Residents in Nyaungpinkwin village, Tanintharyi Township, said they have not received any compensation after the military junta forcibly seized land to construct a helipad, according to local revolutionary forces speaking to IMNA.
The helipad is being built near Infantry Battalion No. 561 based in Nyaungpinkwin village. The project covers more than 10 acres of land, measuring about 150 feet wide and 3,000 feet long, and is reportedly being led by the battalion.
A revolutionary force member active in the area said houses and plantations located inside the project area were cleared by machinery on April 28 without any prior notice or negotiations with residents.
“They cleared the rubber plantations near the military base. Houses were also ordered to move. They even blocked a public road used by local people. The helipad site is very close to their base. The plantations they seized had already been abandoned because local residents could no longer work there due to landmines. Nobody dared to enter the area. Now they have taken the land without any negotiations, and residents have not received a single kyat in compensation,” the revolutionary force member said.
Residents whose homes and plantations were removed have not received replacement land or any form of compensation from the military junta battalion.
Another revolutionary force member said the helipad is likely intended to improve military logistics and strengthen military operations in the area.
“The military can no longer transport reinforcements and supplies easily by road. That is why they may use helicopters for transportation. Before construction began, military vehicles arrived from the Myeik side, and reinforcements were deployed. Security has also been tightened along the roads. Revolutionary forces have continuously attacked the construction site with drones and RPGs. Clashes are also happening regularly,” he said.
The military junta’s Infantry Battalion No. 561, based in Nyaungpinkwin village, had previously upgraded its military base using excavators and heavy machinery.
On May 3 alone, three clashes reportedly broke out near the 5-Mile, 6-Mile and Banlaw areas, during which Infantry Battalion No. 561 fired mortar shells.
Fighting continues daily across Tanintharyi Township, and revolutionary forces have warned civilians not to travel near active conflict areas and surrounding locations.
