Myanmar defended dispersal of protesters by force at a copper mine in northwestern region of Sagaing before dawn on Thursday.

The action had to be taken for the rule of law to protect the interest of the state and the public in line with democratic practice, according to a press release of the government Information Committee.

It said the copper mining project, a joint venture between Myanmar and China, has been carried out since the previous government to exploit natural resources with least impact on environment.

The project was aimed at economic worthwhileness, creating job opportunities and obtaining technical transfer with systematic environment conservation.

However, turning a blind eye to the good aim, some people instigate and organize protest to disrupt the project, the statement said.

Myanmar Home Ministry issued an ultimatum, ordering the protesters to break away before the 12 p.m. Tuesday deadline to make way for an independent probe into the project or they will face legal action.

However, the demonstrators ignored the warning, forcing the riot police to disperse them by firing water cannon and tear gas, with the injured being hospitalized for treatment.

The project have been halted since Nov. 18 when protesters set up six camps at the project site in defiance of curfew order.

The Monywa-Latpadantaung copper mining project was undertaken by Myanmar Economic Holding Ltd, China's Wanbao Mining Ltd and Yang Tze Copper Ltd after the approval by the Ministry of Mines in March 2010, with a 60-year access to land granted in September 2012.

For the past few days, demonstrations against the continued implementation of the project have escalated, with protesters demanding the project be terminated for the sake of environment and compensation.

The intermittent demonstrations have disrupted the project and caused big losses since the project started in February this year, Defense Minister Lieutenant General Wai Lwin told the parliament session, warning that it would be a deterrent to the influx of foreign direct investment if contracts with foreign companies were not followed.

Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi also warned that unilateral break-off of ongoing joint projects would risk loss of international trust.

Suu Kyi, who is chairperson of the Lower House's Committee for Rule of Law and Tranquility, arrived at the copper mine Thursday to meet both sides to seek settlement to the issue. Endi

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