Some 500 Myanmar people have protested against Letpadaung copper mine, in which China has a stake, demanding its quick closure, police have confirmed.
The protesters, including dozens of Buddhist monks, shouted slogans Saturday near the Chinese consulate in the central city of Mandalay.
The protest was held six days after a woman demonstrating against the controversial mine was shot dead.
Last Monday, December 22, police shot protesters demanding the mine company stop building a fence in territory controversial for local farmers. Meanwhile, 50-year-old Khin Win was fatally shot.
The mine, which is run by Chinese firm Wanbao as part of a joint venture with a major local military conglomerate, has been a flashpoint causing strong opposition and complaints from local villagers due to environmental damage and land seizure.
Thein Aung Myint, a protest organizer from Movement for Democracy Current Force (MDCF), said, "We want the truth of what happened in Letpadaung as Khin Win was killed. We want the authorities to take appropriate action."
Small protests against Wanbao have been held in Yangon and Mandalay almost daily. "We are not against China. We are neighbors. But we are worried that relations between China and Myanmar may be damaged," Myint added.
While China's Foreign Ministry expressed its regret on Wednesday, Wanbao has recognized the woman's "senseless death" as "painful and poignant".
In November 2012, police attacked the protesters using phosphorus, which caused burns in many people, including monks.
The event ignited fury in the Buddhist-majority country.
In July 2013, in an attempt to alleviate the problem of land disputes and battles for nation's rich mineral resources, Myanmar said it would give the nation a share of the profits and revised the terms of the mine deal with Wanbao.
MIS/NN
http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/500-protesters-demand-closure-of-copper-mine-in-myanmar/
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