Residents of Mandalay Region’s Mogok Town are panicking over unverified rumors that the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) may provide security for returning junta troops under the ceasefire agreement.

After rumors that the TNLA would escort the junta’s return, many locals fled Mogok, fearing a potential outbreak of fighting. Locals reported that even more people are evacuating Mogok Town this time than when the TNLA was preparing to launch an attack before capturing it.

Rumors spread after some sources in the People’s Defence Force (PDF), which controls the town alongside the TNLA, claimed that the TNLA met with the junta on November 12 and agreed on the steps for returning the town.

Unconfirmed reports claimed that junta troops will re-enter Mogok Town on November 30, with the TNLA responsible for their security and protection from attacks.

When the Chinese-brokered ceasefire agreement was reached, the TNLA agreed to withdraw from Mogok Town and Momeik (Mongmit) in northern Shan State. However, the PDF and allied resistance groups in Mogok have vowed to hold the town even if the TNLA pulls out. If the rumors are true and the TNLA provides security for the junta’s return to Mogok, the situation could become highly complicated.

Although the TNLA has not confirmed the rumors, locals are fleeing Mogok as a precaution.

“Everyone’s talking about the same rumor. It hasn’t been confirmed yet, but it seems like it could be true. So far, the TNLA hasn’t made any official statement, and many residents have already left Mogok,” said a town resident.

NMG has tried to contact the TNLA for clarification on the current situation but has been unable to reach them.

There are also reports that some Mogok residents participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), an anti-coup campaign in which civil servants and security personnel refuse to work for the junta, have been offered shelter in other TNLA-controlled towns for their safety.

PDF members and other resistance sources said TNLA troops have not yet left Mogok but have begun moving their belongings out of the town.

Under the ceasefire deal reached in Kunming on October 28, the TNLA agreed to withdraw from Mogok and Momeik. Local activists fear that if the TNLA leaves, they could be targeted, arrested, or otherwise repressed by the returning junta forces.

Recently, Mogok residents protested the junta’s imminent return by loudly banging iron pots and metal kitchenware, a traditional Myanmar practice meant to drive away evil spirits.