Since the junta took back control of Lashio City from the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) on 22 April 2025, crime has been rampant in the northern Shan State city.

The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) captured Lashio City, formerly the headquarters of the junta’s Northeast Regional Military Command, on 25 July 2024.

But, at Chinese brokered peace talks held in the southern Chinese city of Kunming in January 2025, following pressure from the Chinese government, the MNDAA agreed to leave Lashio City by 21 April and hand it back to the junta whilst still keeping control of and deploying its troops throughout the rest of Lashio Township.

All MNDAA troops and personnel left Lashio City by 21 April, as demanded by the Chinese, and on 22 April heavily armed junta troops, in hundreds of military trucks, re-entered Lashio City.

It is during this transition period, after the MNDAA left and before the junta has properly re-established itself, that crime has become rife.

A Lashio City resident said to SHAN: “The soldiers who just returned to Lashio [City] aren’t really doing much else at the moment—they’re mainly focused on clearing their old positions. Meanwhile, thieves and bandits are running wild in the city, carrying out bold robberies, especially in the empty streets.”

On 23 April, two men attempted to rob a female teacher on a motorbike as she was traveling home from work on Parami Road heading towards Htinshumyaing Ward in Lashio City. One of the two robbers tried to slash her throat with a knife but the woman managed to block the blade with her hand which was injured, according to another Lashio City resident.

He said: “It’s really hard to describe how much the situation has worsened. For now, I just want to warn everyone to keep their valuables hidden when they go out. Don’t focus solely on your phone while walking on the street. If you see two or three people on the same motorcycle, stay as far away as possible. And remember, if something happens, no one in Lashio [City] will be there to help with your safety.”

Details of the Chinese brokered ceasefire have not been disclosed, but it is believed that the MNDAA ceded control of 12 wards in Lashio City to the junta but will remain in control of Lashio Township and all of the 450 villages in the township.

Critics of the Chinese brokered agreement say that by forcing the MNDAA to hand back Lashio City to the junta, China has broken its pledge not to interfere in Myanmar’s domestic affairs.

When this was put to China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun, at a 22 April 2025 press conference, he denied this and said: “China respects Myanmar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and actively facilitates Myanmar’s effort to advance the peace process in northern Myanmar in light of the will and aspirations of relevant parties in Myanmar.”