Residents in Mongkut (Mogok) and Mongmit (Momeik) say the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has deployed additional forces to provide security for the planned re-entry of Myanmar junta troops into the two towns, located between Northern Shan State and the Mandalay Region.

Locals reported that the TNLA began reinforcing its positions around the area in the final week of November, despite previously announcing that it would withdraw under a Chinese-mediated ceasefire.

“Although the TNLA said they would withdraw, they have added more forces to provide security if the military comes in,” a Mongmit resident told SHAN. “They have gathered large numbers of troops both outside the town in places like Manhpwei and Manong, and inside the town as well.”

Residents noted that both the TNLA and the junta have opened liaison offices in Mongkut and Mongmit, and that TNLA police and administrative staff began pulling out of Mongmit on November 25.

SHAN attempted to contact TNLA spokesperson Lway Ye Oo for confirmation, but the previously active phone number was no longer reachable.

A Mongmit resident said many civilians are leaving the town out of fear of arrests and reprisals once junta troops return, citing crackdowns that followed the military’s reoccupation of Nawnghkio (Naungcho) and Kyaukme earlier this year.

In Mongkut, residents reported that People’s Defense Force (PDF) units—who had fought alongside the TNLA in capturing the town—were ordered to withdraw to the outskirts and avoid confrontation.

“The TNLA will provide security for the military and bring them into Mongkut on the 30th,” a Mongkut resident said. “PDFs were told not to fire weapons or reinforce. Many unfamiliar faces have arrived, and the TNLA liaison office has no sign, so people don’t recognize it.”

Local sources said the TNLA met with PDF units on November 16 and instructed them not to attack junta troops as they re-enter.

The TNLA and the junta previously met in Lashio on November 12 to discuss withdrawal arrangements, following a China-mediated meeting in Kunming on October 27–28, during which the TNLA agreed to leave Mongkut and Mongmit. The TNLA publicly announced its planned withdrawal on October 29.

Residents in Mongkut earlier rejected the prospect of the junta’s return, staging a pot-banging protest on November 6—a symbolic act of defiance against military rule.

Many households are now evacuating as the expected troop movements draw closer. Civilians fear renewed clashes between junta troops and PDFs, as well as arbitrary arrests, property seizures, and reprisals against those suspected of supporting resistance groups.