Construction of a concrete payment inside Mrauk-U palace stopped after public protest

Narinjara News, 8 February 2023

Construction of a concrete pavement inside an ancient Rakhine palace of Mrauk U township in  Arakan State was stopped after the local residents raised strong objections.

A resident, while talking to Narinjara News, stated that the locals were not happy with the construction in the archeology site of the ancient city.

"It is assumed as a disturbing act to construct a stone-paved road in the ancient palace, when the Mrauk U cultural area has been lobbied for the recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site,” he added.

U U Hla Saw, a veteran Rakhine politician and former member of the People's Hluttaw, has written in social media terming the construction activities in the palace as an act of vandalism.
Mrauk-U cultural heritage area conservation organization chairman Daw Khin Than also opposed the construction. She had negotiated with the concerned archeology department officials to abandon the activities.

“We personally visited the construction site and witnessed that a stone paving way was readied under a development project. As the lane inside the palace is historically important, we raised voices against it. Understanding its importance, the concerned department has abandoned the work and decided to reorganise the place,” she added.
The construction work began in early January by the Mrauk-U archaeological department with an aim to beautify the ancient palace.
In addition to the path, some street lamp-posts and benches were placed along with decorative trees in the area.  A Mrauk-U local argues that any ancient site should be conserved. Building a concrete path inside the ancient cultural heritage is not acceptable to the Rakhine people as it’s like destroying the ancient site. But scientific maintenance becomes necessary, he added.
Narinjara News contacted U Kyi Khin, director of Mrauk-U archaeological department, through telephone, but no response was found.
Another resident expressed happiness that the construction activities have been finally stopped.
Earlier in December last year, many street lamp-posts were erected in the historic Htukkant Thein temple of Mrauk-U township, which werealso removed after public protests.
Founded by Arakanese  King Min Saw Mon in 1430 AD, Mrauk-U existed for 354 years and it is recognised as one of the longest surviving ancient cities in Asia.
In 1784, the troops belonging to Bama King Bo Taw Phaya attacked the place and vandalised Mrauk-U palace. Moreover, historical records prove that soil was dug from the surrounding mountains to bury with earth the burnt down palace.