Pajau Media
28th January, 2025
While there are no conflicts occurring along the Putao-Myitkyina highway, which remains accessible for travel, it has been reported that numerous challenges arise from the many checkpoints established by the SAC and anti-coup armed forces along this route.
It has been reported that they sometimes carry out rigorous inspections, compelling individuals to abandon their travels, and there have been frequent instances of tourists being subjected to torture.
“Transporting passengers to Myitkyina presents significant challenges. Travelers are required to obtain a letter of recommendation from the Putao Township Police Station. In the absence of this letter, it is common to be turned away at the Sumpi Yang checkpoint. Checkpoints are prevalent in nearly every village. Occasionally, if one inadvertently bypasses a checkpoint while the officials are inebriated, they may face prolonged questioning filled with irrelevant inquiries. The Sumpi Yang and Mulashidi checkpoints are particularly problematic,” said a driver.
A motorist reported that there used to be only three to four checkpoints along the road; however, the current number has increased to nearly twenty. As a result of having to navigate through so many checkpoints, there has been a significant decline in the number of individuals traveling by road.
“Passengers were subjected to physical assaults and various forms of interrogation. Traveling from Myitkyina incurs a toll fee exceeding 100,000 kyats. Despite the limited size of the vehicles, exorbitant toll fees are imposed. This practice contributes to the elevated prices in Putao,” as stated by the aforementioned driver.
At present, the decline in tourist traffic along the Putao-Myitkyina road, coupled with a rise in air travel, has resulted in the price of a flight ticket from Putao to Myitkyina being approximately 400,000 kyats. In contrast, the fare for a bus ticket has surged to more than 200,000 kyats.
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