Kyaikto, March (31)
The military council has expanded troop presence on Kyaikhtiyo Hill in Mon State’s Kyaikto Township, equipping troops with heavy weapons, an official from PDF-Thaton told Than Lwin Times.
The junta army has prepared a place to fire 120-mm heavy weapons in the vicinity of the Kyaikhtiyo Hill and Rathedaung area in the last week of March, and has increased its troops to over 100.
Ko Aye Min Tun, the PDF official of Thatthong District, said that the installation of heavy weapons is likely intended to respond if their camps are attacked and to fire heavy weapons into the villages if a clash breaks out.
Hence, the resistance forces warned the locals living around the Kyaikhtiyo foothills to remain vigilant and abide by the set rules.
The military council shouldn't deploy troops in the Kyaikhtiyo region, which is not a military area,and which raises concerns of the local people, a local said.
According to local residents, the junta troops are currently deployed in the vicinity of Rathedaung, Kyaikhtiyo Hill, the Crow’s Mouth Cave, the helipad, and the foothill of Kinmon camp.
The deployment of the troops in the vicinity of Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda, a tourist destination for millions of domestic and foreign pilgrims, has also drawn criticism.
News-Than Lwin Times
Thanlwintimes