Arbitrary Seizure of Starlink WiFi Devices by People's Defense Forces in Hkawng Lang Hpu Township

Pajau Media

July 30, 2025

Residents of Hkawng Lang Hpu Township report that throughout July, the local junta allied militia have been arbitrarily inspecting and seizing Starlink Internet WiFi devices.

"All the shops and people who had Starlink WiFi devices installed in Hkawng Lang Hpu Township have had their equipment confiscated by the local Militia . Only those connected to the military are allowed to keep theirs. No explanation was given during the seizure, just that they were acting under higher orders," a local religious leader from Hkawng Lang Hpu said.

Last week, it is reported that even a Starlink device in the courtyard of a Christian church in the Zang Yaw area, which was being used free of charge by locals, was also confiscated.

Other WiFi devices have also reportedly been seized without explanation, with most of the equipment now in the hands of the Militia, leaving only a handful of military owned devices still in use.

Hkawng Lang Hpu Township is one of the most difficult areas in Putao District for communication and transportation access. Since July 21 last year, including Hkawng Lang Hpu and the whole of Kachin State, all phone and internet services were abruptly cut off, and this month marks one year since the cutoff.

Since then, Starlink satellite internet shops have been opened for public use, charging around 20,000 kyat per hour.

News: Mali Hku