Kyaukme stands desolate as military recaptures town amid civil war
- Kyaukme has been heavily affected by civil war, with a large portion of its population displaced after the military's recapture ten days ago.
- The conflict has led to significant accusations between military forces and local militias regarding the causes of damage in the town.
- As the military plans elections at the end of the year, many locals remain fearful and skeptical of the future amid ongoing violence.
Myanmar has been facing significant turmoil as civil conflict escalates, particularly in recent months. Kyaukme, a town located in Shan State, symbolized this struggle as it fell into the control of Myanmar's military government on October 1, 2023, after a fierce three-week battle with local ethnic militias. Once home to a vibrant community of 46,000 residents, the town now finds itself largely abandoned, with the majority of its original population fleeing the violence and many businesses shuttered in fear. During a rare visit by journalists, they noted an eerie silence enveloping Kyaukme, where market vendors appeared visibly anxious at the presence of outsiders. The damage in the town is palpable, with evidence of recent military confrontations evident throughout the area. The aftermath of the conflict saw accusations flying between opposing sides. The ethnic militia previously controlling Kyaukme accused government forces of inflicting damage through targeted airstrikes and the use of heavy weaponry. Conversely, soldiers from the military claimed the militia had destroyed property while making their retreat. Although the local government focuses on maintaining a semblance of order and control, the reality on the ground reflects a much more complex situation, underscored by a lack of a free press and the presence of military checkpoints. Soldiers are stationed every few hundred meters along vital routes, maintaining a tight grip on mobility and access to information. As tensions remain high, the local authorities have prohibited independent journalists from freely entering Kyaukme and other conflict zones, further complicating the understanding of ground realities. Local residents who remained during the violent clashes voiced their struggles; many expressed that they could not afford to flee, staying behind to preserve whatever semblance of normalcy they could. However, with continuing military offensives and the threat of landmines lingering in residential areas, the fear of future violence grips those few who have chose to stay. With elections purportedly planned for the end of the year, the military hopes to legitimize their governance through high voter turnout, despite widespread skepticism about the elections being fair or free. The overall sentiment in Kyaukme reflects a community caught in the crossfire of strategic military interests, with the town's crucial location on a trade route to China making it a key point for both sides in this ongoing conflict.