Gunshots and artillery blasts rocked Katha Town in Sagaing Region’s Katha Township, near Kachin State, as residents cast ballots in the junta-run election on December 28.

Katha was among 102 townships included in the first phase of the junta's three-phase election. Other Sagaing Region townships in Phase 1 included Kanbalu, Shwebo, Monywa, Sagaing, Homalin, Hkamti, Layshi, Lahe, Nanyun, Tamu, and Kale (Kalay).

Except for Hkamti, Layshi, Lahe, and Nanyun, all these townships have a strong resistance presence, with fighting continuing in the areas until the day before the election.

During the election in Katha Town, locals reported that the Light Infantry Battalion 309 (LIB 309) based in the town was firing artillery.

“The artillery shelling continued into the morning of election day, reportedly from LIB 309. The junta had tightened security in the town, with gunfire and artillery echoing at the entrances and outskirts, while planes circled overhead,” said a town resident.

There is speculation that the artillery thuds heard by Katha residents may have been exchanges between the two sides, but KNG cannot independently verify this.

Independent media reported that the junta forced residents to vote during Phase 1, held on December 28 in 102 townships nationwide.

The junta plans to hold Phase 2 voting in 100 townships on January 11, followed by Phase 3 in 63 townships on January 25.