Myanmar’s regime administrative staff have re-entered the northern Shan State capital Lashio as the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) under Chinese pressure has left the city it liberated.
Along with resistance allies, the MNDAA liberated the city in August 2024 after a month of fighting.
Under pressure from Beijing, the armed group agreed to retreat from Lashio by April 21, according to the Lashio reconstruction group that was formed by the MNDAA to rehabilitate the war-torn city.
The MNDAA has been withdrawing its forces and administrators from the city this month. A Lashio resident told The Irrawaddy on Friday that regime groups, including the general administration department, health department, military intelligence group and some military representative groups, had returned to Lashio.
Wa News Land reported that the United Wa State Army had jointly provided road security with the MNDAA since April 6 to enable the regime to return to Lashio.
Residents said Chinese representatives, the MNDAA and regime officials met at a Lashio hotel on Friday. The details of the meeting are currently unknown.
A military analyst close to the MNDAA told The Irrawaddy on Saturday that the meeting discussed the division of Lashio Township and no agreement had been reached.
A Lashio reconstruction member said the MNDAA would leave the city but retain control of the surrounding area.
Junta Telegram channels reported that an MI-17 helicopter landed five times in Lashio on April 17 to deliver regime personnel.
Members of the Civil Disobedience Movement, political prisoners released from Lashio Prison and anti-regime activists have reportedly left the city.
Residents blamed the MNDAA for handing back the city as many people, including fighters from other groups, lost their lives and numerous homes were destroyed during the fighting for the city.
The Lashio reconstruction member said: “We don’t want the MNDAA to hand Lashio back to the junta. However, there are political power plays beyond our knowledge.”
Beijing reportedly threatened to close all borders to MNDAA-held areas in northern Shan State while the junta threatened further airstrikes.
The threats followed failed China-brokered peace talks between the MNDAA and regime in March.
A Lashio resident said ordinary civilians had no say over who ruled them.
“We left Lashio during the fighting. The people are like a volleyball being fought over by two dogs. Nothing changed for us,” he added.
The MNDAA is a member of the Brotherhood Alliance that liberated most of northern Shan State and vital trade routes with China during Operation 1027, which began in October 2023.
