The Myanmar military has threatened to seal the homes of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have not yet returned to Loikaw Township in Karenni (Kayah) State, in an attempt to pressure them to return ahead of the planned national election.

Heavy fighting broke out in Loikaw on November 11, 2023, between the military and the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF), forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes.

In early June 2024, the junta announced that it had regained control of the town. Since then, displaced residents have faced increasing pressure from military authorities to return — with some reportedly forced back under duress.

Loikaw and Bawlakhe townships, both under junta control, are included in the first phase of the election, scheduled for December 28. As the election draws near, military authorities are reportedly warning displaced residents that their homes will be sealed if they do not return before December.

“Some have already returned. They said they would seal the homes of those who don’t come back. They are calling for people to return,” said a woman who recently returned to Loikaw.

According to displaced residents, the junta’s main motivation is to ensure voter participation in the upcoming election. Authorities have instructed returnees to register on voter lists at local police stations and government offices.

However, many IDPs say they are not ready to return due to safety concerns and family obligations.

“We know they are calling us back to vote,” said one female IDP from Loikaw. “Since school is open here, it’s inconvenient to move. We plan to go back when school closes. If they seize our homes because we can’t return now, we’ll have nowhere to live.”

Travelers on the Loikaw–Taunggyi Road report facing strict inspections and extortion by military junta troops and members of the Pa-O National Organization (PNO) militia.

“If you travel from Mong Pai (Mobye) to Taunggyi, you pass about ten checkpoints. It’s the same if you go from Hsihseng,” said a 40-year-old male IDP from Loikaw. “We had to pay 5,000 Kyats at every checkpoint. If you don’t have a recommendation letter, they climb onto the car, search everything, pull people out, and send them back.”

He added that while some residents have returned, job opportunities are scarce, transportation remains difficult, and commodity prices have soared — worsening living conditions.

Currently, basic goods are several times more expensive than before the conflict. In Loikaw, eggs sell for around 500 Kyats each, while low-grade rice costs between 70,000 and 100,000 Kyats per sack. A packet of sweetened condensed milk that once cost 50 Kyats now sells for 400 Kyats.

The sharp rise in prices, combined with insecurity and restricted movement, has left many residents struggling to survive in one of Myanmar’s most war-torn regions.