Regime forces have set up checkpoints around Inle Lake in Yawghwe (Nyaung Shwe) Township to collect taxes from residents of Taunggyi District in southern Shan State, not far from where fighting broke out with the Indaw People’s Defence Force (IPDF) earlier this month.

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A young man who lives on the western shore of the lake told SHAN on condition of anonymity that the regime and the Pa-O National Organisation, which has turned into a Border Guard Force after the coup, are demanding nearly $40 from every household that owns a vehicle and also money at checkpoints in Intein, Mawbe, Htiyee and Shwe Au Dawng villages.

“They have tightened security around Inle Lake even though there is no more fighting.”

On 3 January 3, the regime fought with the IPDF between Phayar Ni and Than Htawng villages on the west banks of Inle. At least four resistance fighters were killed and three captured in the fighting, which broke out over several days.