Residents in the Gyaing River area are concerned about an escalation in military conflict as revolutionary forces operate in large numbers, and the military junta has started launching incursions by water.
Currently, villages in the Gyaing River area hold Kathina ceremonies almost daily. Mon monks have reportedly requested revolutionary groups not to engage in battles during the Kathina season celebration.
A local man from the Gyaing River area said, “Mon monks have asked for no fighting during the Kathina season. After this period, they say battles can resume. For now, things are calm, but we suppose fighting will intensify soon.”
Due to this situation, some residents are already planning to relocate.
Although there are no recent battles in the Gyaing River area, a resident from Kyaikmaraw stated that the military junta has been conducting daily drone surveillance.
“We heard the Mon monks requested that revolutionary groups refrain from fighting during Kathina because it’s a religious festival. Meanwhile, the military council continues constant surveillance using drones,” said the resident.
Since October 1, when the census started in the Gyaing River area, the military council has conducted artillery shelling in villages like Kawbein, Min Ywa, and Dhammatha, restricting residents’ movements.
Mon revolutionary forces in the area have publicly stated that they will continue military operations during the dry season, maintaining strong alliances both militarily and politically.
Last year, intense conflicts in the Gyaing River area resulted in over 400 homes being burned down. Now, as residents attempt to rebuild through self-reliance, they fear the potential for further clashes.
