The Myitkyina-Putao Highway, Closed for 3 Months, Reopens with Limited Truck Access

Pajau Media Channel

10th June, 2024

The Myitkyina-Putao highway in Kachin State, closed for three months, has reopened with limited truck access starting June 8.

The highway was closed on March 9 due to military conflicts between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the SAC. On June 8, over 10 trucks began traveling from Myitkyina to Putao with permission from both armed forces.

Although trucks are now allowed to transport goods, they are still restricted from carrying fuel, which has been transported by air through efforts by Kachin State Chief Minister Hkyet Hting Nan.

The military tensions in Putao District, Sumprabum Township, since early March had halted all vehicle movement on the Myitkyina-Putao highway for three months. During this period, Putao residents faced shortages of basic food supplies, rising prices, and a fuel shortage.

The highway, closed due to the armed clashes between the KIA and SAC forces on March 9, reopened three months later with limited access.