In the Karen State’s Kyain Seik Gyi Township, specifically in the Three Pagoda Pass township which is situated along the Thailand-Myanmar border, residents report the military junta implemented strict security measures and inspections throughout the town.
The measures came into effect after unconfirmed reports were circulating that the Karen National Union was taking control of the area on September 21st. .
In response the military junta tightened its inspections on September 22.
A resident of Three Pagoda Pass reported that a team of over 30 members drawn from the military junta, the police, and the Border Guard Forces (BGF)began conducting 24-hour patrols and neighborhood inspections throughout the city.
“They stop and check cars and motorcycles coming from the road. They followed individuals into the ward. The main thing they check for is ammunition. Both the BGF and the police are involved. They also conduct these checks at night. The force is at full strength, and they even enter the alleys,” said the resident.
The military junta administration in Three Pagoda Pass township has been incapacitated since the KNLA coalition attacked and burned down the military junta’s departmental offices and police station earlier this year.
Although there were also reports of the KNU taking charge of the Three Temples city, there has been no military junta presence in that area.
“News of the KNU undertaking administration of Three Pagoda Pass township is widespread, but it’s not accurate. Currently, there is no administration in Three Pagoda Pass. Neither the military junta nor any armed group is in control. Due to the absence of any governing authority, there are no legal regulations in place. People are essentially left to manage things themselves,” said one resident.
Three Pagoda Pass residents are concerned that fighting may erupt within the township, due to confusion of which group is in control.
Three Pagoda Pass township is home to not only the military junta but also several other groups, including the New Mon State Party (NMSP), the Karen National Union (KNU), the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), the KNU/KNLA Peace Council, and the Border Guard Forces (BGF).
