People in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, riding Chinese made unlicensed motorcycles are finding it extremely difficult to negotiate the road to Laiza on the Sino-Burma border, in the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) controlled area, a source said.

On the way to Laiza, Burmese military junta authorities are checking the motorcycles. If they are found to be unlicensed, the owners are being fined and then released, according to a resident.

On the flip side, the authorities are continuing to issue motorcycle licenses in Myitkyina, Bhamo and Momauk (N'mawk). The deadline for issuance of licenses is end October. Motorcycle owners in Waingmaw Township also have to collect licenses in Myitkyina, a resident added.

The restriction on driving unlicensed motorcycles in Myitkyina has led to a number of clashes between residents and traffic policemen while the later tried to seize the unlicensed motorcycles in the town.

"The traffic police wait till 9 pm to seize motorcycles. Irate residents pelted stones on the police personnel early this month," a resident told KNG.

The Burmese military junta officials also issued license last week for three days for the first time in Loije Township in Bhamo District. About 300 motorcycles were registered and issued licenses of about 500 two wheelers in town, according to a Loije resident.

Most of the motorcycle owners have been complaining about the registration fees being charged for the two wheelers. The authorities have told them that despite getting licenses they would get the complete license documentation after registration, a Loije resident added.