The military junta is planning to ban express boats transporting goods along the Chindwin River to upper Sagaing Region, according to local merchants close to express boat operators.
Express boats currently operate along the Chindwin River from Monywa to Hkamti, primarily transporting fuel, basic food items, construction materials, and textiles.
After local defense forces reopened waterways, rumors quickly spread that the junta would prohibit departures from Monywa, according to local express boat business owners.
A merchant from Homalin said, “What we’re hearing now is that the junta is planning to shut down the waterway again. They’re saying they’ll close departures from Monywa because this waterway is most frequently used by PDF supply lines.”
The military council has reportedly claimed that express boats are transporting rations and basic food supplies needed by local defense forces along the Chindwin River.
Approximately 500 express boats that had been stranded for about five months near Shwe Pyi Aye town, between Kalewa and Homalin Townships, docked at Homalin on 19 February after local defense forces reopened the route.
“About 400 motorboats have now docked at Homalin. They’re carrying goods, fuel, and other supplies. Commodity prices should decrease a little. They’ve brought diesel and cement that we need here,” said a Homalin resident.
Since local defense forces control much of the Chindwin River, the military council has had to use convoys of up to ten naval vessels when transporting goods to the upper region, and they have frequently faced blockades.
Townships along the Chindwin River banks primarily rely on water transport, as land routes have been alternately blocked by local defense forces and the military council since 2022.
Sent by Shanni Voice.
