By Poesangle/ MPA
The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) has confirmed to MPA that its forces remain stationed in Lashio Township, Northern Shan State, despite circulating reports suggesting otherwise.
An MNDAA official overseeing reconstruction in Lashio stated that rumors of a troop withdrawal spread after China announced a ceasefire agreement between the MNDAA and Myanmar’s military junta. The ceasefire was brokered during a China-facilitated meeting between the two sides.
Despite circulating rumors, MNDAA troops have not withdrawn from Lashio City. In fact, according to locals, they are actively celebrating the Chinese New Year with a month-long grand ceremony.
An official overseeing Lashio’s reconstruction stated, “We will not retreat from Lashio City. The situation here remains normal.”
He added that the city has become more crowded following the ceasefire between MNDAA and the military junta, and MNDAA’s governance continues to function smoothly.
The official also addressed a viral social media video in Chinese that claimed MNDAA troops were withdrawing from Lashio. He confirmed that MNDAA is investigating the source of the video.
A local resident dismissed the idea of MNDAA’s withdrawal as “nearly impossible.” He said, “At first, I was confused by the rumors, but logically, it makes no sense. If MNDAA were to withdraw, it would raise serious questions—did they capture the city without a proper plan? Many lives were lost in the battle for Lashio, and the leadership understands this well. Withdrawing is not a decision they can make lightly.”
He further emphasized that Lashio locals are determined to resist the return of military junta control, cooperating with ethnic resistance groups to avoid living under dictatorship.
A government official who joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) highlighted the people’s active participation in governance, education, and healthcare under MNDAA’s control.
He stated, “As a civilian, my stance is clear—no resistance force should withdraw from controlled areas.
The same applies to the Ta’ang Army. There is only one way forward in this revolution. We are not resisting the junta just to retreat, and we do not even want to hear about negotiations with them.”
A local woman echoed these concerns, warning that if MNDAA withdraws, Lashio and the neighboring town controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an MNDAA ally, would face serious challenges.
She explained, “If the Kokang Army withdraws, we would be in big trouble. CDM members, local administrators, 100-household chiefs, and civilians alike would all be at risk. Security concerns would escalate, and it would feel like the start of the coup all over again. We would have no choice but to flee.”
Despite efforts to contact MNDAA spokesperson Lee Kyar Win for comments on social media rumors claiming MNDAA troops must withdraw from Lashio before June 2025, no response was received.
MNDAA and its allied forces launched their offensive on Lashio City—home to the military junta’s North Eastern Command—on July 3, 2024, capturing it on Aug.3, 2024.
The Three Brotherhood Alliance initiated Operation 1027 on Oct.23, 2023, leading to a series of successful offensives. MNDAA captured Hsenwi, Kunlong, Chinshwehaw, Tamoehnye, Kyu Koke (Pang Hseng), Laukkai, and Konekyan in Northern Shan State, while TNLA took control of Namhkam, Kutkai, Namhsan, Monglon, Kyaukme, Manton, Hsipaw, Moemeik, Namtu, Nawnghkio, and Mogok in Mandalay Region.
