Martial law was reinstated in Taunggyi Township in southern Shan State after the killing of a local leader.

Article 144 of Burma’s Penal Code, which prohibits the assembly of more than five people between midnight and 4am, was enforced for a time after the coup nearly two years ago.

Following the accidental killing of a General Administration Development (GAD) officer in the Shan State capital by Burma Army soldiers on 24 July, shootings, explosions and attacks on motorbikes have increased, prompting the GAD office to reinstate Article 144 in the township.

A woman from Taunggyi town told SHAN on condition of anonymity that there is no one protesting against the junta in the area. Many people are already too scared to leave their homes at night because of the army and political instability, she explained.

In Hsipaw Township in northern Shan State, Article 14 is still in effect, according to a local who said robberies have also increased in Hsipaw town since the military overthrew the government.

According to a former lawmaker, who didn’t want to be identified, the regime reenacted the article for a reason.

”People are suffering a lot,” he said.