Myanmar’s military regime has barred individuals aged 15 to 40 from traveling along the strategic Myitkyina-Putao highway in Kachin State, cutting off a vital overland transport link and forcing residents onto expensive flights, local sources said.

Since early September, junta troops at key checkpoints—including Tsumpiyang in Putao Township and Upper Myitsone near Myitkyina—have turned back all travelers within the designated age bracket.

The order invalidates local administrative recommendation letters that previously permitted passage.

“Before, people were allowed to travel if they showed recommendation letters, but that’s no longer enough,” a local woman told news outlet KNG. “Junta authorities turn back everyone aged between 15 and 40.”

The restriction has left northern residents dependent on domestic flights between Putao and Myitkyina. One-way airfares have jumped to between 500,000 and 600,000 MMK, with booking wait times stretching from two weeks to a month.

“A one-way flight ticket now costs as much as a round-trip bus ticket, and booking requires a month-long wait,” a Putao resident said. “With overland travel blocked, people are completely stuck.”

The regime previously restricted youth travel along the route in 2023 to prevent military-age individuals from entering territory held by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

The highway serves as the main artery connecting Myitkyina with Putao, Khaunglanhpu, and Naungmon.

The KIA currently controls Sumprabum Town and extensive sections of the road, while heavy fighting continues in nearby Khaunglanhpu Township between regime forces and a KIA-led resistance coalition.

Photo caption: Some cargo trucks heading to Putao.