Mizzima-Aug 26
Travel agencies report that the Myanmar junta has issued a directive barring the sale of travel tickets to individuals from the Wa, Palaung (Ta’ang), and Kokang communities who hold Shan State national Identification Cards beginning with the code “13/”. An official from a bus line operating routes between Yangon, Mandalay, Keng Tung, and Tachileik mentioned on 22 August that “Wa, Palaung (Ta’ang), and Kokang individuals holding Shan State IDs with the ’13/’ prefix are restricted from traveling unless they receive permission from the Military Council. However, the end date for this restriction has not yet been clarified.” A manager at a bus terminal indicated that military officials have been instructed to prevent ticket sales to members of the aforementioned communities holding Shan State ID cards for trips from Yangon to Shan State. While it was possible for individuals from Shan State to travel to Yangon until recently, they must now obtain approval from the Military Council. Additionally, some bus stations have stopped selling tickets to holders of Shan State ID cards, according to a staff member at a Yangon-Myawaddy bus line’s ticket office. “Shan State ID cardholders face travel restrictions, while those holding IDs from other regions can travel freely,” said the ticket sales manager at the Yangon-Myawaddy bus line. Currently, there is ongoing conflict between the Military Council and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) as well as the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in northern Shan State. In response, the Military Council has imposed travel restrictions in the area. Read more at: https://eng.mizzima.com/2024/08/26/13247
