Residents in Loikaw Township, Karenni State, have reported a disruption in communication services, including phone lines and certain internet services.
Residents of Loikaw Township have reported that on June 27, at approximately 9:00 AM, phone lines such as ATOM and Ooredoo internet lines were severed, leaving only Mytel and MPT as the available communication options in the area.
A resident of Loikaw Township said, "Even though Mytel provides the option for both phone and internet services, we don't use Mytel. We lack access to MPT, ATOM, Ooredoo, and internet lines, which means we are unable to utilize Wi-Fi services. MPT is the sole option we have for a phone line. The phone line experiences interruptions starting around 9 or 10 in the morning. We can still use it until 8 in the morning."
According to residents of Loikaw Township, the use of phone lines, internet lines, and Wi-Fi is currently limited to Mytel SIM cards. Additionally, MPT SIM cards can only be used for phone line services.
A person familiar with the ATOM office stated that the communication is currently hindered due to a cut fiber cable. As a result, individuals in the area are unable to establish communication through this network until the cable is repaired.
On June 23, there were reports of increased movement of individuals associated with the Military Council in Loikaw Township. Following the circulation of rumors on Facebook regarding a potential significant change after June 28, local residents expressed concerns. The worries escalated on June 27 when phone lines and internet services were unexpectedly severed, further unsettling the local population.
A resident from a ward in Loikaw Township shared, "The peculiar thing is that on June 28th, they advised us to remain alert. A notice was also posted in the ward. The ward administrator instructed us to prepare important household lists and registers. Others questioned what might happen tomorrow and where we would seek refuge if something does occur. It's essential for us to be prepared."
Regarding the circulating news, Kantarawaddy Times sought confirmation from the residents of Loikaw Township. However, some individuals stating that the source of the information cannot be verified and considering it as mere rumors. On the other hand, there are those who express genuine concern about the situation.
A Loikaw resident stated, "I didn't hear anything particularly unusual. I heard that they said to be careful on June 28. The day seemed normal in town. There were three cars carrying soldiers from Demoso. These vehicles looked like civilian cars but larger in size. Helicopters flew overhead 3-4 times, with two helicopters flying together at times."
According to a resident, on June 27, there was regular movement observed among the local residents in Loikaw Township. Additionally, ၊Military Council troops were spotted traveling between Loikaw-Demoso and Demoso-Loikaw.
Furthermore, it has been reported that two helicopters belonging to the Military Council have been observed frequently traveling back and forth in Loikaw Township in recent days.
Some residents in the western part of Demoso have mentioned that they have been experiencing an internet outage since the evening of June 27.
