More than 20 people, including members of the PDF, were arrested in two weeks in Loikaw township, Kayah (Karenni) State, according to locals.

A local resident told Mizzima that the arrests are continuing daily and there are daily clashes in Loikaw.

"As far as we know, the military council has arrested more than 20 people in the last two weeks, and yesterday they fired heavy artillery. it was only shooting the previous days. The shooting lasted for about an hour. They indiscriminately opened fire on the streets where there were houses," he said.

Locals said that some locals are finding it difficult to shop because of such shooting, the spate of arrests and Martial Law.

The Progressive Karenni People's Force (PKPF) issued a statement on the evening of September 1 urging people not to go out unnecessarily as checks in Loikaw township may be tightened after a series of artillery shelling by the Military.