Kaifazhen

A typical example of a kaifazhen (in 1724 AN). They were often built in Jingdaoese architecture, in an attempt to break the more radical resistance.

The kaifazhen, also development town, are settlements which were established following the 1723 Shirerithian general elections and 1723 Shiro-Jing demonstrations in the more isolated western regions of Greater Kildare. They are not to be confused with the now almost entirely dissolved REST camps. Originally, they were constructed in the Duchy of Dalmacija to house Kildari which were deemed disloyal to the Shirerithian state or, often more pressing: Jingdaoese domination over the Eastern Imperium. Those who were suspected to have voted on the Coalition for Imperial Humanism were arrested (or kindly asked to come along) and relocated. This left many families torn apart, leading to the Reunify Families and Harmonize Society Plan, which further interned families of those who had been relocated.

The kaifazhen soon enjoyed popularity among the ruling classes and provincial assemblies of the Duchies of Xianbei and Kildare.

Origins of the Kaifazhen

Following the 1723 elections, tensions between the Jingdaoese and Kildari populations in Greater Kildare reached a boiling point. Certain Jingdaoese nobles and their Kildarian supporters, who held significant power in the region, sought to quash any dissent or opposition to their rule. They accused Kildari citizens who were suspected of having voted for the Coalition for Imperial Humanism of being disloyal and a threat to the stability of the region (as its party had proclaimed support for the eradication of the Jing). As a result, thousands of Kildari were arrested, forced to leave their homes, and relocated to remote areas in the western regions of Greater Kildare.

These settlements were dubbed "development towns" or "kaifazhen" by the local authorities. The term "kaifazhen" roughly translates to "opening up and developing the land" or "development towns" reflecting the Jingdaoese government's intention to establish control over the area and "develop" it according to their own interests. Its existence was condemned by the Shirerithian government and even several influential Jingdaoese politicians, but popular support among the populace was high due to the threats lingering in their memory.

The successes of the Dalmacijan local authorities led to the adoption and expansion of the idea by both the Duchies of Xianbei and Kildare, which held a rather large enfranchised Kildarian group.

Conditions in the Kaifazhen

While it was more of an exception, it sometimes happened that families of mixed ethnicity and background ended up in the kaifazhen. They were often fortunate enough to be able to have taken most of their possessions with them to the development towns, making them part of some kind of 'upper class'. However, within the community they faced severe discrimination from local Kildari residents.

The conditions in the kaifazhen were harsh and primitive. The settlements were often located in isolated areas with limited access to resources, infrastructure, and amenities. Residents struggled with poverty, unemployment, and poor living conditions. The lack of investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare further exacerbated the problems faced by the inhabitants.

The kaifazhen were not officially considered prison camps, but they were designed to keep the population contained and isolated from the rest of society. Residents were required to obtain a special permit, known as a "green card," to leave the settlement. However, these permits were rarely granted by the overseeing Jingdaoese officers, effectively trapping the inhabitants within the kaifazhen.

Economic Situation

The economic situation in the kaifazhen was dire. Officially, the purpose of the settlements was to develop underdeveloped regions, but in reality, they lacked the necessary infrastructure and funding to achieve this goal. As a result, poverty rates in the kaifazhen were significantly higher than the national average. Residents struggled to find employment, and many were forced to rely on subsistence farming to survive.

Rights of the Residents

While the kaifazhen were not technically prisons, they were designed to limit the freedom and autonomy of their residents. Residents were allowed to leave the settlements, but only if they obtained a green card. Movement between kaifazhen was also restricted, making it difficult for families to reunite or for residents to seek better opportunities elsewhere.

The Reunify Families and Harmonize Society Plan, initiated by the local authorities, aimed to address the issue of separated families. However, the plan was ineffective and failed to provide meaningful support to those affected.

The inhabitants remained able to vote, but the distance to any political centers of importance left them often in the dark on important issues. While never confirmed, it was implied that their voting behavior would be closely watched.

Reaction

The creation of the Kaifazhen resulted in heightened separatist sentiments in Sathrati, renewed hostility towards the Eastern Imperium in the core Benacian territories of Shireroth, and the creation of a Kildari Liberation Army in neighbouring Arboria.