By Kantarawaddy Times
The military council announced in November that residents wishing to return to certain wards in Loikaw, Karenni State, can now register at the Loikaw Township Administrative Office and return to live in their homes. Announcement notices have also been posted in every ward in Loikaw, according to local sources.
“Previously, they only allowed us to inspect our homes. Now, the military has announced that if we wish to return home, we need to register at the administration office near the clock tower, and then we can live there,” said a local woman.
This registration process applies to those wishing to return to the wards of Naung Yar (A), Naung Yar (B), Mine Lone, Htay Tha Ma, and Daw Oo Khu—areas that saw heavy fighting during the 11,11 military operation conducted by the Karenni resistance forces in Loikaw.
The operation, which began on November 11, 2023, caused the complete suspension of administrative functions under the military council in Loikaw. Most residents fled to neighboring townships in Shan State. Currently, one year later, the military council is encouraging displaced residents to return.
The council is also reportedly working to restore basic infrastructure such as electricity and telecommunications and to reopen offices, markets, and educational institutions in the town.
Despite these efforts, safety concerns remain. On November 14, a local man returning to his home in Naung Yar (B) ward stepped on a landmine in his yard and was injured.
While more displaced residents of Loikaw are visiting their homes, some locals told Kantarawaddy Times that many are reluctant to resettle due to the danger of landmines.
A resident from Naung Yar (B) ward stated, “After hearing about someone stepping on a landmine near the Naung Yar lake, we don’t know if there are mines in our own homes or whether they’ve been cleared. That uncertainty makes us too afraid to return. On top of that, thieves have stolen most of our belongings, leaving our homes nearly empty.”
Loikaw, covering an area of approximately 230 square miles, consists of about 30 urban wards and has a population of over 60,000. Some residents have reportedly returned to wards such as Nan Baw Wan, Min Su, Shan Phaing, Daw Noe Ku, Nam Khot, Shwe Taung, Daw Ta Ma, Zaing Phaing, Law Ta Ma, Dha Mar Yone, and Mingalar.
Within Loikaw, the military council is working to restore administrative operations, but frequent clashes between resistance forces and military council troops continue around the town’s periphery.
