Pajau Media
27th November, 2024
The drivers reported that local residents are soliciting money from vehicles transporting goods through the Inndaw area of the Sagaing Region.
“When the Myitkyina-Mandalay Highway was shut down due to armed conflict, vehicles transporting goods were required to take the Inndaw ring road. Furthermore, local residents demanded a fee of 30,000 per vehicle for those carrying goods through their area, which they referred to as a village toll. The villagers congregated along the road, necessitating that we comply with their monetary request. There are three ring roads in proximity to their village, of which two have been adversely affected by rainfall. The authorities closed one of the functional ring roads after permitting the passage of a total of 30 vehicles. Furthermore, they allowed vehicles to traverse the poorly maintained ring roads while demanding payment. As a result of the damaged and muddy conditions, many vehicles became immobilized in the mud, necessitating the use of tractors for extraction. Local residents are on standby with their tractors to assist in retrieving the vehicles stuck in the mud, which raises suspicions of intentional obstruction. The cost for each AD van amounts to 30,000 kyats. Additionally, we are required to pay at every checkpoint controlled by various armed groups, which is exhausting, and I find this job increasingly burdensome,” stated a driver transporting goods on the Inndaw Ring Road.
The passage of fuel vehicles is hindered by ongoing skirmishes; however, individuals transporting fuel via motorcycles on Inndaw road report that their work and ability to obtain food are also compromised. This is largely due to the numerous checkpoints and the prevalence of demanding money along the route.
“Individuals transporting fuel on motorcycles invest approximately 1,800,000 in their operations. Their employment is not solely dependent on this capital; they are also internally displaced persons (IDPs) who must borrow funds to support their families. The act of transporting fuel poses significant dangers, as the weight of the fuel increases the risk of spills and potential fires. In the event of conflict, it becomes necessary to seek shelter to evade stray bullets at the locations we reach. Previously, we only encountered armed groups demanding payments at their checkpoints, but now local villagers are also requesting money. Consequently, there is little to no income left for our sustenance. We are already fatigued, and I believe we should also resort to extorting money by behaving like an armed group,” stated an evacuee engaged in fuel transportation via motorcycle.
A 21-year-old man recounted, "I was informed that there were robbers along the route, prompting me to ride my motorbike with caution while returning from transporting fuel. One of my friends, who was also carrying fuel with me, was struck by a motorcycle before 7:00 PM during our journey.
He was unable to get up immediately due to the weight of the fuel he was transporting. While he was lying on the ground, a group of armed men approached and robbed him, taking 1,500,000 kyats that he had with him. We now live in fear, even of individuals dressed in civilian clothing."
It has also been reported that individuals are compelled to exert considerable effort to secure their livelihoods, often sacrificing their lives in the process, due to the unstable political environment characterized by a deficiency in the rule of law.
Comments