Residents of Taunggyi, Southern Shan State, say intensified security operations by Myanmar’s military junta and the Pa-O National Organization (PNO) have sparked growing fear, as several youths and middle-aged men have reportedly gone missing in recent days.

Since the third week of December, joint patrols by junta troops and PNO forces have been operating nightly across the city, particularly after 7:00 p.m. Witnesses report that at least eight military vehicles carrying fully armed personnel have been conducting patrols and setting up checkpoints along the East and West Ring Roads.

Following the escalation of security measures, five individuals—including three middle-aged men and two youths—reportedly disappeared on December 23. The missing individuals are from Shwe Taung, Kan Thar, Kyaung Gyi Su, and Phaye wards.

“I’ve heard that several young people have gone missing. A high school student I know left home on December 24, saying he would be back shortly, but he hasn’t returned,” a Taunggyi resident in his 30s told SHAN. “Families are terrified that their children may have been forcibly taken for portering or something worse.”

Among the missing is reportedly an internally displaced person (IDP). Family members say they have been unable to contact him since his disappearance and remain deeply concerned for his safety.

Residents believe the heightened security measures are linked to the first phase of the military-led election scheduled for December 28 in 12 townships across Shan State.

“I think it’s because the election is coming. Military vehicles are everywhere now. They stop and search people, especially after 9 p.m. It’s safer not to go out at night at all,” another resident said.

Locals noted that such a heavy military presence has not been seen since the peak of anti-coup protests in 2021 and 2022.

The atmosphere of fear has been further intensified by the recent disappearance of Ko Aung Ko Ko, also known as Phoe Ni, a 24-year-old man who went missing on December 19 while returning from harvesting corn in Pai Khun (Pekon). As of December 23, his whereabouts remain unknown.

Residents also reported that junta forces have been seizing unlicensed vehicles during nightly patrols. In some cases, authorities allegedly threatened vehicle owners with arrest if they attempted to pay fines or negotiate for the return of their vehicles.

As security operations continue, residents say daily life in Taunggyi has become increasingly restricted, with many choosing to remain indoors after dark out of fear of detention or disappearance.