The military junta has increased its presence along the No. 8 Union Highway connecting Ye and Thanbyuzayat in Mon State, in an attempt to strengthen its control. As a result, local residents and travelers are facing intensified security checks.
According to travelers, military troops are now stationed at no fewer than nine locations along the main road from Kwan Kyaik village to Ye. There is also a more significant military presence near Kwan Kyaik village, in front of Ko Yin Lay Pagoda's entrance, and at the entrance to Sone Nantha village.
"I just traveled down from Ye yesterday. The road is filled with military personnel. They have reinforced their troops from the highlands all the way to Ye. The Sone Nantha village checkpoint is packed. Near the entrance to Ko Yin Lay Pagoda alone, there were about 30 to 40 soldiers," a traveler on the Ye-Thanbyuzayat route reported.
As a result, travelers are subjected to lengthy inspections, including verification of identity documents and travel permits. Additionally, reports indicate that military personnel are extorting money from travelers.
A resident from Ye stated, "The military is getting stricter. When we were returning from Mawlamyine yesterday, they demanded 10,000 kyats from one vehicle, 20,000 kyats from another, and some had to pay 5,000 kyats. They take as much as they want. Trucks carrying rice have to pay between 50,000 and 60,000 kyats."
Although clashes along the Ye-Thanbyuzayat road have decreased since October 2024, the military junta has been reinforcing its troop presence.
At least three direct clashes with resistance forces occurred near Kwan Kyaik village in December and January. Military convoys have frequently been attacked in the area.
On days when clashes occur, roads are temporarily closed, security measures are heightened, and inspections become even stricter. This has caused difficulties for emergency medical cases and travelers.
In January, due to intensified fighting between the military junta and resistance forces in eastern Ye Township, local residents began stockpiling food supplies.
The military has also been restricting and blocking vehicles transporting rice and other essential goods along the Ye highway.
Meanwhile, Mon resistance forces announced their intention to engage in battles under a unified command, leading to speculations that fighting in Mon areas may escalate.
