Myanmar protesters defy orders to end copper mine rally
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Protesters hold banners as they protest against Latpadaung copper mining plan in Yangon on Nov 26, 2012. Hundreds of Buddhist monks and villagers occupying a copper mine in northwestern Myanmar defied a government order to leave by Wednesday, saying they will stay until the project is halted. -- PHOTO: AFP
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Protesters hold banners as they protest against Latpadaung copper mining plan in Yangon on Nov 26, 2012. -- PHOTO: AFP
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Protesters hold placards as they stage a rally outside the city hall in Yangon, Myanmar, against a copper mining project in central Myanmar on Monday, Nov 26, 2012. -- PHOTO: AP
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Protesters hold placards as they stage a rally outside the city hall in Yangon, Myanmar, against a copper mining project in central Myanmar on Monday, Nov 26, 2012. -- PHOTO: AP
Protesters hold banners as they protest against Latpadaung copper mining plan in Yangon on Nov 26, 2012. Hundreds of Buddhist monks and villagers occupying a copper mine in northwestern Myanmar defied a government order to leave by Wednesday, saying they will stay until the project is halted. -- PHOTO: AFP
Protesters hold banners as they protest against Latpadaung copper mining plan in Yangon on Nov 26, 2012. -- PHOTO: AFP
Protesters hold placards as they stage a rally outside the city hall in Yangon, Myanmar, against a copper mining project in central Myanmar on Monday, Nov 26, 2012. -- PHOTO: AP
Protesters hold placards as they stage a rally outside the city hall in Yangon, Myanmar, against a copper mining project in central Myanmar on Monday, Nov 26, 2012. -- PHOTO: AP
MONYWA, Myanmar (AP) - Hundreds of Buddhist monks and villagers occupying a copper mine in northwestern Myanmar defied a government order to leave by Wednesday, saying they will stay until the project is halted.
The protesters, who have set up six camps at the site, say the Letpadaung mine near the town of Monywa is causing environmental, social and health problems. The protest is the latest example of increased activism by citizens since an elected government took over last year following almost five decades of repressive military rule.
State television broadcast an announcement on Tuesday night that ordered protesters to cease their occupation of the mine by midnight or face legal action. The mine is a joint venture between a Chinese firm and a company controlled by Myanmar's military.
"We strongly condemn last night's order from the Home Ministry," said Thwe Thwe Win, one of the protest leaders. "We will not stop our protest until our demands are met."
