In Loikaw, Karenni State, residents say they are required to pay money to expedite landmine clearance operations in residential areas that were affected by past military offensives.

“If you pay, the process is quicker. If not, they keep shifting things around, and it gets delayed. But we can’t just wait—it’s not safe to live without the mines being cleared,” explained one local resident.

Payments are reportedly being made to speed up the demining process, with residents claiming the money goes to the military’s engineering unit (GE) under the control of the junta.

Locals estimate that approximately 70% of Loikaw was destroyed during the “1111 Operation,” launched by local resistance forces.

At present, many displaced people from nearby towns have begun returning to Loikaw, but the risk of unexploded ordnance (UXOs) and landmines within their homes and compounds remains a serious threat, with some already injured as a result.

Demining and clearance work is reportedly underway in wards such as Shwe Taung, Naung Yar, Mine Lone, Min Su, Zei Paing, and Shan Paing, and residents in those areas have been granted permission to resettle.

In addition, residents said that areas like Daw Oo Ku and Nan Na Taw are expected to be opened for return and resettlement soon.

“If you want the clearance done quickly, you have to pay money. At this rate, they only clear about three compounds per day. First, they use bulldozers to clear the area, then GE personnel come in to search for mines. After that, the municipal department clears the outer areas—but the most important part is getting the mines removed from inside the house,” another resident explained, detailing the step-by-step process.

Returnees emphasize that they are eager to resume life in their homes but need the demining process to be completed urgently to ensure their safety.