Myanmar junta troops have resumed strict searches of bags, mobile phones, and vehicles belonging to residents in the military-controlled town of Loikaw, locals reported. The heightened security measures, which began on July 26, are heavily concentrated around the Daw Noe Ku Bridge and the Thiri Mingalar market area in the capital of eastern Myanmar's Kayah State. “If they find local gambling apps on a phone, they detain the person and force them to pay a fine. “Knowing they conduct these checks, I don’t even want to bring my phone when I leave the house,” a female resident said. Despite the heavy-handed security measures, the junta is attempting to project a return to normalcy in Loikaw, with ongoing reconstruction efforts and the local administrative apparatus continuing to operate.