Tensions have escalated after the junta demanded that Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) troops withdraw from positions between Lashio City and Thibaw (Hsipaw) Town in northern Shan State, with both sides now enforcing roadblocks that make travel difficult for local communities.

The junta has demanded the withdrawal of MNDAA troops from the area between Lashio and Thibaw after retaking Thibaw, which was previously controlled by the MNDAA’s ally, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). Although the MNDAA, which had occupied Lashio City, pulled back from 12 town-centre wards under pressure from Chinese intervention, its forces remain deployed outside the city.

Drivers on the Mandalay–Lashio route reported that both the junta and the MNDAA have blocked the Thibaw Bridge from their respective sides since November 14, and it remained closed as of November 19.

Travelers heading to Lashio City and the border town of Muse are taking an alternative route that diverges from Kyaukme Town and bypasses Thibaw. On this route, the Tarlong-Narmahkaw Road, they have to cross the Namtu River by ferry, resulting in delays, longer travel times, and higher costs.

“Both sides are acting based on suspicion of each other, and it’s the people who are really paying the price. Traveling has become really hard. Trips that used to take half a day are taking much longer now. People are exhausted, and the costs have gone up because of these unnecessarily long journeys,” a driver told Shan Herald.

The section of the Union Highway between Thibaw and Lashio is currently closed after both the MNDAA and the junta blocked the Thibaw Bridge.

On November 15, the MNDAA released over 200 junta troops it had captured as prisoners of war, but tensions between the two sides remain high.

Earlier this month, the junta demanded the withdrawal of TNLA troops stationed between Thibaw and Lashio, but tensions remain as no agreement has been reached.

photo credit - CJ