Kantarawaddy Times
In Lo Pwar Kho District (Maw Chi), Karenni State, the presence of enemy informants has led to an increase in airstrikes across the district. In response, the Lo Pwar Kho District Joint Administrative Committee issued an official order on April 28, instructing that the use of Starlink internet services be completely suspended for one full month, along with seven additional directives.
“There are enemy informants all around us. Everything we do, whether what the administrative committee is doing or the movement of revolutionary forces, is being reported to the enemy in real-time. Because of this, we decided to temporarily shut it down,” Saw Thet San, Chairman (1) of the Lo Pwar Kho District Joint Administrative Committee, explained.
In Karenni State, where communication lines have been mostly cut off, people rely on Starlink internet to access information and stay connected.
With the recent suspension, a local resident of Lo Pwar Kho District expressed concern, saying, “Ordering the internet to be cut off for a whole month will leave people here without communication. Those who run small businesses using Starlink (online business) will be badly affected. I hope the authorities will reconsider and at least allow partial access.”
It has been stated that Starlink internet devices must now be registered at the Maw Khi administrative office.
“This feels like losing our freedom. We’re worried and anxious because we can no longer access information. With the internet cut off, it feels like we’ve been thrown back into darkness. As citizens, we sincerely urge the authorities to reconsider and reopen access,” another resident shared.
According to the Lo Pwar Kho District Joint Administrative Committee’s announcement, the order includes not only the suspension of Starlink internet but also other emergency measures. During this period, shops such as restaurants and general stores are allowed to open only from 6 AM to 6 PM.
Other measures include strict checks at security checkpoints, requiring approval from immigration authorities for travel, and a complete ban on uploading photos or videos of airstrikes in the Mawchi area online.
Furthermore, gatherings of any kind, including festivals and religious ceremonies, are not permitted throughout the month. People are also not allowed to move through villages and neighborhoods after 8 PM without valid reasons.
