The military junta continues to impose restrictions on the transportation of rice, food supplies, and goods from Ye Town to the Ye Chaung Phya region, according to local sources.
Since the second week of January, security checks have been intensified at the Than Bridge checkpoint, a key route between Ye Town and Ye Chaung Phya. Additionally, another checkpoint has been set up along the Kyone Ywar–Ye Chaung Phya road, allowing only limited transportation of goods.
As these routes serve as the primary connection for Ye Chaung Phya residents to Ye Town, locals are struggling with rising commodity prices, according to a rescue social worker assisting displaced people in southern Myanmar.
“These two roads have remained under tight security checks. It’s been a while now, and residents are struggling with soaring prices. For example, each family is allowed to transport only about six baskets of rice,” the worker said.
Before clashes broke out in Kyone Laung in early January, a bag of medium-quality rice cost 90,000 kyats. Now, the price has surged to nearly 200,000 kyats, while eggs are selling for as much as 800 kyats per piece.
Beyond trade restrictions, young people traveling along these routes are also subjected to strict identity checks, including travel permit and ID inspections. As a result, travel to Ye Town has significantly declined, according to a resident from Wae Bai village.
“The authorities are particularly targeting young people, conducting stricter inspections, and detaining those they disapprove of. Because of this, most young people are afraid to travel, leaving only the elderly to handle necessary trips,” the resident said.
In January, before the Kyone Laung battle began, the military junta launched an offensive in the area, leading to clashes with local resistance forces near Old Kyone Laung village. The military used heavy artillery and airstrikes during the attacks.
As of today, junta troops remain stationed near a monastery along the Ye Chaung Phya road, while some displaced civilians are still unable to return home, taking refuge in gardens and forests.
