The military council has reportedly tightened security near Phayani Pagoda in the Inle area of Nyaungshwe Township, Shan State, after gunshots emerged.
Local residents told the Shan Herald that they heard two gunshots and an explosion on the hill west of Phayani and Thanhtaung pagodas in the Inle area at around 7 am on 7 March.
After the gunshots and explosion, regime troops climbed the hill and increased security, forcing shops to close, a local resident told the Shan Herald on condition of anonymity.
“I think they were startled when they heard gunshots early in the morning. They even forced shops to close after that. There had been clashes in the area before. At the moment, junta soldiers are stationed there. Some of them patrol the villages in civilian clothes,” said a 30-year-old local who declined to give his name.
Regime soldiers have also reportedly threatened to shoot youths in Khaungtaing village and take them to the military if they leave the village.
“In Khaugtaing village, young people no longer dare to go out on the streets. Almost all the stores are closed. They said the Nyaungshwe police chief told them not to go out,” he continued.
The regime’s soldiers, who have been stationed in the Inle area since late February, have reportedly demanded extortion money from the stores.
Currently, they have tightened all entrances while junta soldiers check women at the Pawngpai, Hmawbi, and Inn Dein checkpoints, as well as at checkpoints between Phayani and Thanhtaung, in what locals say amounts to sexual harassment and assault.
Assaulting a girl with intent to injure her body falls under the jurisdiction of the police and can be punished by imprisonment for up to two years or a fine, or both.
Sent by the Shan Herald.