Myanmar regime airstrikes have targeted Lashio since August 30, killing six civilians and injuring 77 others and damaging houses, schools, markets and shops in the northern Shan State capital.
The military’s Northeastern Command in the city fell to the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance (MNDAA) in early August. As the MNDAA worked to restore public services, the regime started near-daily bombing.
Lashio resident Ko Gam Sai recently told The Irrawaddy about the ordeal of bombing raids.
The regime has been bombing Lashio for a month. How is the city?
The airstrikes have mostly hit civilian buildings. Only a few buildings like the General Administration Department are military targets and the rest are residential. Few Kokang [MNDAA] troops are based in the city. The regime is mainly bombing residential areas and not militarily important targets.
We were aware that there would be bombing raids after the fighting. We stayed away from battalion headquarters and police stations. But the regime has barely targeted those places.
Why did residents return if they expected bombing?
Many returned after the fighting to check their homes. Many were unable to bring their belongings when they fled the fighting.
One family’s father died during the fighting but they could not have him cremated as they had to flee. They left his body at home and had him cremated only when they returned.
Many returned to check on their homes and take their belongings. Many were reluctant to leave their homes again.
How many residents have returned to Lashio?
Almost everyone returned. Some left again whereas most chose to stay.
Some thought their homes would not be hit and many could not afford to leave again. They faced starvation when they fled earlier so they were reluctant to leave.
Why have other people left after returning?
When we returned, we found our houses in bad condition. Roofs were damaged and beds were rotting with rainwater. Well-off families and business owners returned for possessions and then left again.
More have stayed than left again.
Most low-income families have no choice but to stay.
How are people earning a living?
Some families run stalls, often at the city entrance close to the Infantry Battalion 41 headquarters.
Almost all the filling stations have closed. Some are still running outside Lashio. In Lashio, some people sell petrol in plastic buckets outside filling stations. Business owners have left and most of those who remain are poor.
How are residents feeling about the airstrikes?
We are not armed. The regime is frightening us into leaving Lashio. It wants us to believe we won’t be safe in liberated territory.
We thought the regime would only bomb military targets but schools, markets and residential areas are targeted. We don’t know where is safe. We are in constant fear.
People need money to flee. This morning our church leaders said they needed to flee but they needed money first.
They stayed during the fighting but now want to leave.
It shows how worried we are. People don’t know where and when the regime will bomb.
What do you want to tell the armed groups?
Our country is suffering from armed conflict and other disasters.
The junta calls itself a government and needs to take responsibility for flood victims. I want it to do its duty and fight in a way that does not harm civilians. This is my only demand.
