The outer area of Lashio Central Market in northern Shan State has reopened starting from the morning of August 29.

It is reported that there are no significant clashes in and around Lashio City, and while the usual hustle and bustle has not fully returned, normal movements are resuming within the city. However, as of now, electricity and phone lines are still unavailable, although the internet can be accessed via Starlink Wi-Fi.

It has been learned that plans are underway to reorganize roadside shops within Lashio and designate a specific area as “Lansone Market” for relocation and sales.

Some locals believe that the Kokang forces are no longer seen in Lashio, and it appears that the Palaung forces have been left in charge. Locals speculate that if the military were to return to Lashio, it would likely be after the fighting in the Naung Cho area has ceased. Reports indicate that Myanmar military troops are still present in the northeast.

Similarly, it was reported that the central market in Kyaukme, which had been closed for two months since the start of the second phase of Operation 1027, reopened yesterday. Today, Starlink Wi-Fi units have been installed in Kyaukme, and people can now use the internet by paying 3,000 kyats per hour.

A local from Kyaukme mentioned, “It’s privately run. Three thousand kyats per hour. Quite a lot of people started using it today. There’s still no phone network. They say they’re working on getting it up and running in the coming days.”