SHAN STATE – The junta subordinate Pa’O National Army (PNA) militia has closed the Pinlaung-Loikaw Road in Pinlaung Township, Pa’O Self-administered Region, southern Shan State indefinitely, according to people waiting on the road.
The PNA forces at Naungpi Gate initially closed said road for five days from August 13 to 17 but reportedly extended the period of road closure indefinitely on August 17.
“What we’d like is for them to make a clear statement about when the road will be opened even if they close it. But now, we have to keep come here hoping it will be reopened, which is just a waste of fuel,” said a driver.
It is also said that the PNA forces have been confiscating goods from trucks and asking for money from private cars, starting from Nantaung intersection.
“Some private cars reportedly paid. Some, not all. I don’t know why they paid,” said a displaced person who experienced it.
Organisations assisting displaced people said that PNA closing the road could lead to commodity prices rises in Pekhon, Demoso and Loikaw and also delay travel times for displaced people.
