The military council has suspended all benefits and salary payments to the families and widows of military personnel who either surrendered, died, or went missing during the capture of the Northeast Military Command Headquarters in Lashio, Northern Shan State, by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). The MNDAA successfully captured Lashio city and the military command headquarters in August 2024, during which they allowed the surrender of military personnel and released their family members.
Following their release, the surviving family members and widows made contact with military officials and units based in Mineye and Tangyan areas. Two months after the fall of Lashio and the Regional Military Command, starting from October 2024, the military council had been providing half of the usual benefits and salaries to the families of those who died, went missing, or surrendered. However, these limited benefits have now been completely suspended. Sources confirm that the military council has provided no explanation for this suspension.
The wife of a missing sergeant major from Lashio explained their situation, stating that they initially received half of their entitled benefits, with some units receiving full benefits if they had good relationships with senior officers. However, all payments have now been completely stopped without any explanation. Some families haven’t received payments for four months, while others have been cut off since March and April. When inquiring about the situation, unit officials simply state that it was an order from higher authorities, affecting both officers and soldiers alike.
Furthermore, families of military personnel who died in Lashio are not receiving any benefits, including life insurance payments. The military council had promised to process benefits for families of those whose bodies were not recovered after a six-month waiting period. However, this promise remains unfulfilled even after eight months. A mother of a soldier from Support Unit 626 based in Lashio revealed that despite the waiting period extending beyond six months and into eight months, they have received no communication about the benefits. When they inquire about the status, they are simply told that the process is ongoing without any concrete results.
