War-displaced residents from Kawkareik Township in Karen State are permitted to return home prompting many to make the trip, yet the majority sought only to retrieve their useful possessions or some valuables. Relatively few opted to permanently resume living in their homes.

A Kawkareik local said that since the town's situation has improved, residents were allowed to return home on April 28, though many are currently returning temporarily just  to assess their homes' status or retrieve belongings.

"The Junta reopened the roads, so people could go back home if they wanted to. Before nobody was allowed travel on the blocked routes. But even now most folks do not plan to stay in Kawkareik. They just go back to get their stuff. Some of them just pop in to see the condition of their houses”, she told IMNA.

Amidst the clashes in Kawkareik, many houses were destroyed by shelling and deliberate arson, making it difficult for certain residents to resettle. People who have resettled in the town, do not feel completely safe in the current situation, so they are living cautiously a source said.

The Junta announced that after residents were permitted to return to Kawkareik, nearly 600 people came back to the town on April 27, and demining operations have also been initiated.

Local media also reported that the Junta was working to resume administrative and other departmental operations on May 1st, after regaining control of Kawkareik. Three months ago, heavy fighting with resistance forces occurred in Kawkareik, during which time the Junta lost control of the township and many villages.