More than 30 households in Kalaw Township, southern Shan State, have been ordered to vacate their land after local authorities claimed it was “former military land,” sparking resistance from long-term residents.

On September 14, township officials, accompanied by the police chief, informed residents that 36 plots of land—10 fenced plots and 26 with buildings—were classified as state-managed land. Locals were told to demolish their homes by the end of September or face forced eviction with bulldozers.

“The Shan State government has already made a decision. If you don’t comply, legal action will be taken. The constitution states that air, land, and water belong to the state,” the police chief told residents during the meeting.

Authorities said the government would provide each displaced household with a replacement 60×40-foot plot in a newly planned area.

However, residents reject the accusation of “squatting,” saying they have lived on the land for more than 50 years, paid municipal and land taxes, and hold documents showing exemptions from forestry laws.

“They are trying to evict us unjustly. We have been here since our parents’ time and have all the tax records. Now they want us to sign documents, but nobody will sign,” a Kalaw resident told SHAN.

A real estate agent in Kalaw noted that because the land is close to a military command, authorities are “doing whatever they want,” and warned that residents might not receive the compensation being promised.

Many locals suspect the eviction is linked to lucrative development projects rather than state land management.

Kalaw, known for its lush pine forests and cool climate, has become a sought-after destination for real estate investors. Since the 2021 military coup, residents report at least 30 new housing projects have emerged in and around the town, heightening suspicions that the evictions are tied to commercial interests.