Two protests took place in areas controlled by the resistance forces in Banmauk Township, Sagaing Region, in the first week of July, according to people who took part in the protests and merchants.
The first protest by locals demanding the reopening of trade routes took place from 2 to 4 July and second took place on 10 July. Hundreds of locals, including motorcycle taxi drivers, took part in the protests, according to the merchants.
The oil merchants began protesting on 10 July near Par Ya village in southern Banmauk Township against the local defense forces under the National Unity Government (NUG) and the joint forces under the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).
The oil merchants took part in the protest after the local defense forces blocked oil trucks between Par Ya and Kan Taw villages.
“They protested near Par Ya village yesterday. Today they will protest again. They are doing this because of the blockade of the oil trucks. I heard that over a hundred people took part in the protest. They are demanding that the road be reopened,” said an oil merchant.
Oil merchants report that the blockade of oil trucks near the village of Par Ya can last up to three weeks, making both trade and food supplies difficult.
On 2 July, Banmauk residents and motorcycle taxi drivers also protested at the intersection of Kywe Kaw Gyi and Gaung Kaik villages over food shortages caused by the month-long blockade of goods entering the town.
“They (the KIA and the PDF) have blocked these oil trucks. And I think they (the KIA and the PDF) need these supplies. The residents of the town are facing difficulties because the road has been blocked for too long. This has finally led the residents to take to the streets and protest in this way,” said a resident who took part in the protest.
Around 300 motorcycle taxis, 50 three-wheelers and 20 cars took part in the protest that day.
The joint PDF forces have yet to issue any statement on the protests.
The demands of both protests to reopen the roads were unsuccessful and the road sections remain closed.
There have been at least three protests by locals in Indaw, Banmauk and Tigyaing Townships where the defense forces under the NUG are implementing their administrative activities, resource management and other business operations.
Sent by Shanni Voice.