Myanmar junta tightens control over Nawnghkio-Pyin Oo Lwin road

Myanmar’s military has tightened restrictions on the transport of food and medicine along the road linking the northern Shan State town of Nawnghkio to the regime stronghold of Pyin Oo Lwin in Mandalay Region, according to residents. The move comes amid fierce clashes in the area as regime forces move closer to Nawnghkio, which has been under the control of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) since June of last year. Security checks have been intensified at the Yin Ngoo Pin and Wekwin checkpoints, located along the 35-mile road between Nawnghkio and Pyin Oo Lwin, residents who passed through them recently told Myanmar Now. “I told them I was visiting the clinic because of my poor health, but they still confiscated my medicines, claiming I was carrying too many,” said a woman who frequently passes through the Wekwin checkpoint to receive medical treatment in Pyin Oo Lwin. “The inspections weren’t this strict before; now they’ve become much harsher,” she added. Another traveller recounted how their food was seized at the Yin Ngoo Pin checkpoint because the quantity was deemed to be more than necessary for personal use. “Since clashes happen frequently, I bring extra instant noodles and canned fish in case I get stuck on the road overnight,” the traveller explained. “Forget about carrying rice or oil—none of those are allowed now.” Everyone going through the checkpoints also has to be photographed before they are allowed to pass, other travellers complained. “All passengers and drivers have to get out of their vehicles and line up in front of them like criminals to have their photos taken,” said one man. Locals say that restrictions have also been tightened at resistance checkpoints near Nawnghkio. “The resistance forces have also set up checkpoints, but their approach is different from the junta’s. They politely inquire about our origin and destination, caution us about artillery fire, and don’t demand money or confiscate belongings,” the man said. Travel restrictions have been in place in many parts of northern Shan State since the TNLA and its allies launched their Operation 1027 offensive in late 2023, forcing locals to use more circuitous routes that often become impassable in the rainy season. Since August 2024, China has also imposed strict controls on the movement of goods, medicines, electronics, fuel, and people at its border checkpoints, aiming to pressure the resistance forces to cease fighting. While these restrictions have eased since the junta regained control of Lashio, northern Shan State’s largest city, earlier this year, conditions have yet to return to pre-conflict levels, traders said. In areas under TNLA control, strict controls remain in place as the regime intensifies pressure on the group to hand over five towns under its control, including Nawnghkio. At a press conference held on July 5, TNLA spokesperson Lway Yay Oo told reporters that China had recently met separately with the junta and the Ta’ang army, urging both parties to halt hostilities and agree to a ceasefire.

Myanmar junta tightens control over Nawnghkio-Pyin Oo Lwin road

Residents say they are no longer able to bring food or medicine through checkpoints set up by the regime along the 35-mile road

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