Residents of Mogok Township in Mandalay Region told DVB that the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) informed its allied resistance forces, including the People’s Defence Force (PDF), that it will escort regime forces into the town when it completes its withdrawal on Nov. 29.
“The TNLA informed us that it’ll bring in regime forces and withdraw from the town once they’re settled. I think it’ll keep a liaison office with the regime in Mogok,” Soe Htay, a resident and pro-democracy activist in Mogok, told DVB.
The decision was reportedly reached at a meeting between the TNLA and the regime in China on Nov. 15 following a Chinese-brokered ceasefire agreement with Naypyidaw reached on Oct. 29. DVB contacted Lway Yay Oo, the TNLA spokesperson, about the TNLA withdrawal plan but is awaiting a response.
Soe Htay added that the situation is “difficult” for the PDF in Mogok and that they are still discussing how to protect the town. The PDF told DVB that it took over positions in Mogok from the TNLA on Oct. 30.
Mogok, 124 miles (200 km) north of Mandalay, is a source of revenue for both the regime and ethnic armed groups due to its lucrative ruby mining industry.
The TNLA agreed to relinquish control of Mogok, as well as Momeik in northern Shan State, as part of its ceasefire deal. Both towns were seized by TNLA-led resistance forces in July 2024.
A PDF spokesperson in Madaya Township of Mandalay Region told DVB that regime forces can access Mogok from Sedawgyi Dam and Sagyin village in Madaya, which they recaptured on Nov. 6. Madaya is located 25 miles (40 km) north of Mandalay and 101 miles (162 km) southwest of Mogok.
Videos circulating on social media on Nov. 6 showed Mogok residents banging pots and pans — a traditional act meant to drive away evil spirits — in protest against the scheduled return of regime forces to the town.
Residents told DVB that they would like to see the National Unity Government (NUG) administer Mogok with the PDF providing security after the TNLA withdrawal.
The All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF) and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) will reportedly stop regime forces from establishing control over Momeik in northern Shan after the TNLA hands it over, according to Soe Htay.
Momeik is located 170 miles (273 km) west of the regional capital Lashio, and 184 miles (296 km) south of the KIA headquarters in Laiza. Mabein Township, 35 miles (56 km) north of Momeik, was seized by KIA-led resistance forces in January 2024.
