In Lashio, northern Shan State, three unexploded landmines detonated on April 20 while drug users and scavengers were searching for remnants from recent conflicts, according to local residents.

The explosions occurred in the afternoon near the Sasana 2500 area and at night near a military camp. During the Sasana 2500 incident, a man in his 40s sustained severe injuries, losing his left leg.

These explosions happened as groups of drug users and scavengers were searching for leftover weapons from recent clashes. Locals reported that such searches have been ongoing, with at least three deaths from mine explosions in the past.

Scavenged military remnants are sold for tens to hundreds of thousands of kyats, locals said. “Some groups loot public properties like schools and military bases, even taking roofing materials. Others focus on hidden military weapons, risking their lives for high profits. Three people—two from our ward and one from a nearby ward—died from mine explosions. Yesterday, two mines exploded in the afternoon and one at night,” a Ward 5 resident told Eleven Media.

Since April 3, MNDAA forces have been seen transporting public property from Lashio’s hospital and government offices, preparing to withdraw from the town, locals said. Days later, on April 20, videos surfaced showing groups scavenging leftover materials, like roofing and metal, from schools and military compounds.

Shortly after, explosions were heard in the afternoon, followed by another loud blast around 9:30 p.m., according to residents in Wards 5 and 8. A Ward 8 resident remarked, “People are taking and selling things that should be discarded. Those scavenging these dangerous items will likely be labeled as thieves and vandals.”

On April 21, MNDAA flags were no longer visible at Lashio’s town hall roundabout, and the town appeared to be operating normally. Reports suggest MNDAA, other armed groups, a Chinese ceasefire monitoring team, and senior Myanmar military officials are holding talks in Lashio, but no official statements have been released.

Rumors indicate that on April 22, after the Myanmar New Year holidays, Lashio’s administration may be handed over to the military council’s regional authorities. However, no official confirmation has been issued, and Lashio civil servants currently in Taunggyi have not received any orders to return.