Vendors in Hsenwi Township, Northern Shan State, are facing forced evictions as the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), also known as the Kokang Army, pushes them to abandon their original market stalls and relocate to a newly built market in Panglawt village.

On April 15, armed MNDAA police officers reportedly dispersed vendors who had returned to sell at their old locations in Ward 1, escalating tensions over the contentious relocation plan. Many fear the vacated land may be repurposed for a casino, adding to the growing unrest.

The original Hsenwi Township Market, heavily damaged in a military airstrike on July 18, 2024, had been a vital trading hub for generations. Vendors had temporarily set up along nearby streets, hoping to eventually return, but the MNDAA has now enforced a full relocation.

“They just chased us away, saying we must move to their new market in Panglawt,” one vendor told SHAN. “People have traded here since the time of the Hsenwi Sao Pha [hereditary Tai rulers]. Now, with no discussion, they’re forcing us out.”

Another vendor expressed frustration over broken promises: “Yesterday, they said they’d listen to us. Today, they showed up with threats.”

The new market comes with steep costs, further straining vendors already battling rising living costs and scarce jobs. Reported fees include: 500,000 kyats per month for pharmacy stalls, 50,000 kyats per month for fruit shops, 20,000 kyats per month for mobile vendors and 15,000 kyats per month for garbage collection. Some shop owners say they’ve been asked for between 100,000 and 200,000 kyats based on shop size and type.

“They don’t consult us, and they just issue orders and demand more taxes,” said a female vendor. Even motorcycle sellers must now obtain MNDAA permits to operate.

With livelihoods at risk, vendors are pleading for a suspension or reduction of the fees, calling them unsustainable during the region’s economic downturn. As resistance grows, the MNDAA’s heavy-handed approach threatens to deepen discontent in Hsenwi.