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Villagers refuse to return despite junta’s electricity incentive

HURFOM: On October 20^th, 2025, a junta’s regiment consisting of approximately 100 troops advanced into Zar D village, Kan Bauk area, Yebyu Township, Tenasserim Division and stationed themselves at the village monastery and inside residents’ houses.

On October 23^rd, the junta’s regiment restored electricity in the village and urged villagers to return home. However, displaced villagers are not returning to their village.

“The electricity has been cut off in Zar D since December, 2024. Now, there is lighting in the houses where the junta’s regiment is stationed. If there is electricity, the phone telecommunication towers will work. The regiment left the village on October 24^th but we dare not go back to the village,” said a local man from Zar D village.

The villagers said restoring electricity to the village was a tactic to encourage the villagers to participate in what is widely called the military’s sham election.

Villagers said they are not willing to return home due to blocked roads, the presence of landmines and fears of armed clashes.

“There is a danger of landmines, so what do we do for our livelihood after returning to the village? Now, it’s time to tap rubber plants but no one dares go back to the village. We have to sacrifice our livelihood and our children’s education,” said another villager.

Frequent military advances forced the entire population from Khaung Pyan, Dike Ta Kor, Kyauk Hta Yan, Khway Ma Phaw, Zar D Yaw Ma, Thit Hla Taw, Ah Nout Kone and nearby villages to flee their communities.

On March 15^th, 2025, a regiment consisting of about 300 troops advanced into the Dawei Special Economic Zone and cut off electricity, phone and Internet service in Zar D village.

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