Residents of Laung Lone township in the Tanintharyi Region are facing severe shortages of daily essentials and fuel for machinery due to new restrictions imposed by the military junta on the transportation of food and fuel products.
Since late December, following intensified clashes between junta forces and revolutionary groups in Kyauknimaw Village, Laung Lone Township, the military has enforced a blockade on the transport of essential goods, including food supplies and fuel, at the Kamyawkin Inspection Bridge.
Although the clashes have currently ceased, the junta is permitting the transport of medicine, food supplies, and fuel under strict limitations.
A resident of Laung Lone explained, “The junta has imposed these transportation restrictions. However, if you can pay them, they allow transportation. It is a matter of money; the more you pay, the more you can transport.”
It was also mentioned that the inadequate transportation of essential food supplies and medicine has exacerbated the hardships faced by the residents.
Another resident of Laung Lone stated, “Since the military coup, the public, who already faced significant basic needs shortages, has been enduring even harsher conditions. For example, essential medicines are not being transported as needed, and rural clinics are lacking in every village. As a result, residents who have already suffered the loss of their basic livelihoods are unable to access necessary supplies, leading to rising prices. In short, during this period, the public is facing a multitude of severe hardships.”
In Laung Lone Township, where junta forces frequently conduct military offensives and territorial clearance operations using significant ground, water, and air power, over a thousand locals have fled and are now living in hiding. As of today, they are still unable to return to their homes. Those assisting internally displaced persons have stated that food aid is urgently needed.
