The traffic police issued orders to control traffic in the city. Under close scrutiny are government offices, ministers’ residents and their offices in the capital, said a local from Hakha.

The authorities have told motorcyclists to use helmets and carry their driving license. The order also restricts motorcyclists to carrying only one pillion rider. Stern action will be taken against motorcyclists, if the orders are violated.

"If motorcyclists flout the order, the authorities will confiscate the motorcycle and the motorcycle owner will be fined Kyat 50,000 to get back the two wheeler," said a local from Hakha.

The traffic police of Hakha confiscated a motorcycle because the owner did not wear a helmet. He was fined Kyat 50,000 and released after being detained for a week in the police station last week, said a local.

"My friend, Biak Za Cung was arrested for flouting the new traffic rule and fined Kyat 50,000 on May 14. Other motorcyclists were also arrested by the traffic police after the new order was issued," said a youth from Hakha.

The new traffic rule has been welcomed by the local people because it will reduce accidents in the city. There are about 7,000 to 8,000 two-wheelers in the city alone and about 4,000 are registered.

But some motorcycle owners seem to have an understanding with the traffic police, who are bribed. A motorbike crash claimed the life of Pu Biak Hnin on the main road of Hakha on December 14, 2010. A young girl died in a motorcycle accident in the city last year. - Khonumthung News