A combined force of Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and People’s Defense Force (PDF) has cut off the entrance road to Sin Shwe Li Sugar Mill in Inwaing in Nawnghkio Township in Shan State in order to prevent the military council from sending reinforcements, according to local residents.
On the night of 14 August, the TNLA and allied forces dug a trench near the Nam Hsaing creek-crossing bridge using a backhoe to block the road. Local residents said this action is intended to prevent the military council from sending reinforcements.
“We can’t even cross the road with a motorcycle. On the night of 14 August, the allied forces blocked the entrance road to the sugar mill. Since then, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have been unable to use the road. Vehicles trying to enter the company have stopped near the bridge. We’re concerned about the possibility of military council reinforcements coming through this route,” said a local man from Nawnghkio.
The TNLA and allied forces have blocked the entrance road to the Sin Shwe Li sugar mill in Inwain, located about eight miles from Union Road in Nawnghkio Township, making travel difficult for residents.
Local residents said that IDPs from other areas have been traveling to Pyin Oo Lwin via Hsum Hsai, Kant Kaw, Thapyaywun, and Lun Kyaw.
“We can reach Bant Bwe when traveling from Lelkyinkway to the sugar mill. However, people from villages between Lelkyinkway and Bant Bwe can no longer use motorbikes or vehicles to buy goods; they now have to travel on foot. It’s no longer possible to transport and sell goods from Pyin Oo Lwin,” he added.
At around 2 pm on 15 August, the military council force bombed a temporary market between Zay ward and Budar ward without active fighting in Nawnghkio. No one was injured as the bomb did not explode, according to local residents.
Sent by Shan News