In Ye Township, Mon State, frequent disruptions of phone and internet lines since July have resulted in communication breakdowns between villages.
A local from Ye stated that every time there is a clash between the military junta and the Revolutionary Joint Forces in the northern and southern parts of Ye Township, the phone lines are cut off for up to five days.
According to a Khawzar resident, all communication operators have been cut off to prevent online reporting of ongoing conflicts.
“At first, we had access to MPT, Mytel, and Telenor networks. Then, only MPT was available. Now, even MPT is no longer accessible, and no phone lines are working. Communication between villages has been completely cut off,” said a resident from Kyauk Ka Nyar Village.
The phone line disruptions have created significant challenges in addressing emergencies, such as the ongoing flooding and urgent health issues in Ye Township.
According to a woman living abroad, she has lost contact with her family in Ye Township due to the communication blackout.
“Back in May, communication was smooth, and I frequently spoke to my family. However, since June, the phone and internet lines in the village have been down, and I haven’t been able to contact my family. I haven’t spoken to my mother in two months, and I’m very worried,” said a woman from Magyi village.
Since the beginning of August, there have been at least three clashes between the military junta and the Revolutionary Joint Forces in Hninson and Hnitkarin villages, resulting in the destruction of four houses in Hninson due to mortar shelling by the junta.
In addition to cutting phone lines, the military junta has also restricted movement between villages where clashes have occurred.
Last June, after the bombing of Ma Saw Bridge in Taungkalay Village, Bilin Township, phone and internet lines were cut off in some townships in Mon State, including Mawlamyine.
Reports from the Myanmar Internet Project indicate that the military junta has intensified phone and internet shutdowns in conflict areas over the past three months, from May to July, to suppress accurate news and cover up their losses.
