On May 26th 2012, the Kachin Independence Army blocked the way between Mantong to Namtu citing reasons of civil war. They sent a letter to the local bus station to inform them of their actions.
A local resident and bus station manager said "the KIA released a letter sayingthat due to the civil war they would block access to the road between Mantong and Namtu and that this would have an affect on passengers ability to travel and that it would be advisable for buses and trucks to avoid taking this route.”
Local people feel that the reason for the road block is to prevent Burmese military soldiers reaching Lashio as they have to take this route to get there. It is one of the main cities in northern Shan State and important for trade.
The letter was sent to the bus station so they would inform the local authorities of the road block. The KIA letter advised local traders to avoid travel at this time as they could possibly get caught in the cross fire in fighting between the KIA and the Burmese Military. The KIA strategy is to block the road in order to prevent the advance of Burmese Military troops.
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