Displaced residents report that, nearly three months after the the Myanmar National Democratic Allaince Army (MNDAA) captured Lashio in northern Shan State, they face challenges returning home due to the junta’s airstrikes, ongoing armed conflicts, low employment opportunities, and inadequate security.
A 46-year-old man from Lashio said, “The IDPs are unsure whether to return home or remain under the military council’s control, as information security is tightly managed and not widely shared.”
Residents report that those who returned to the town are struggling with low employment opportunities, financial problems, and challenges in sustaining their livelihoods.
A local woman from Lashio shared, “Due to low employment opportunities and fears of airstrikes, displaced people return home during the day and seek shelter elsewhere at night. Prices continue to soar, with a bunch of water grass at Ks-500, gasoline at Ks-7,500 per liter, and one Pyi of rice at Ks-6,500 and home-grown chicken meat at Ks-35,000 per viss, while CP chicken meat is even more expensive.”
Residents of Lashio said that there are weaknesses in public security due to the escape of military informants and prisoners of war in addition to ongoing aerial threats from the military council.
A local man from Lashio said, “I am not satisfied with the situation on the ground. My dissatisfaction isn’t about disliking the MNDAA; rather, I believe their actions and punishments regarding the escape of military informants and prisoners of war are too lenient.”
On 9 October, over 90 prisoners escaped from the prison, with only 40 being recaptured, according to sources close to the Kokang force.
A source close to the MNDAA confirmed that those who escaped included the persons believed to be military informants, prisoners of war, and inmates incarcerated for theft, robbery, and drug-related offenses.
According to data gathered by Lashio Reconstruction, the junta’s airstrikes at night resulted in the deaths of 12 civilians and injuries to over 52 others.
An official from the Lashio Reconstruction Group stated that progress on the reconstruction of Lashio is hindered by frequent aerial attacks from the military council.
“The biggest threat right now is airstrikes. It feels like we’re unable to move forward because of the junta’s aerial threats. Troop members are working to protect the people from these dangers, and we are also focused on prevention and defense,” he said
The MNDAA-Kokang launched an offensive against Lashio on July 3 and captured the town on August 3. Following the capture, the MNDAA started its administration and invited local residents to return home.
According to the Lashio Reconstruction report, the military council’s airstrikes have destroyed at least 50 houses, buildings, shops, as well as educational and religious facilities.
Sent by NMG