Shops at Mrauk-U’s ancient palace mounds ordered to move

By DMG 21 Apr 2022

DMG Newsroom
21 April 2022, Mrauk-U 

The Mrauk-U branch of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum has ordered the removal of shops near Nandawyar Gon, also known as the mound of ancient palace remains, in the Mrauk-U archaeological zone.

The eviction notice, dated April 18 and issued by the department, requires shops to vacate the mound by April 20. The status of the shops was not clear as of press time.

U Kyi Khin, director of the Mrauk-U branch of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum, said any unapproved structures within the boundaries of the Mrauk-U heritage zone would be removed in the next five months. That timetable is tied to an expected visit from experts who are due to conduct field surveys related to Mrauk-U’s bid for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

“Those shops and squats obstruct the view [of heritage buildings]. So, we have asked the squatters near the Nawdawyar Gon to move,” said U Kyi Khin. “If they don’t move, authorities will have to forcibly remove them. All the squats on the mound will be removed and public buildings including the old hospital and the school will also be removed.”

There are reportedly more than 30 shops, including eateries and tea shops, on the three-tiered mound. Shopkeepers say the eviction orders came at short notice, and that they need more time to clear out.

“It is not convenient for us to move away immediately. What’s more, we can’t afford to relocate. We are selling things here because we can’t afford to rent a space. We will have difficulties if we are to move away,” said eatery owner Daw Oo Mya Than.

U Kyi Khin said the department has no plans to compensate or arrange alternative placement for shopkeepers at the mound.

Government offices including the office of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum, as well as a school and a hospital located near the mound, will be removed phase by phase, said U Kyi Khin.

UNESCO experts will conduct field surveys of Mrauk-U in September and October, according to the department, and the World Heritage Committee will make a final decision on Mrauk-U’s bid for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in mid-2023.

From the 15th century to the late 1800s, Mrauk-U was the seat of Arakanese kings, who at the height of their power controlled an area covering large parts of eastern Bengal, modern-day Arakan State and the western part of lower Myanmar. Some ancient temples were damaged in fighting between Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army (AA) in 2019 and 2020.