Restrictions on Transporting Rice, Oil, and Onions at Maran Kahtawng Joint Checkpoint on Myitkyina-Hpakant Road Section

Pajau Media

May 15, 2025

At the Maran Kahtawng joint checkpoint on the Namati-Lawa road section of the Myitkyina-Hpakant route in Mohnyin Township, authorities have prohibited the transport of rice, cooking oil, and onions for nearly a week, according to a local resident who wished to remain anonymous.

"All other goods can pass through the checkpoint normally—they allow them. But staple foods like rice, oil, and onions are no longer permitted. Small amounts, like one or two bags of rice, are still allowed, but large quantities are being stopped," the source said.

Since April 24, when military tensions escalated again in the Hpakant region, the joint checkpoint has been inspecting and restricting the transport of food supplies.

"This checkpoint is jointly controlled by the People's Defense Forces (PDF) and the military council’s troops. The ban on transporting food—rice, oil, and onions—has been in place since May 8 and continues to this day," the source added.

In recent days, military movements and clashes have intensified in the Hpakant area, with both sides reinforcing their positions and fighting escalating.

Locals speculate that the restrictions on transporting food supplies may be due to fears that they could be sent to support resistance forces in Hpakant.

The Hpakant road section near the Maran Kahtawng checkpoint is a frequent battleground between the military council’s troops and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). The area remains highly contested, with ongoing military tensions between the two sides.

News – Htu Seng