows that the government informed the company of it on 18 September, 2019. The government informed the company of the closures of the mine on 11 August, 2020. Since then, mining operations have continued with the permission of KNU Brigade (6). I have seen some media reports, which wrongly accused that the mines were being operated with the official approval of authorities. Those who were involved in the mining activities will know the best.
They were carrying out illegal mining activities there after negotiations with KNU Brigade (6), which is active in the area.
We have already learnt what was happening there. In upper areas of the mines along Kanelay Mawkhee road, the KNDO once abducted 47 civilians who were repairing the road including ten women and children. Later, 25 bodies whose hands were tied at their backs were found. On 20 September, KNU Brigade (6) and PDF terrorists attacked a security outpost in Kyait Village. In the area, incidents similar to what happened to Ukarita Outpost took place there in the past. Sabotage acts were carried out around Payathonzu area and fighting broke out along Payathonzu route. Illegal mining activities are being carried out under the instructions of the KNU Brigade (6) there. In photographs posted by some media, soldiers in guerilla uniforms could be seen clearly and it can be assumed that they were from KNU Brigade (6). It was just an accusation made by their side.
We just took security measures against illegal activities and sabotage acts. We have seen some reports that there were some foreigners among the dead but we cannot verify them.
Even if there were foreigners among the dead, they were staying there and carrying out illegal activities. I would like to point out that they would not have been there if KNU Brigade (6), which is active in the area, had not known who they were and who brought them there.