Water festival pavilions are being set up in preparation for Thingyan April 13-16 in Lashio Township of northern Shan State despite concerns from residents over the Myanmar Air Force possibly carrying out airstrikes following an “unsuccessful” third round of talks between the regime in Naypyidaw and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) over control of Lashio.
“We haven’t received any specific instructions from the MNDAA. Now we’re preparing for Thingyan,” a source close to the MNDAA administration in Lashio told DVB on the condition of anonymity. Lashio is located 107 miles (172 km) south of the Myanmar-China border town of Muse, in northern Shan, and 243 miles (391 km) north of the state capital Taunggyi.
DVB has been unable to confirm a new round of talks took place between the two parties in Kunming, China, March 22-24. But reports have emerged that the regime has demanded the MNDAA relinquish control of Lashio, which came under its control following the seizure of the Northeastern Regional Military Command (RMC) headquarters on Aug. 3.
“The town is operating as usual. The MNDAA security forces are still deployed. I have noticed nothing out of the ordinary so far,” a resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity. Some Lashio residents have reportedly put up posters at more than 10 locations, including at the entry gate to the city, urging the MNDAA not to retreat and condemning China’s “intervention” in the country’s internal affairs on March 20.
The regime and the MNDAA signed a formal ceasefire agreement during the second round of China-brokered talks in Kunming on Jan. 18. After China brokered peace talks between the regime and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) ended without any resolution on Feb. 17, an airstrike killed three civilians and injured four others at Station Ward and the People’s Hospital in Nawnghkio Township on Feb. 19. Nawnghkio is located 96 miles (154 km) south of Lashio.
