Fighting is creating obstacles for motorists in southern Shan State. After the Burma Army (Tatmadaw) put up roadblocks closing the road from Kehsi to Mong Nawng on Monday afternoon, travellers are being sent back the way they came, Sai San Mueng, a state-level MP for Kehsi constituency-1, told SHAN.

Fighting between the Tatmadaw and the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) broke out in Mong Kung township on February 27. Since then, clashes have spread east into Kehsi township.

“They are allowing travel from Kehsi to Mong Nawng but not from Mong Nawng to Kehsi. Anyone travelling this way has to return back,” Sai San Mueng said.

The road closure doesn’t only affect residents of Kehsi and Mong Nawng townships, he said, it also prevents travel to Namsang, Loi Lem, Panglong, Lai Kha and Kung Hing in southern Shan State, and Lashio in northern Shan State. 

“Many travellers who want to go from southern to northern Shan State are facing difficulties,” Sai San Mueng said.

Locals told SHAN the Tatmadaw is dispatching many troops to the area. 

“Many Burma Army soldiers are being sent. I don’t know what will happen,” said a local from Mong Nawng township. 

Sai San Mueng, a state level MP for Kehsi constituency-1, told SHAN that villagers affected by fighting are sheltering in a monastery in Phet Nam village, located in Wanjing village-tract, in Kehsi township. The rest are staying with their relatives in the township.