Hsu/ Munich (NSS) - Mar 23

The Kokang insurgents (MNDAA) has declared the demolition of homes in the Bamar ethnic enclave located in Laukkai Township, situated within the Kokang Self-Administered Zone in the northern part of Shan State.

Laukkai Township was forcefully raided by the MNDAA, and now locals have reported that houses owned by Burmese people in the ethnic enclave area of Ward Number 2 are being instructed to be demolished within three days.

A Laukkai resident informed The Statesman News Journal that houses and business properties owned by Burmese in the Bamar ethnic enclave zone were forcibly vacated. This included pharmacy shops, goldsmith shops, foreign currency exchange centers, restaurants, fashion boutiques, and stationery stores. The majority of these properties are business-related and the area is characterized by a bustling commercial thoroughfare. Known locally as the Bamar zone, it offers a diverse range of goods and services for the community.

Reports indicate that some of the Burmese residents in the zone are currently relocating their belongings. 

The source further stated, "Geographically and historically, this area is recognized as the edge of the territory. Currently, the MNDAA holds power in the region, executing their strategic plan. Additionally, some properties in the area are owned by Chinese individuals leading to dissenting voices from the Chinese community being expressed in the social media."

Reports indicate that the Barma ethnic enclave comprises over 60 buildings with a concentration of gold shops, drug stores, restaurants, and various other businesses in the vicinity. 

The residents have expressed that many individuals are encountering challenges as a result of the MNDAA's coercion for Burmese residents to vacate the area.

Since 27 October 2023, the three insurgent groups TNLA (Ta’ang), AA (Rakhine), and MNDAA (Kokang) —have launched attacks under the Operation 1027 in Chinshwehaw, Kyukoke, and Laukkai, raiding almost the entire Kokang Self-Administered Zone.