Damming at gunpoint(English Version)

Rationale
Introduction
This report examines the tactics used by the Burmese military to take control
of the northern Karen State border, and the sites where the Thai government
and the Burmese military regime are planning to build dams on the Salween
River, and aims to highlight the atrocities committed by the regime’s troops
in this area.
It also aims to show how the regime is using the pretext of “development”
to justify its subjugation and militarization of the ethnic-controlled areas, in
order to delude the public both at home and abroad, and mask the root
causes of the civil war in Burma.
Ever since it took power, the regime has been using various strategies to
gain control of the ethnic areas, and neutralize the ethnic armed groups
operating there. This has included not only the use of direct military force,
but also the strategy of making ceasefire agreements with some ethnic armies.
Under these agreements, the regime allows the armies limited opportunities
to conduct business, thereby distracting them from their political struggle.
At the same time, the regime utilizes ceasefire agreements to proceed with
mega development projects from which it can reap direct benefits. For
example, the regime reached a ceasefire agreement with the New Mon State
Party (NMSP) and at the same time managed to demobilise some of the
KNU units in the area to pave the way for the Yadana Gas Pipeline Project in
1995.
This report aims to expose the strategies used by the regime and their
links to development in the Papun District area.
Methodology
The research incorporated a study of relevant literature and fieldwork.
Literature reviewed included “The Tragedy of Two Lands” 1 on the Salween
1
Southeast Asia Rivers Network (SEARIN), 2003, Tragedy of Two Lands
3