The military junta has imposed tighter restrictions on travel along the Mawlamyine–Ye Union Highway, requiring travelers without Mon State-issued National Registration Cards (NRC) to present endorsement letters from local administrators, according to passengers and drivers.
Travelers from Karen State and Tanintharyi Region said they are being stopped at checkpoints along the highway and must show both their NRC and a local endorsement letter to pass. Those without the letter are reportedly forced to pay bribes or are denied passage.
Local sources said the junta has expanded its checkpoints and inspection gates along the highway in recent days, strictly screening anyone who does not hold a Mon-issued NRC, labeling them as “out-of-area travelers.”
A resident from Yebyu said, “If your NRC shows you’re from another area, they demand money. If you don’t pay, they won’t let you continue. Locals pay just to get through easily, and now they’re even requiring endorsement letters from village administrators.”
In mid-September, a displaced person holding a “6/” NRC from Thetkaw village checkpoint along the Thanbyuzayat–Ye road was denied passage and forced to turn back, according to witnesses.
The junta’s inspection teams have also been conducting surprise checks at hotels, guesthouses, and apartment buildings, targeting young people carrying NRCs from other states or regions.
A resident from Kyainseikgyi said, “They focus mainly on NRCs. If your card starts with 3/ or 6/, they take 2,000 to 3,000 kyats per person. They don’t check older people much, but they interrogate the youth, asking where they’re going and what they do.”
Because of these restrictions, locals say they now travel only for essential reasons such as medical emergencies or urgent family matters.
Earlier in January, the junta also arrested individuals in Mawlamyine who held NRCs beginning with ‘13/’ issued in Shan State.
The military junta, which is attempting to maintain control over Union Highway No. 8, is increasing its road inspections while simultaneously launching military operations south of Thanbyuzayat Township. Resistance forces have advised civilians to travel only when absolutely necessary due to the heightened military presence.
