Myanmar Military Resumes Strict Civilian Inspections and Phone Searches in Loikaw

Myanmar junta troops have resumed strict searches of bags, mobile phones, and vehicles belonging to residents in the military-controlled town of Loikaw, locals reported.

The heightened security measures, which began on July 26, are heavily concentrated around the Daw Noe Ku Bridge and the Thiri Mingalar market area in the capital of eastern Myanmar's Kayah State.

“If they find local gambling apps on a phone, they detain the person and force them to pay a fine. And if they find any sign of contact with the People’s Defense Force (PDF), you are in serious trouble,” a male resident explained, referring to the armed anti-junta resistance groups.

Unlike similar joint military-police operations in early June—which resulted in multiple detentions and arbitrary fines—the current checkpoints are manned exclusively by military personnel, who interrogate residents as they navigate the town.