Locals are increasingly concerned about possible armed clashes in the town of Laukkai in northern Shan State, according to reports.
A fierce battle broke out between military council troops and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in the Namhpar Taung area of Chinshwehaw, killing at least 10 junta soldiers, according to a report published by The KoKang on December 1.
The fierce fighting led the population of Laukkai to fear that the fighting could spread to the town.
“This is true. We have heard news that fighting could break out. Some locals are worried. But until today, daily activities are still normal,” said a local from Laukkai.
Locals from Hsipaw, Muse, and Kyaume areas, as well as some people from mainland Myanmar commute to Laukkai Township because the border crossing is closed due to the ongoing outbreak of Covid-19 in China.
According to reports, some people have fled the area fearing armed clashes in downtown Laukkai.
“Some people have returned to their hometowns. The news has already spread widely in the town. The situation isn’t very positive. I heard that there will be fighting,” said a local from Kyaukme who arrived in Laukkai.
According to reports, the fighting between the military regime and the MNDAA is taking place near Chinshwehaw, where the China-Myanmar border gate is located.
The MNDAA also buried the bodies of regime soldiers killed in the fighting, according to the ethnic army’s statement.
The MNDAA, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Arakan Army (AA) are a brotherhood alliance, and the AA is currently in a ceasefire with the military regime.
Talks are also underway regarding a possible ceasefire between the military council and the TNLA.
The intensity of the current fighting between the regime and the MNDAA could be beneficial in the event of a ceasefire [favouring the ethnic army], a Shan political analyst told The Shan Herald.
“The intensity of the fighting could mean that negotiations with the military council should be strengthened. I’ve heard that the two sides are in contact through the Military Affairs Security,” the political analyst said.
U Than Soe Naing, a political analyst, told The Shan Herald that such intensification of fighting and seeking negotiations for a ceasefire with the regime could mean weakening the current Spring Revolution against the dictatorship.
“There are forces that oppose the military council. But there are also groups that have taken a neutral stance. Seeking and agreeing to a ceasefire with the military council while security forces prepare to launch counteroffensives against the military council in 2023 could deal a blow to efforts to overthrow the dictatorship and restore democracy, and also reduce the intensity of the revolution,” he said.
As there are numerous gambling houses in Laukkai, some migrant workers choose to work there and in online game sites, while others work there as translators.
Sent by The Shan Herald.