The Junta has established a security checkpoint with approximately 20 soldiers deployed to conduct daily inspections on IDPs (war-displaced individuals) returning to their home communities along the Gyaing River in Mon State.

Junta troops at the checkpoint monitor the passing locals daily, and collect information about resistance forces in the region, a local from a nearby village said.

"They stop cars at the checkpoint to ask about their destination. If it is a high-end car, they used to ask routine questions, such as whether the driver has a valid license? For those coming from Kawdun and Kawpanaw, the soldiers often inquire about news of the People's Defense Force (PDF) in those areas. There have also been incidents where they assaulted  people who did not speak Myanmar fluently”, he told IMNA.

As it is the week of enrollment for the new school year, about 80 percent of those who took refuge in Chaungzon, Kalagon, and Mawlamyine have temporarily returned to their homes.

Residents accused the Junta of not only failing to help the returnees, but also setting up a checkpoint to harass them.

"In some villages, shops and gold shops have reopened. However travel between villages is still very rare. Unless it is an important matter, people rarely leave their homes anymore. Every day after 6:00 pm, all the roads are deserted”, the aforementioned source added.

The Mon State Chief Minister, affiliated with the Junta, pledged to reopen schools and healthcare centres along the Gyaing River, and restore drinking water and power infrastructure promptly, yet no tangible progress has been made.

The Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) stated that the Junta’s inhuman acts of violence, against locals during the military conflict, a pervasive atmosphere of fear has led to silencing the voices of so many victims.