Crackdown on copper mine protest in Myanmar injures dozens hours before Suu Kyi visit
MONYWA, Myanmar - Security forces used water cannons and other methods to crack down on protesters occupying a copper mine in Myanmar hours before opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi was expected to visit there to hear the grievances.
Unexplained fires engulfed protest camps after the Thursday morning raid at the Letpadaung mine in northwestern Myanmar. Several protesters said dozens of Buddhist monks and villagers were injured.
The government had ordered protesters to evacuate the mine by Wednesday or face legal action. The protesters want the project halted because they say it is causing environmental, social and health problems.
Suu Kyi is scheduled to visit the mine around midday Thursday to hear the protesters' concerns.
