Lashio residents begin to return as MNDAA solidifies control

Residents of Lashio are cautiously returning to their homes as the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the ethnic Kokang armed group that captured the city earlier this month, steadily consolidates its control.“Nearly everyone has returned. Everything is fine now that the fighting has stopped,” said one resident of Lashio’s Ward No. 1, reflecting a sense of relief and the beginning of normalcy. Two weeks after the MNDAA took full control of the city on August 3, most roads connecting it to the rest of northern Shan State have been reopened, allowing highway express bus services to resume. Most markets, except for the main Myoma market, are also back in operation. Despite rising food and fuel prices, most essential goods are readily available for purchase, according to residents. However, major security concerns remain. Due to fears of air raids by the Myanmar military, the MNDAA has imposed a nighttime curfew and restricted outdoor lighting. “Even though the markets are busy early in the day, by 4pm, they become eerily quiet. No one goes outside after that time,” explained a local resident. MNDAA police have also tried to restore law and order amid a recent spike in thefts. Security measures include thorough inspections of motor vehicles and motorcycles.The presence of the United Wa State Army, a powerful MNDAA ally, in the city has helped not only to deter crime, but also to restore limited internet access. Residents report that wifi is now available near the group’s office on Parami Street, as well as at the Aung Hospital and the Mansu Monastery, where the Kokang army has set up a temporary administrative office. Since taking over the city, the MNDAA has reinstated a number of former administrators, including those involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement against military rule. It has also been distributing rice to support the returning population. Another major task has been cleaning up the heavy damage caused by a month of fierce fighting. Junta airstrikes and artillery fire have left parts of the city in ruins, and some areas have also been gutted by fire. The MNDAA has also taken measures to protect civilians from unexploded shells and other ordnance that have been discovered around the city, using tires or bricks to cordon them off until they can be safely disposed of. In addition to deploying its own troops, the MNDAA has also assigned detained theft suspects to assist with its clean-up efforts, according to residents. The MNDAA has outlined its policies in a recent social media post, emphasising a commitment to public support, non-discrimination, and prioritising peace and development.Lashio, with a population of over 300,000 according to the 2014 census, faces a lengthy recovery process as it rebuilds from the devastation. While some remain hesitant to return amid these challenges, it appears that the MNDAA’s efforts to establish itself as the city’s ruling authority are meeting with widespread acceptance.

Lashio residents begin to return as MNDAA solidifies control

The Kokang army’s efforts to establish itself as the city’s ruling authority appear to be meeting with widespread acceptance, despite ongoing security concerns

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