Myanmar Church officials and displaced Kachin villagers have reportedly conveyed unease over the possibility that the China-backed Myitsone dam project in the conflict-torn Kachin State might be restarted, according to UCA News.

The concerns have been voiced at time when China’s President Xi Jinping came for an historic visit from January 17 to 18.

Xi met with Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and other political figures and legislators.

During the visit he signed a number of Chinese investment projects.

Bishop Raymond Sumlut Gam of Banmaw in Kachin State told UCA News that he planned to  raise concerns on the fate of the controversial China-backed dam megaproject as China’s president visits the country.

Over 3,000 people were displaced by the project when it started in 2020. The project was put on hold by President Thein Sein in 2011 after many people protested.