In an effort to restore governance in Loikaw, the capital of Karenni State, the Junta has ordered all government employees who fled during the fighting,to return to duty by August.

“Rumours suggest that the Junta will summon all employees to return to Loikaw by  August. Like it or not, we may have to go back”, a government employee told Kantarawaddy Times.

Due to many employees' reluctance to return to Loikaw, the decision on who goes back first is being made through a lottery system, said an employee currently serving under the Junta.

“When employees reported difficulties like the lack of accommodation in Loikaw, or hurdles in relocating their families, the Junta instructed them to return in batches. So, everyone gathered and drew lots, with the unlucky employees having to return first”, a nurse who did not want to be named said.

Currently, the Junta is prioritizing the return of electricians, general administrative officers, firefighters, healthcare workers, and doctors to Loikaw.

Following the fatal shooting of two department directors at Nambawwan market on June 5, Junta employees are hesitant to return to Loikaw due to concerns about their safety.

"We were afraid to return due to ongoing security concerns. Our transfer requests were denied, and resigning is never an option. We have no choice but to return, though we do not want to”, said a government employee who recently arrived back in Loikaw.

Many locals have resettled in areas like Nambawwan, Kyitharyar, Dawtama, Shanpine, Minsu, and Pangkang within Loikaw town. Records obtained by the Kantarawaddy Times show that in May and June, three people were injured by landmines while returning to Loikaw.

Currently, occasional clashes between the Junta troops and Karenni joint resistance forces continue to occur in some downtown areas of Loikaw.