Residents of Bhamo, the second-largest city in Kachin State, report that military council forces are conducting inspections of local phone users under suspicion.
Junta’s security forces regularly patrol the city and perform surprise checks in high-traffic areas, according to a local resident.
“Before they cut the internet, they just checked for VPNs. Now that the internet’s down, they’re suspicious of anyone using phones in tea shops. Military personnel occupy spaces in tea shops and crowded areas. There are lots of checks. They mainly look through photos and WeChat,” the resident said.
Locals say that while junta soldiers previously only checked young and middle-aged men before the internet shutdown, they are now searching people of all ages regardless of gender.
According to residents, these inspections are being carried out by armed junta members in civilian clothes, alongside Sa Ya Pha (military intelligence) personnel.
Kachin State has now experienced three months of phone and internet service disruption.
Residents say that in Bhamo Township, Ooredoo network occasionally provides service.
“Communication is really difficult. They’re cutting it deliberately. Even when Ooredoo works, they cut it based on fighting situations. Right now, Ooredoo is back but only for limited hours in the morning and evening. There’s absolutely no internet,” explained a local resident.
While there are internet cafes in the state capital Myitkyina, which charge fees for access, despite the telecommunications shutdown, locals say no such facilities are available yet in Bhamo.
Attempts to contact U Hkyet Hting Nan, the military council-appointed Chief Minister of Kachin State, regarding the three-month telecommunications shutdown were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off.
Sent by KNG