Junta blockade of key waterway in Naga region sparks fuel and rice shortages

The junta’s closure of a vital waterway in the Naga Self-Administered Zone, part of Sagaing Region in northwest Myanmar, has led to rice and fuel shortages.

The junta’s closure of the Chindwin River waterway at Hkamti Town in Sagaing Region’s Hkamti Township, has caused severe fuel and rice shortages in Leshi and Lahe, towns in the Naga Self-Administered Zone, residents of these two towns reported.

Leshi and Lahe townships, which include the two towns, rely heavily on the Chindwin River for importing essential goods, but residents have faced severe hardships since the junta’s blockade began in the second week of August, a Lahe Town resident said.