The military council verbally instructed non-CDM staff in Mon State not to leave home unless it is essential and not to wear office uniforms when they go out as the assassinations of regime officers and administrators increased, some staff confirmed to Than Lwin Times.

The state authority is said to have given this directive to the heads of departments in the respective townships over the phone.

In the instructions, it is mentioned that they should come to the office in plain clothes and should not go out for fun during office hours and holidays, a source from the junta’s state office said.

The military council directed the departmental and administrative offices in Kyaikto, Belin, Thaton and Ye townships, where there are frequent clashes, bombings, and assassinations between the local resistance forces and regime soldiers.

On October 19, an army officer, Myint Swe, his wife, and private Aung Ko Min, who had returned home on leave, were assassinated in Thiri Myaing Ward 13, Hlaing Township, Yangon.

Similarly, on October 18, the People's Security and Defense Army killed Lieutenant Colonel Pyae Phyo Aung, the battalion commander of Light Infantry Battalion 421, Muse Township, Northern Shan State.

The military council has instructed its staff to be cautious because the army officers and informants are being killed.

The directive could have been given because the military council was concerned that non-CDM staff would join the CDM and ward administrators would resign, a member of Mon PDF said.

Due to this situation, the military council has tightened security in various townships and is organizing community security groups to cooperate with the soldiers and police to protect regime staff in the districts and villages.

The PDF Joint Forces will increase military operations in most townships and rural areas in Mon State, urging non-CDM staff and administrators to join hands with the people.