Myanmar migrant workers seeking to escape embattled Laukkai town in northern Shan State have been shot at by junta troops, some were killed.
Victims told Mizzima that migrant workers, from other areas of Myanmar, were trying to leave the town on 22 November when they were allegedly shot at by the Military Council troops. The firing, involving both heavy weapons and small arms, reportedly occurred outside of Laukkai near the Taseltan military gate.
In Laukkai, businesses have come to a halt, and the rising commodity prices of goods have created challenges for the local population. Consequently, migrants in the town are attempting to return to their respective states and regions in Myanmar.
According to a woman who experienced the 22 November incident, Military Council soldiers near Taseltan Gate compelled the people to follow a detour. Subsequently, the soldiers opened fire on the vehicles, and then accosted the people.
"We are compelled to adhere to the instructions of junta troops. There is a force of fifteen to twenty soldiers at Taseltan Gate. The junta soldiers fired indiscriminately, causing people to flee in fear and forcibly taking their valuables, such as phones,” the witness said.
There are reports indicating that a significant number of people lost their lives as a result of heavy weapons fire from the Military Council, which targeted the cars of those escaping the area.
On the morning of 23 November, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) declared that a vehicle carrying internally displaced persons (IDPs) en route to Kokang, Laukkai, and Tonchang, was struck by heavy weapons fire by the Military Council. All the IDPs in the vehicle lost their lives, with a reported death toll of at least 14 people.
Mizzima has not been able to independently verify the reported death toll.
The witness additionally reported observing the logo of the 55th Light Infantry Division (LID) on the military uniforms of the soldiers who were involved in one of the incidents.
According to local sources, many temporary residents living in Laukkai express a desire to return home. However, due to the ongoing firing by the Military Council and the heightened state of conflict, they are unable to do so and find themselves stranded within the town.
