Pajau Media Channel
23rd May, 2024
A Putao local resident reported that the town is experiencing increased food shortages due to rising rice prices.
A resident of the Lay Yin Kwin Ward stated as follows; "Numerous households are in need of rice, even before the start of the rainy season. If a list were compiled, it could potentially include thousands of households in Putao’s central district and surrounding villages, excluding those from other villages."
The current prices in the Putao region are as follows: Local raw rice: 15,000 kyats per plaint, 8 plaints rice bag: Over 100,000 kyats per box, 1 viss of oil: Between 21,000 and 25,000 kyats, 4 eggs: 5,000 kyats and 700 ml of gasoline: 80,000 kyats.
The resident further explained that "Local rice now costs over 100,000 kyats for 8 plaints, while rice from lower Myanmar must be transported by plane, resulting in a bag of rice costing over 500,000 kyats. Consequently, ordinary individuals can no longer afford to purchase rice, and there are limited sellers of local rice in the region."
As a consequence, the number of local residents experiencing rice and food shortages is escalating daily, with approximately thousands of individuals affected in the Putao region.
A charitable organization in Putao Town is appealing for donations and is currently supporting thousands of families by providing two portions of rice per household. However, the demand for rice exceeds the supply, resulting in significant challenges for many individuals.
A local resident stated that, "The unstable political climate has led to a scarcity of rice sellers compared to previous years. Even the rice donated by charitable organizations is insufficient, and numerous families are left empty-handed due to the depletion of donated rice supplies."
The residents of the Putao region are concerned that the abrupt closure of the road between Myitkyina and Putao, coupled with the tense political situation, could lead to prolonged starvation. Additionally, they anticipate increased difficulties in agricultural activities due to soaring fuel prices and fuel shortages.
It has been brought to our attention that the ongoing military escalation between the two armed forces in the Putao region has prompted the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) to indefinitely close the Myitkyina-Putao highway, citing security concerns. This decision was made effective on March 9th. Furthermore, the SAC forces have imposed restrictions on water transportation and all land routes within the Putao area.
News - Mali Hku
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