The army has speeded up checkpoints and inspections after the outbreak of explosions and shootings in Mawlamyine, Paung and Thaton Townships of Mon State, according to locals.

A local who declined to be named from Sitkaekone ward in Mawlamyine said: “Soldiers and police members are doing indiscriminate shootings, entry and arrests. We are concerned for who will get arrested when we hear the sounds of gunfire.”

Another local from Mawlamyine said: “There were some explosions. They have conducted more checks after we heard about some bombs had been found. In the past they conducted checks at the entrance/ xit gates. Now the checks are being conducted in many places. They check motorbikes, vehicles and phones.”

A police fired the gun while the people were waiting in le at Kanbawza Bank to withdraw money in Mawlamyine on April 29th.

Locals said they heard the sound of gunfire in urban wards in Paung and Thaton Townships in Mon State, at around 8 pm on April 26th,

In addition to increased inspections, the authorities plan to install the CCTV in the city. Although the army and police have tightened security to control the protests, the people are staging anti-coup protests every day.

The military council continues making arrests of anti-coup protestors in Mon State. Many people have gone into hiding.

In Mon State, eight people including an 11-year old have been reportedly killed in the brutal crackdowns by soldiers and police, and more than 200 people, arrested and charged.