Chin Families In Kalay Forced To Relocate Due To Airport Extension

22 May 2010: A new plan made by the military authorities to extend Kalay Myo Airport in Sagaing Division will require a total of 115 Chin families to move to a new place, according to Tongsan News.

The news came as a shock to the Chin families in Pinlong-7 after the meeting held by the authorities with some locals made the ‘unexpected’ announcement last Wednesday.

It is claimed that the Chin families will have to find their own means for relocation, predicted to be somewhere near Taungphilla Cemetery early next month. About 600 people of 115 Chin families are said to be facing a hard time as to how they will handle the ‘unanticipated’ situation.

“It is not sure but very unlikely that they will get some kind of financial help or compensation from the government,” an unnamed local told Chinland Guardian.

The Kalay airport was revamped in 2004 where locals were forced to cut grass everyday. A person who did not cut grass had to pay between Kyat 200 to 300 as penalty, according to Khonumthung News.

Cung Luai and Van Biak Thang
Chinland Guardian