The armed resistance momentum is growing in Karenni (Kayah) State, and the conflict zone has now reached Bawlakhe, a military held town that has been in the hands of the coup regime, resistance source told the Than Lwin Times.
U Banyar, the Director of the Karenni Human Rights Group (KnHRG), confirmed that the fighting has now extended to Bawlakhe, a military town. He described the current situation, "The Military Council itself has completely sealed off the town, restricting any movement in or out. They have closed all town roads leading to Hpasawng, Loikaw, and Demoso in an effort to prevent people from leaving. Despite these efforts, it appears that some individuals have managed to find a means of escape. However there are also residents who remain trapped within the neighborhoods of the town. It is my understanding that all education, healthcare, and administrative systems in
Bawlakhe have come to a halt. Additionally, we have received reports of administrators who never joined the CDM movement, seeking refuge in Loikaw”.
In the aftermath of the coup, the townships of Demoso, Mese, Shadaw, and Hpruso in Karenni State have become battlegrounds for the Military Council and resistance forces. The conflict has been intense, with the military losing control over most of the territory in these areas.
On May 1st, the People Defense Force (PDF) in Bawlakhe launched attacks on the veterans' office, immigration office, police station, and television station, all of which were occupied by the Military Council troops.
These attacks resulted in the death of seven Military Council soldiers, with an additional 20 troops sustaining injuries, while weapons and ammunition were also seized from the Military Council, Bawlakhe-PDF announced. Following the infiltration of PDFs into the town, the Military Council responded by shelling the neighborhoods in Bawlakhe and utilizing drones to drop bombs.
As chaos began to engulf Bawlakhe, there were reports of non-CDM staff attempting to evacuate to Loikaw using helicopters, with unverified rumors circulating that the cost of such rides could be as high as 25,0000 kyats per person, although independent verification by the Than Lwin Times was not possible.
Khu Nye Reh, Interior Minister of the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP), told the Than Lwin Times that the Military Council has imposed a blockade on all entrances and exits of Bawlakhe, preventing residents from leaving the town and reinforcing troops in the area.
"A Tactical Operation Command along with three battalions are all stationed in Bawlakhe.
Air force transportation is operating, in fairly good condition, allowing for easy transportation of weapons and ammunition to the area. With an existing strong military presence, their efforts are underway to reinforce additional troops and establish a formidable military stronghold in Bawlakhe”, he said.
Bawlakhe accommodates the 377th, 340th, and 429th Light Infantry Battalions of the Military Council, alongside the 66th Brigade of the Loikaw Regional Tactical Operation Command, and various other military units.
Prior to 2023, the Military Council held strong administrative authority over Loikaw, Bawlakhe, and Shadaw townships in Karenni State, but now only Loikaw remains under the full control of the Military Council, resistance forces claimed.
The Military Council declared martial law on February 2nd in Demoso, Hpruso, and Shadaw townships, where the rebellion had gained significant momentum.
Over 200,000 people out of a population of roughly 300,000 in Karenni State have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict between the Military Council and the resistance forces.
