The military junta continues to occupy key locations along the Ye-Ye Chaung Pyar road in Mon State’s Ye Township, preventing residents of Kyonlaung and Kyaukmichaung villages from returning home.
Since early January, junta forces have been stationed at several monasteries along the route, including Bokalay Monastery, Kyaik Hin Oh Pagoda, and Aingpoke Monastery. A displaced resident from Ye Chaung Pyar reported that the military has been entrenched in these locations since the outbreak of clashes in early January.
“In Bokalay Monastery, they are maintaining a guard post, while at Kyaik Hin Oh Pagoda, they have dug trenches and fortified their position. They are also present at Aingpoke Monastery. With their continued presence, returning home is still too dangerous,” the resident explained.
At least 100 junta troops remain deployed in the Ye Chaung Pyar area, with each occupied location housing more than 20 soldiers. Additional troops are stationed in hidden outposts in nearby forests and plantations.
The displaced residents fear further military offensives, including artillery shelling and airstrikes, making it unsafe to return home.
“Very few people have returned. Some left their homes hastily and fear returning, while others are too afraid because the military is still stationed between the two villages. They worry the junta will launch another attack,” said a local from near Kyonlaung village.
During intense fighting in Kyonlaung last month, nearly 1,000 residents from Kyonlaung, Kyaukmichaung, Weipaung, and Weizin villages fled their homes. While those from Weipaung and Weizin were able to return in late January, many from Kyonlaung and Kyaukmichaung remain displaced.
The displaced individuals are currently sheltering in gardens in Weipaung, at monasteries and plantations in Falan Chaung Wa under the control of the New Mon State Party (NMSP), and in Upper Yit Chaung village in northern Ye. They continue to face food shortages and require urgent assistance.
Although the Ye-Ye Chaung Pyar road is open for travel, the military junta has imposed restrictions. They conduct security checks, requiring travelers to present village recommendation letters and identification cards, while also limiting the transportation of essential goods.
“A bad day for them means they take whatever supplies they want. They warn us not to bring or sell more than the allowed amount, speaking aggressively. They frequently search motorcycles and vehicles. If you bribe them, they might let you pass without inspection,” a local woman explained.
In January, the military launched a ground offensive and carried out artillery and airstrikes in Kyonlaung, forcing residents to flee to NMSP-controlled areas, Ye town, and other nearby locations.
With the junta still occupying areas near the monasteries, over 300 households from Kyonlaung and Kyaukmichaung remain unable to return home, living in fear and uncertainty.
