Myanmar's national census disrupted in 2 states by Kachin ethnic armed group: report

Source:Xinhua Published: 2014-4-1 10:19:25

Myanmar's national census, which began over the weekend, has been disrupted by Kachin ethnic armed group -- Kachin Independence Army (KIA), state media reported Tuesday, quoting the Immigration and National Registration Department.

"The process cannot be carried out in some regions of Kachin state and Shan state (North) due to threat and ban of KIA troops," the department said.

These areas included Lwejei's Pangkham village, six village- tracts of Manweingyi and seven Inbapa village-tracts of Mansi and Mangpun in Kachin state, while those in Shan state-north are Kyaukme's Mangton and Mankyawt, and seven villages in Momeik and Monglon, according to the report.

KIA's disruption of the national census came in the midst of government's peace process.

Myanmar's national census, the first in three decades, started on Sunday to collect data for current population, economic and social facts and figures, aimed at working out national development plan.

The 12-day National Population and Housing Census taking will last until April 10.

The rough report on results of the national census will be released in early 2015, sources said.

Myanmar used to take census once a decade after it regained independence in 1948. The last two census were in 1973 and 1983 which registered Myanmar's population as 28.92 million and over 35 million.

After 1983, the once-a-decade nationwide census could not be taken for various reasons including the widespread conflict and inaccessibility in some areas.

Myanmar's announced a population of 60.98 million in October 2012.

Posted in: Asia-Pacific

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