The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has shut down the Hsipaw–Kyaukme road in northern Shan State, according to local sources.

A local man, who lives in Hsipaw town and spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said that the TNLA didn’t allow anybody to pass the Kyinthi bridge since the morning of 13 March. The bridge is situated between Hsipaw and Kyaukme towns in northern Shan State.

“They shut down the Kyaukme to Hsipaw road. Nobody is allowed to travel on the road. They do not allow anybody to pass the Kyinthi bridge. Actually, the Kyinthi bridge is situated about six or seven miles from the Hsipaw toll gate,” the local man told SHAN.

Local people said that there has been a military build-up in the area since late February.

More than 20 Burma army military trucks travelled from Mongyai town to Hsipaw town during the last week of February. Burma army soldiers from the Military Operations Command-1’s (MOC-1) artillery battalion, Light Infantry Battalion 501 and Light Infantry Battalion 502 have been deployed in civilian villages around Kyaukme Township.

“Local people are worried that armed clashes will occur again in their area. They are worried about their safety. I do not know the reason why the TNLA shut down the Kyaukme–Hsipaw road,” the local man told SHAN.

The Kyinthi bridge, which connects Kyaukme and Hsipaw Townships, was destroyed on 12 November 2023. The Sin Ann bridge, which connects Hsipaw and Lashio Townships, was destroyed on 1 December 2023. These bridges have not yet been fully repaired.