The regime has blocked buses and trucks travelling towards Chin Hill from Kalay town.
This came four days after the Civil Defence Militia – Siyin (CDM) announced it would attack a Burma army camp in Thaing Nguen on the road from Kalay to Tedim.
A CDF soldier said the regime hasn’t allowed any vehicles through the 8-mile checkpoint since 3 July.
“They told travellers that there were many PDF soldiers between Kalay and Thaing Nguen who would shoot and kill civilians. In reality, a column of Burma army is going to launch an offensive operation at Chin Hill.”
Junta soldiers have been targeting young men along the route, especially at the Thaing Nguen checkpoint. After accusing them of being PDF soldiers, they arrest and torture them. Many of them are still detained.
At the end of June, the CDM warned the villagers of Thaing Nguen and surrounding villages to seek shelter before it attacks the junta’s camp, where up to 60 soldiers are stationed.
Thaing Nguen is located at the intersections of the Kalay – Tedim, Falam – Hakha and Tedim – Rihkhawda roads.
A man from Kalay said, “Many people have to cancel their (bus) trips to Chin Hill.” He said vehicles can enter Kalay, but they cannot leave the town.
Since early April, motorists needed permission from the Kalay District Police Station to go to Chin Hill, but now no one can.