Renewed tensions have erupted between the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), also known as the Kokang Army, and the military regime after the junta pressured the group to withdraw from areas between Lashio and Hsipaw in Northern Shan State. The standoff has led to mutual road blockades, severely disrupting public travel.

Drivers on the Mandalay–Lashio route told SHAN that junta forces, which recently regained control of Hsipaw, have blocked the Hsipaw Bridge to all traffic since November 14, citing heightened tensions with the MNDAA. As of November 19, the blockade had entered its seventh day and remains in effect.

Because of the road closures, travelers heading to Lashio or Muse are forced to take a lengthy detour: bypassing Hsipaw via Kyaukme, using the Htar Long (Tar Long)–Nar Ma Kaw Road, crossing the Namtu River by ferry, and then continuing through Namlan and Mong Yaw. The alternative route has caused significant delays and increased transportation costs.

“Everyone is suspicious of each other. When they behave like this, the public suffers. A half-day trip now requires a long detour. It wastes time, causes fatigue, and costs extra money,” said a driver on the Mandalay–Lashio route.

Travelers report that due to mutual blockades by both junta troops and the MNDAA, no vehicles can currently use the Union Highway between Hsipaw and Lashio.

“The MNDAA is active again near Lashio, around Hoya and Nam Pawn. The military wants control of the Lashio–Hsipaw corridor because it’s a direct route from Mandalay. Some people say the road might not reopen until the end of the month, so travelers should check the situation first,” the driver added.

Locals say the military has also closed the Hsipaw–Mong Yaw road section and the Namlan–Kyauk Ku–Lawk Swak (Yatsauk) section since November 14, cutting off the flow of goods and raising concerns about rising commodity prices.

On November 15, the MNDAA in Lashio released more than 200 prisoners of war (POWs) captured during recent clashes with junta forces stationed between Lashio and Hsipaw. However, tensions between the two sides have not eased.

The MNDAA handed over 12 wards in Lashio town to the military in April under pressure from China, but MNDAA units remain positioned in villages within four miles of the town’s perimeter.

Earlier this month, after retaking Hsipaw from the TNLA, the military demanded that the MNDAA withdraw from both the Hsipaw–Lashio and Lashio–Mong Yaw sections of the Union Highway. When discussions failed, tensions escalated, resulting in the ongoing mutual road closures.