The Junta ‘s display of military might on parades in Laukkai on the eve of Independence Day, caused panic among the people in this township in Shan state. Upcoming January 4th, 2023, is the Diamond Jubilee of Myanmar’s Independence Day.
Flagpoles were erected in the city on December 24th to celebrate the Independence Day, and soldiers have been roaming around the city showing off their military hardware since December 30th, locals said.
A Laukkai resident who did not want to be named told Shan Herald observed, “flagpoles were erected all over the city. We heard that it was to welcome the Diamond Jubilee of Independence Day. Soldiers could be seen deploying security everywhere. 10 military vehicles carrying about 150 soldiers also drive around the city every day.”
The Military Council, is driving armored vehicles around the city in a display of strength in Laukkai,. The source added that the locals are disturbed and scared because of the presence of the soldiers in the city.
“If you encounter their military convoy when traveling in the city, you will not be able to travel freely. No one dares to overtake them, so are many delays”, he explained.
Currently, security forces have been deployed in all areas of Laukkai township. Many military vehicles are driving around between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM daily, causing difficulties for residents to travel during that period.
At the beginning of December, there were too many returnees and there was a shortage of taxis due to the spread of news that there would be an urban battle in the city in Laukkai.
