The junta’s administrative authorities in Loikaw urge displaced people from Ngwe Taung village in Demoso Township, who are currently taking shelter in Loikaw due to ongoing clashes, to return to their homes, according to local residents.

“A week ago, we heard that donations were made to the people in Ngwe Taung. They also said it’s okay to go back home now,” said one internally displaced person (IDP) currently sheltering in Loikaw.

Despite continued clashes this month between junta troops and revolutionary forces around Dawngankha and Khoukpalot villages in Demoso Township, the junta is persuading residents from the Ngwe Taung village tract to return home.

On October 27, the junta announced that it had carried out clearing operations with machinery around the compound of Ngwe Taung High School and along the main road near the village.

However, displaced civilians said they are unwilling to return because of ongoing insecurity and a lack of livelihood opportunities.

“We don’t want to go back. There’s nothing left there. How are we supposed to work and eat? And we don’t even know whether we’d be safe,” said one IDP from Ngwe Taung.

Currently, in the Ngwe Taung village tract, families of soldiers from Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 102, some government staff, and a few local residents have returned and are now residing there.

Additionally, on October 25, officials from the Demoso Township Administration Office conducted household registrations and issued national identification cards for returnees at the Ngwe Taung village monastery, according to local reports.

Loikaw, Hpruso, Bawlakhe, and Demoso Townships are among the areas where the junta has announced plans to hold elections. The first phase of the election is scheduled for December 28, according to the junta’s statement.