Mizzima-Apr 23
More than 200 junta vehicles entered Lashio Town on 22 April following the withdrawal of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), according to local sources. “Around 120 military trucks and 80 other vehicles re-entered Lashio today. So far, there are no signs of heavy weapons or tanks,” said a Lashio resident affiliated with the MNDAA. Meanwhile, trilateral talks continued at Lashio’s Two Elephant Hotel on 22 April. The dialogue, which began a day earlier, involves China’s special envoy Deng Xijun, a junta delegation led by Deputy Lieutenant General Ko Ko Oo of Military Operation Command 1, and representatives of the MNDAA. While the United Wa State Army (UWSA) was rumoured to be participating, its Lashio liaison officer, U Nyi Ryan, told Mizzima on the afternoon of 22 April that the group is not involved in the talks. Within the city’s military command compound, junta officials are also reportedly discussing the resumption of administrative and office operations.
Lashio fell to a MNDAA-led coalition, including the People’s Defense Forces (PDF), during Phase II of Operation 1027 in August 2024. Since then, the junta maintained positions in nearby towns such as Mongyai and Tangyang, while the MNDAA administered the city. Residents believe mounting pressure from China prompted the MNDAA to return control to the junta. Now, with the MNDAA handing over control of Lashio’s urban areas, locals are increasingly concerned that the junta’s Northeast Regional Military Command may soon be reinstated in full force. Starting on 21 April, MNDAA flags within Lashio were replaced by Myanmar national flags, locals reported. Although some MNDAA personnel remain in the city, the future administrative arrangement remains unclear. Speculation suggests the junta will control the city’s 12 wards, while the MNDAA may continue governing surrounding rural areas. During the MNDAA’s eight-month administration of Lashio, former political prisoners, civil servants from the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), and activists were actively involved in reconstruction and community development, according to sources close to the group. At a press briefing on 21 April, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reaffirmed Beijing’s adherence to a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. Read more at:
