AS the electricity sector plays a vital role in a country’s economic development, improving living standards, and ensuring socio-economic stability, the government has been prioritizing the development of the power sector. However, the PDF terrorists, together with some ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), have been carrying out attacks on electricity infrastructure and other development projects through various means.
At 7:30 pm on 19 July, the PDF terrorists detonated explosives at Tower No 338 of the 132-kV main transmission line near Paunglaung Lake Village in Pakokku Township, damaging the tower and causing power outages on transmission lines supplying electricity to Pakokku, Yezagyo, Myaing and Kanma towns.
The destruction of the transmission tower also affected the stability of the 132-kV power grid in Magway Region, resulting in voltage drops and occasional power interruptions in other towns and villages across the region.
Security force members, together with officials and staff from the Township Electrical Engineer’s Office, arrived at the damaged Tower No 338 to carry out emergency repair work. While electricity workers have been striving to restore power as quickly as possible, terrorists have allegedly obstructed repair operations and planted landmines along access routes, resulting in the deaths, injuries and permanent disabilities of some personnel, thereby causing the loss of valuable human resources.
PDF terrorists exploited the country’s political developments under the pretext of protecting regional interests and public security while carrying out activities against the government. They also threatened and extorted peaceful civilians, collected illegal taxes and committed arbitrary arrests and killings.
Residents strongly condemn the destruction of electricity transmission infrastructure, which is essential for socio-economic development, and that security forces, in cooperation with the public, are intensifying security measures to arrest them. — MNA/KTZH
