Locals in northern Shan State and China are facing difficulties with work and travel after an unofficial cross-border road was cut off by Chinese authorities this week.

Opposite Shan State’s Muse Township, Chinese workers began digging along the banks of the Shweli River on October 2. The activity has blocked a road connecting the Chinese village of Ein Zang with Man Hero in Muse.

“There is an entry point at the border in Man Hero—it’s not an official entrance gate agreed upon by both governments, but local people are permitted to travel through it from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.,” said Muse resident Sai Aik Yee. “But they cannot go there now because Chinese authorities have been digging the earth around the road. Locals are facing many difficulties because they have blocked the road,” he added, alleging that roads frequented by illegal timber traders remain open.

According to Sai Sam, a local who lives on the Chinese side of another nearby unofficial crossing point, villagers were warned by Chinese border authorities not to travel to Burma.

“We must not go to the other side for a month. If we cross the border and something happens to us, the authorities won’t take any responsibility,” he told SHAN. “Battles often break out on the other side [in Burma]. That’s why it’s difficult for us to go to the other side to sell things or to visit relatives.”

Official border crossings between China and Shan State include Nandaw, Mong Weing and Sinphyu. At unofficial entry points, authorities are known to issue locals temporary border passes.