Royal City? Naypyidaw uncovered
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As capital cities go, Naypyidaw is possibly the youngest and least known of any in the world. Just three years old, it was built to serve as the seat of Myanmar’s military government - a jungle retreat away from the prying eyes of the outside world, and safe from seaborne attack. Irradwaddy.org’s Min Khet Maung took a peek inside this mysterious new world city to try to find the heart of the new city.
Broad avenues lined by imposing public buildings criss-cross an undulating landscape where bamboo forests and sugar cane plantations once stood. At night street lamps light the city streets, until an 11pm curfew empties them of people.
By day, at least half a dozen large markets draw crowds of shoppers, Min reported, while off-duty military officers play rounds of golf on one of the courses that have sprung up around the new capital, along with other leisure attractions such as a zoo. Min reports however that most residents aren’t impressed by the nation’s new capital.
“This place may be Naypyidaw for them (the ruling generals), but it’s ‘lock-up land’ for us,” one local resident was reported as saying, looking around to make sure he wasn’t overheard. People have reportedly been arrested and jailed for cracking jokes about the “Royal City”- the English meaning of Naypyidaw.
Mobile phone service is reportedly unavailable in Naypyidaw for ‘security reasons’, while the Internet is heavily monitored. Security officers are reportedly instructed to keep a close eye on the movements of visitors and journalists.
Naypyidaw has grown rapidly to an estimated population of 1 million, however Min reports that the boom has not been economic. Many who moved to Naypyidaw in the expectation of making a good living are now struggling to keep above water. Businesses reportedly rely on wealthy government officials for trade.
“The name ‘Naypyidaw’ leaves a bitter taste in my mouth,” Min reported one woman as saying.
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