Rice runs short in Kachin jade mining town due to junta restrictions

By Admin 10 Jul 2025

DMG Newsroom

10 July 2025, Hpakant, Kachin State

The military regime has banned the transportation of rice to Hpakant, Kachin State, resulting in a rice shortage in the jade mining town.

Since June, the military regime has reportedly blocked the passage of trucks carrying rice and other food supplies at a security checkpoint in Namti Township on the Indawgyi-Hpakant road.

"The military regime has been blocking vehicles carrying rice at a junta security checkpoint for over a month. As a result, most rice shops in Hpakant have been empty for about a week now," said a local man.

Locals say there is currently only a small amount of rice stock left, rice shops are selling limited quantities, and the situation is likely to get worse soon.

The Kamaing-Hpakant road is also reportedly closed to traffic due to fighting.

A junta security checkpoint in Namti Town, which is blocked by the military regime, is also a key point for controlling the movement of goods and people.

"This road connects both Mandalay and Sagaing regions. I think the military regime's intention in blocking this road is to cut off supplies to the KIA and allied forces," said another local man in Hpakant.

More than 3,000 residents from more than 10 villages in Hpakant Township have been forced to flee due to the fighting.

"If people don't have enough rice to eat, the impact will be huge. The displaced people are facing a severe shortage of rice. They are already facing a lot of hardship this month," said a local social activist.

The military regime is fighting a coalition force led by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) as it attempts to control Hpakant.