Although the National Unity Government (NUG) has controlled Pinlebu town in upper Sagaing Region for more than three months, displaced people have still been unable to return, according to residents.
Residents stated that the Pinlebu Township People’s Administration Team has not permitted IDPs to return to the town, only allowing residents to visit their homes and clean them.
A local who visited Pinlebu town said, “Many houses were burned down, and there was some damage in Myoma Ward-2. All the house doors were left open. The People’s Defence Team allows us to visit and clean our homes. People take their belongings and leave, but no one dares to return due to the risk of airstrikes.”
He added that as a result of the fighting, most of the houses in the town were burned down, and the remaining items are stolen.
He added, “People can return to take their belongings and clean their houses, but they are not allowed to officially stay there. Most of the belongings have been lost due to rampant theft.”
He said that he has yet to see any rehabilitation work in the town following the takeover battle.
The joint force of the NUG and revolutionary forces seized control of Pinlebu on 9 October 2024.
Pinlebu town was one of the first to take up arms following the 2021 coup. The NUG fully controls the entire township.
There were up to five battles for control of the town, with the joint forces of the NUG and revolutionary groups capturing Pinlebu for the first time in October 2023. They reclaimed it again in October 2024.
Sent by Shanni Voice
