Shingkawng residents struggle as junta and militias restrict goods flow

In the remote village of Shingkawng in Kawnglanghpu Township, Putao District, Kachin State, residents are enduring hardships as the junta and an allied militia group jointly block the transport of goods.

The Tang Gu Tan militia, which controls Shingkawng Village, has blocked local traders, merchants, and residents from crossing the border into China to purchase imported goods.

As a result, villagers are struggling to bring essential supplies back to their homes.

Villagers accused the militia of monopolizing imports from China into Shingkawng Village. While local traders face hardships, the junta and militia have allowed Chinese traders to open shops in the village, a local told KNG.

“All the shops here are owned by Chinese people, and they’re allowed to open right near the junta and militia checkpoints. The junta and militia collect more taxes from these shops. Since the Chinese have to pay high taxes, they sell their goods at higher prices, making even basic food items like rice and oil very expensive,” he said.