Drivers said the military council has closed the road from Lawksawk in southern Shan State to northern Shan State indefinitely, starting from the early morning of 12 November.
In the early morning of 12 November, the military council closed the checkpoint at the exit of Lawksawk town on the Lawksawk-Kyaukgu road, which is a key route for traveling from southern Shan State to northern Shan State. Due to the road closure, vehicles heading to northern Shan State were forced to turn back, according to one driver.
“The vehicles are not allowed to pass through the junta’s checkpoint at the exit of Lawksawk. Vehicles coming from northern Shan State are allowed to enter southern Shan State, but travel to northern Shan State is banned. The soldiers at the checkpoint said they don’t know how long the closure will last,” he said.
The Lawksawk-Intaw-Kyaukgu-Namlan road, which connects southern to northern Shan State, is a busy route. Due to the road closure, travelers are likely to face even greater difficulties, another driver said.
“I don’t know why the road is closed. I think people are not allowed to enter northern Shan State. Despite the closure, travelers will have to use alternative routes. It will cost more and cause additional difficulties. In fact, the junta soldiers are stationed at the checkpoint at the exit of Lawksawk, while the Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP) is positioned in front of the junta’s checkpoint,” the driver said.
The military council has been carrying out constant aerial bombings in the towns of northern Shan State. There is speculation that the blockade may be part of an offensive in Lashio, though Shan News is still working to independently verify this information.
The military council has been bombing towns in northern Shan State. The bombing of Mogok on the night of 11 November and the attack on Nawnghkio in the afternoon of 12 November resulted in at least 20 civilian deaths and over 20 others injured.
Sent by Shan News