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Myanmar activists abduct Chinese mine workers Myanmar villagers free abducted Chinese mine workers
(about 7 hours later)
Two Chinese workers at a controversial copper mine in Burma have been kidnapped by activists opposed to the project, the mining company said. Villagers in Myanmar have released two Chinese workers they had taken hostage near a controversial copper mine.
A statement from the Wanbao Mining Company said the two men, who work for a sub-contractor, were taken on Sunday as they attempted to survey land. The two men were kidnapped on Sunday as they were surveying near the Letpadaung mine, which has been the scene of violent confrontations in the past.
A Burmese colleague who was also taken with them was later released. Many villagers say they have been forced off their land.
The controversial Letpadaung mine has been the scene of violent confrontations in the past. The mine is a joint venture between a Chinese firm and the army in Myanmar, also known as Burma, and has become a focal point for public demonstrations.
"Wanbao vehemently condemns this unprovoked attack on our colleagues," the company said in a statement. A statement from the Wanbao Mining Company said the men work for a sub-contractor.
"Wanbao vehemently condemns this unprovoked attack on our colleagues," the company said in a statement before the men were freed.
The activists are said to be from the Student Network of Mandalay group, AFP news agency said, citing the company statement.The activists are said to be from the Student Network of Mandalay group, AFP news agency said, citing the company statement.
The two Chinese men were apparently beaten and threats were made to kill them if work on the copper mine was not halted.The two Chinese men were apparently beaten and threats were made to kill them if work on the copper mine was not halted.
Both men are 23 years old, AFP said, adding that the mine operates out of Monywa town in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. A Burmese colleague who was also taken with them was later released.
There was an attempt on Sunday night to free the two Chinese men, several sources told the BBC.There was an attempt on Sunday night to free the two Chinese men, several sources told the BBC.
Tear gas was reportedly fired in the village before police pulled back. Police in the area were not immediately available to comment. Tear gas was reportedly fired in the village before police pulled back.
Many of the local villagers claim they were unfairly forced to give up their land, the BBC's Jonah Fisher in Myanmar said, to make way for the mining project. Many of the local villagers claim they were forced to give up their land to make way for the mining project.