The military junta has imposed a strict ban on the transportation of food, including rice, from Kalay to Chin State. This restriction has been in place for about a week.

Since August 20, the Military junta’s 8-Mile checkpoint, located near the university entrance at the exit of Kalay Town, has been conducting rigorous inspections of passenger buses and trucks destined for the Chin Mountain Ranges. The checkpoint has specifically prohibited the transport of rice and other food items.

“Currently, no rice is entering Falam. The Military junta has barred those returning from Kalay from carrying rice. Large trucks carrying sacks of rice are not allowed to leave, and even small vehicles carrying rice are stopped by soldiers, who immediately force the removal of the rice,” said a resident of Falam Township in Chin State.

In addition to rice, the Military junta troops at the 8-Mile checkpoint have also prohibited the transport of other food items, building materials, cement bags, and electronics. Medicines can only be transported with prior approval from the authorities and relevant companies.

Despite the ban on cargo trucks, passenger buses from Kalay to Falam continue to operate. However, the cost of transporting additional luggage on these buses has increased due to the restrictions.

“There are services where buses carry bags of rice covertly. For more difficult-to-transport items, the charges are generally higher,” a bus driver reported.

The northern regions of Chin State, which heavily rely on rice imported from Kalay, are experiencing soaring prices due to these restrictions.