By Hlaing / MPA

Since September 5, 2024, the military council has tightened security checks at the exits and entrances of Mahlaing on Myingyan-Meiktila Road in Mandalay Region, according to reports. 

Passenger and Cargo Vehicles traveling from Myingyan and Taungtha are being stranded near Htan Taw Ward, and the military is no longer allowing them to enter the town.

“After the military operation in Myingyan, the military is being very strict because they are concerned that PDF forces might mix in with civilians from Myingyan and Taungtha. There’s only one main road to enter the town near Htan Taw Ward and to pass through, people are forced to pay bribes to the military,” a source close to the MaHlaing Town Police Station told MPA.

The security measures along the Myingyan-Meiktila Road were heightened following the intense clashes between the military troops and local resistance forces in Natogyi, Myingyan, and Taungtha Townships as the Myingyan District Special Operation (MDSO) from August 10 to August 16, 2024.

“People coming from Meiktila are not facing too many difficulties. The military troops have set up checkpoints at Kan Kaung Gate near the highway and Kone Te Dam near the entrance to Mahlaing. They usually just ask basic questions like where you’re going and what you’re doing. But if you’re heading towards Mahlaing, they tend to be stricter. The military is highly concerned about losing their control in the Meiktila area,” said a driver.

Additionally, it is reported that military personnel, fully armed, are patrolling the streets of Mahliang Town, uplifting concern among the local population.

“In town, soldiers are always found patrolling. Tomorrow (September 6), the market will open, so they are even more active. At night, the military even detonates bombs themselves,” said a 45-year-old male resident of Maline Township.

Local resistance forces have also advised civilians to avoid using the Natogyi-Myingyan-Taungtha-Mahlaing Road, due to the high potential of attacks on Mahling by the resistance.

“There is a military checkpoint at Thatkei Kyin Village on the Natogyi-Mahlaing Road. In villages like Aing Hma Yoe, Kywe Chan, and Ywar Tan Shay, the military is stopping and searching people traveling along the roads, including those returning from working in the fields,” said a female resident.

Furthermore, local residents reported that military troops are stationed not only at the Mahlaing Police Station in the town but also at Shwe Kyin, Letha, Kone Taw, Zay Kyaung, and Hti Saung Gyi Monastery.

“There are at least 20 soldiers stationed at one of the monasteries. They are staying inside monasteries, and there’s a high school near the town’s police station, so parents are very worried about sending their children to school,” said a parent residing in Maline Township.

While clashes have currently subsided in Myingyan and Taungtha Towns, the military continues to carry out airstrikes in Natogyi Township.

During the second phase of Operation 1027, which commenced on June 25, 2024, as part of the Shan-Man Operation, the People’s Defense Forces – Mandalay (MDY-PDF) and allied forces successfully took control of Mogok and Singu Townships in Mandalay Region. On August 26, allied revolutionary forces under the command of Military Region-1 also captured Thabeikkyin Township.