The Union Highway was temporarily blocked to prevent Military Council troops from entering the conflict zone of the Kachin-Sagaing border according to sources close to the KIA.
In Katha District, Tigyaing Township, and Indaw Township along the Kachin-Sagaing border, intense military tensions and ongoing clashes persisted between Military Council troops and the joint forces of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and People's Defense Forces (PDF).
In Tigyaing Township, there has been over 10 days of ongoing conflict between both sides. Furthermore, the Indaw region is currently under military tension and facing bombardment from the military forces. In response to the continuous fighting in Tigyaing and Indaw, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) initiated a traffic blockade along the Nabar, Pinwel, and Nanttel route starting from October 16, aiming to prevent the entry of Military Council troops.
The KIA linked source continued to explain that the road blockade was implemented to ensure the safety of the public and avoid endangering lives."Despite the road closure, Military Council troops entered and attacked the Pinwel area yesterday.
On the morning of November 16, following the KIA's initiation of roadblocks in locations such as Nabar, Pinwel, and Nanttel, Military Council troops also enforced traffic blockades at the Namseeawng checkpoint and the 21-mile checkpoint at the exit of Myitkyina. The checkpoints were subsequently reopened on November 19.
While the Military Council has reopened the Namseeawng checkpoint and the 21-mile checkpoint at the Myitkyina exit, the KIA has kept it blocked for the fifth consecutive day. This ongoing blockade is causing difficulties for motorists, as passenger vehicles and trucks remain stranded, according to an officer at the Mawhun checkpoint.
"As of today, travel remains restricted. We are aware that the Namseeawng and 21 Mile checkpoints are currently accessible. However, the road in Indaw and Tigyaing is still blocked by KIA and PDF. Individuals arriving from Mandalay are stranded in Indaw, while those from Myitkyina are stuck at Namseeawng Monastery. The Namseeawng Abbot is providing care to some passengers and drivers, and they are awaiting the reopening of the road.”
Currently, there are at least 10 stranded passenger vehicles in Indaw Township, and trucks from Myitkyina, Hpakant, and Danai townships are reported to be stuck at Namseeawng Monastery. A resident of Mawhun mentioned that the majority of the stranded vehicles are from Kachin State.
The road blockades amid military tension in Mohnyin areas have led to significant hardships for the local population. The cost of one gallon of fuel has surged to MMK 33,000, and the prices of food products have experienced an exponential increase, further exacerbating the difficulties faced by the residents.
