Election Day marred by gunfire and artillery blasts in Katha

Gunshots and artillery blasts rocked Katha Town in Sagaing Region’s Katha Township, near Kachin State, as residents cast ballots in the junta-run election on December 28.

Katha was among 102 townships included in the first phase of the junta's three-phase election. Other Sagaing Region townships in Phase 1 included Kanbalu, Shwebo, Monywa, Sagaing, Homalin, Hkamti, Layshi, Lahe, Nanyun, Tamu, and Kale (Kalay).

Except for Hkamti, Layshi, Lahe, and Nanyun, all these townships have a strong resistance presence, with fighting continuing in the areas until the day before the election.

During the election in Katha Town, locals reported that the Light Infantry Battalion 309 (LIB 309) based in the town was firing artillery.