Tens of thousands of residents have fled their homes, according to reports that the junta army is preparing to attack Kawlin Town in Sagaing Region.
The District Coordination Team for Emergency Management issued an order to move to safe places as soon as possible for residents in and around Kawlin Town on February 1 as the junta troops are preparing to attack Kawlin.
“It’s not after the letter was issued. Before the letter was issued, when I heard that the junta army would fight back, there were people who avoided it in advance. Now that the letter has been issued, they ran away; how dare they to live?” said an official from the Kawlin-based Helping Hands Organization, which helps IDP.
Some residents from Kawlin Town are moving their property, and it has not been completed until 4 p.m. today (February 2nd).
“Some people went to Hpakant, Mandalay, etc., where their children are. Most people cannot go like that. People are not enemies. Regardless of which group they are with, only people will suffer. It would be good if the relevant team set up a designated area and kept them safe. Now people have to run because they fear losing their own lives,” he said.
More than 500 junta soldiers have been reinforced by the 111th Infantry Light Battalion by planes, based in Wuntho Township, north of Kawlin, and more than 600 soldiers have been sent to the 6006th Tank Battalion in Kanbalu, and they are preparing to attack Kawlin from two sides, according to reports.
“The terrorist army has sent a large force to capture Kawlin to recover its dignity, which has fallen to hell. It won’t be easy to take back. They may retreat again,” said Nay Thit, a member of the organizing team of the Sagaing Forum.
It is reported that the local residents of the villages such as Kyaukka, Pantin, and Nyaungpinthar near Kawlin Town have fled.
Revolutionary forces occupied Kawlin Town on November 6, 2023.