Junta troops have been deployed to villages across Ywangan and Pangtara (Pindaya) townships in southern Shan State, forcing local residents to carry out guard duty on a rotational basis, according to villagers.

Residents said that since early December, large numbers of troops under the military administration have been stationed in villages within the Linway, Ta Pin Pyaw, Kyauk Nghet, and Kyan Taw village tracts of Ywangan Township. Locals are being compelled to construct guard posts around their villages and take turns standing watch.

“They are forcing almost every village to build four or five guard posts around the village. We thought the soldiers would guard them, but instead it is the villagers who must stand watch,” said a resident of Ywangan Township. “We have to take turns guarding at night while soldiers stay inside the village. We are living in fear,” the resident added.

The resident added that inspections have intensified as Ywangan Township is included in the second phase of the military regime’s planned election, scheduled for January 11.

Similarly, Pangtara (Pindaya) Township, which is part of the first phase of the regime’s election scheduled for December 28, has also seen an increased military presence. Residents reported that troops have been deployed in large numbers in the Mae Nam Taung area, as well as in the Taung Paw Gyi and Mong Li village tracts, where villagers are likewise being forced to participate in night guard duty.

“The military does not usually stay in villages close to town. They mostly base themselves in villages near forests and hills, where they believe revolutionary forces may be active,” said a resident of Pangtara Township. “In these villages, locals are required to take turns guarding at night. In some places, both soldiers and villagers stand guard together,” the resident added.

Residents said the military has also increased checkpoints and frequently conducts patrols in forested and hilly areas in both townships, creating an atmosphere of intimidation. Locals believe these measures are intended to ensure the election proceeds as planned.

Despite the tightened security, violence has continued. On November 29, the Danu State National Defence Army (DSNDA) shot and killed U Win Myint, a leader of the pro-junta Pyusawhti militia, along with one of his subordinates, in Myin Kya Doe Village, Ywangan Township.