Uncertain future: The struggle of Lashio residents under MNDAA rule
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ALynn / Thuta Kyaw (NP News) - Sep 18
Lashio, a major city in northern Shan State, is now governed by the MNDAA - the Kokang armed terrorists – with strict enforcement of rules in place. Additionally, fewer people are coming back to the city, and most are reluctant to return. Concerning the situation, NP news interviewed an internally displaced person who fled Lashio.
The interview reflects insight into the present situation in Lashio. Most of the city's residents resent living under the control of MNDAA rebels. None of the sectors, especially business or security, can be functioning well under the rule by terrorists. Although residents can return to Lashio, running a business remains challenging. With a significant number of people leaving, the city’s economy is witnessed paralysis except for the very basic commodities transactions in daily life. It is estimated that only about two to three thousand people have returned.
Although the MNDAA claimed their fight was to advocate for democracy, they imposed their own interpretation of administration principles once they took control of a city. Reports stated that the MNDAA seizes high-value vehicles, businesses, and properties.
The ethnocentric armed forces that control Lashio also discriminate against the Bamar ethnic. Specifically, the MNDAA sees the Bamar individuals as informants and accuses them of informing or reporting the Tatmadaw with designated targets and locations for the battles or airstrikes. The majority of the discrimination is aimed at the Bamar. The Bamar PDF group is also implicated in these discriminatory acts. Both Bamar and Shan ethnic groups are targeted by Kokang and Palaung. As the rule of law breaks down, individuals returning to their hometown feel unsafe. Once someone is identified as a Dalan (an informant) by the MNDAA, it is difficult to refute that label, and if such individuals are shot, there is little recourse to claim it was unlawful.
Most residents are hesitant to return if the Tatmadaw cannot regain control of the city. Many who have left the city share similar concerns. In terms of ethnicity, most people are opposed to living under Kokang rule, and even NLD supporters would not dare reside in Lashio. It is anticipated that only about thirty to forty percent of the population might return to the city at present. Locals are waiting for clear messages from government authorities regarding whether the Tatmadaw will retake the city.