Myanmar junta troops have resumed strict searches of bags, mobile phones, and vehicles belonging to residents in the military-controlled town of Loikaw, locals reported.

The heightened security measures, which began on July 26, are heavily concentrated around the Daw Noe Ku Bridge and the Thiri Mingalar market area in the capital of eastern Myanmar's Kayah State.

“If they find local gambling apps on a phone, they detain the person and force them to pay a fine. And if they find any sign of contact with the People’s Defense Force (PDF), you are in serious trouble,” a male resident explained, referring to the armed anti-junta resistance groups.

Unlike similar joint military-police operations in early June—which resulted in multiple detentions and arbitrary fines—the current checkpoints are manned exclusively by military personnel, who interrogate residents as they navigate the town.

“Knowing they conduct these checks, I don’t even want to bring my phone when I leave the house,” a female resident said. “Having them scroll through my personal data is deeply distressing.”

The constant threat of device seizures and arbitrary searches has left locals with a profound lack of security, forcing them to go about their daily lives in a state of perpetual anxiety.

Despite the heavy-handed security measures, the junta is attempting to project a return to normalcy in Loikaw, with ongoing reconstruction efforts and the local administrative apparatus continuing to operate.

Military authorities are actively urging internally displaced persons (IDPs) to return home.

However, returnees are subjected to strict vetting and are only permitted to resettle after their household registration lists and identity documents have been formally reviewed and filed.