Junta builds weapons factory in central Burma

By Zarni

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - Burma's ruling military junta has completed construction of nearly half of a new factory that will produce military weapons and tanks, sources said.

The source, close to the construction company, said the new weapons factory was being built in central Burma's Magwe division in Seatottaryar Township, by the 'Chan Aye' construction company.

"The construction has been going on for about two years, and about half of the factory has been completed so far. As far as I know, the factory will produce weapons as well as tanks," the source, who declined to be named for fear of reprisal, told Mizzima.

The Chan Aye Construction Company is a joint venture between several ex-military servicemen and is engaged in various military constructions.

Reportedly, local residents near the area of the factory construction said several acres of their farm lands, had been seized by the government, without providing any compensation.

"I had about 20 acres of land in the area and cultivated beans and other vegetables on it. But, the authorities destroyed my crops with a bulldozer and cleared my land for construction," a local resident told Mizzima.