November 19, 2022
In Mayangone Township, Yangon Region, the military has reportedly destroyed over 100 homes along Kyanthar Zayyon Road using bulldozers and heavy machinery, leaving residents without shelter. This action took place in the morning and involved the arrest of some civilians who were photographing the destruction or attempting to retrieve belongings from their homes.
A local resident described the situation, saying, “This morning, soldiers and police armed with guns used bulldozers to demolish houses. Everything was destroyed without exception. People trying to salvage their belongings were arrested. Two young women and a photographer were beaten and taken away by soldiers in combat boots. Those who were not directly affected by the destruction were also arrested. It’s truly catastrophic.”
It has been reported that between 50 to 100 homes were demolished, with warnings issued against any reconstruction in the affected areas. In the afternoon, some residents whose homes were destroyed were seen searching for their belongings amid the debris.
A resident expressed their despair, stating, “As of tonight, people in the neighborhood are without homes. Many have lived there for years, some even decades, and now they are left without shelter. These were homes they bought with their own money. Now, everything is in chaos. There are also concerns about health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes among residents. Moreover, the military continues to threaten more demolitions. Those whose homes were destroyed are in dire straits, and rent prices are skyrocketing. We are now living in a lawless country.”
