By Zwe Ko / MPA

In Htantabin Township of Taungoo District, Bago Region, the houses of displaced residents from Kinmunchon Village, who remain unable to return, were broken into, according to local sources.

In early August 2024, clashes between revolutionary forces and the military council occurred near Kinmunchon Village, prompting the military to shell the village with heavy artillery. Following this, nearly the entire populace from the village fled to safer locations, according to a 40-year-old man from the village.

“Over 2,000 people fled to safer areas, mainly in Taungoo. Some went back to the village and found their houses burgled. At least 10 houses have been broken into. As clashes occurred so suddenly, we couldn’t take anything with us, leaving our houses and belongings behind. Everything in the houses was taken,” the source added.

There have been at least four clashes near the village, and during previous displacements, houses were also looted, according to a 40-year-old woman from the village.

“It’s not surprising anymore that the houses were looted. We’ve had to flee multiple times. Even during previous displacements, houses were burgled. Some say it’s the junta soldiers buying things, but it’s hard to say who took them without eyewitnesses,” the source explained.

Though the residents wish to return home since fighting has subsided in Kinmunchon Village, they are still unable to return due to military checkpoints in Zayatgyi, the source added.

“After hearing about the looting, people want to return, but the military won’t allow us through the Zayatgyi checkpoints. Some have sneaked back. We want to go back too, as we left everything behind when we fled,” the source noted.

On August 9, artillery fire from the military during clashes near the upper Pa Village killed two women and one man.

Additionally, despite clashes subsiding near Kinmunchon Village, the military continues to detain people passing through the area. Accordingly, a revolutionary from Taungoo District warned the residents not to return.

“People won’t be able to return home until the dictatorship is overthrown. The military is forcibly recruiting everywhere, even targeting people in their homes. Returning to their villages won’t be easy for the people,” the source explained.

On February 7, 2023, the KNLA and allied forces attacked Zayatgyi Police Station and Infantry Battalion 73 in Htantabin Township, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides, as well as civilian deaths.

During the February clashes, many civilians fled the area, and on February 23, a fire broke out in Zayatgyi’s central market, destroying over 80 shops and five houses.