KNPP, KNDF and PDF terrorists committed various destructive acts in Loikaw and nearby areas in order to undermine the administrative mechanism of the Kayah State government, taking cover of residential buildings and religious, health and education edifices starting from December 2021. They fired at ethnic people attending the opening ceremony of the archway to mark the 71st Kayah State Day on 15 January 2023, leaving some residents dead and injured.
On 13 November 2023, those terrorists intentionally attacked Loikaw University with small arms and heavy weapons and abducted some educational employees and students. Likewise, they deployed superior strengths in attacking units of security forces in Moebye, Pekhon, Loikaw and Demawhso townships on 26 January. They also abducted and killed residents, set fire to residential houses, and markets and blew up the government offices.
Starting from 29 January, the security forces launched the counter-terrorism operation. They re-controlled the 42-mile Hsihseng-Loikaw route on 29 May and engaged with terrorists 87 times. On 14 June, security forces carried out security measures in the industrial zone area and Narnattaw ward where terrorists disturbed the security of Loikaw and the airport. Afterwards, the security forces performed rehabilitation tasks of towns and villages destroyed by terrorists and cleared up landmines, according to the information released on 15 June.
Starting from 16 June, the Tatmadaw columns took security measures in remaining areas such as Narnattaw, Naungya and Tayhgnalya wards, Taunggwe Pagoda, St Martin Church, cultural museum, GTI, government avenue, state ministries and important buildings, and Loikaw Airport. On 11 July, the whole campus of Loikaw University was combed, and some schools were reopened in Loikaw. Now, efforts are being made to reopen universities and schools.
On 4 July, terrorists opened fire on Loikaw with the use of heavy weapons and shells exploded in Lawdhamma, Nambawwam, Ywadanshay and Kyauktaung wards, leaving one civilian dead and 11 residents including four children injured. The injured were sent to the local Tatmadaw hospital to receive medical treatment.
Yesterday morning, Kayah State Chief Minister U Zaw Myo Tin and Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Zaw Min Latt inspected rehabilitation tasks and collective sanitation in Loikaw and vicinities with the participation of residents, Tatmadaw members, MPF members and departmental staff.
At present, ethnic people have resettled in the Loikaw region as the region is peaceful and stable as the normal situation. Officials manage necessary rehabilitation for residents.
MNA/TTA
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