To resolve disputes over confiscated lands and to streamline the process of returning them to the rightful owners, the Union government will amend two land-related laws, said Dr Aung Thu, Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation.

He added that since taking office, his ministry has been reviewing related disputes for up to two to three months, and he has received about 1000 complaint letters.

The return of confiscated lands was one of the main issues during former president U Thein Sein’s time and remains of concern to the current government, which came into power last year.

Previously, lands had been seized by government departments, private groups and some military units for various projects and the construction of buildings. But due to inaccurate land records, the farmlands of local farmers were also taken.

The first Hluttaw and U Thein Sein’s government had supported the recommendation to return the seized lands on which there were no projects or buildings to the rightful owners.

However, due to difficulties, such as incorrect land records and owners unable to present sufficient documentation of ownership, the government has had to deal with land disputes.

“The farmland laws will soon be revised at the Pyithu Hluttaw,” said Dr Aung Thu.

“Following that, the conditions of the vacant, fallow, virgin land management law will be improved,” he added.

The amended land laws will be submitted to Hluttaw, but details about the amendments were not given.

The previous government had created a commission for the return of the confiscated lands, and the current government has set up an investigative committee to handle the issue.

The farmers were granted possession of the farmlands after the land laws were established by the first Hluttaw.

Previously, the farmers only had rights to farm, and as such, they were not concerned or interested in farmland possession.