By Hlaing / MPA

Pretexting the influx of displaced people into Meiktila, Mandalay Region, commodity prices have risen in addition to shortages of goods, according to locals.

Since around 5 AM on August 10, 2024, clashes have escalated between the local revolutionary forces and the military troops in Natogyi, Myingyan, and Taungtha Townships as Myingyan District Special Operation (MDSO), which further caused most residents to seek refuge in Meiktila, Bagan, Nyaung-U, Popa and Kyaukpadaung Townships.

“People who fled from Taungtha are seeking refuge in our neighborhood. There are also displaced people near Wundwin. Many have been fleeing since early August, and the situation is calm. But there’s a shortage of goods, and prices have hiked up,” a man from the Pyitharyar ward in Meiktila, told MPA.

Previously, passenger and cargo vehicles freely entered Meiktila, offloading and onloading goods. However, due to the clashes in Myingyan, Natogyi, and Taungtha, vehicles are no longer allowed to enter the town. As a result, people are now forced to travel to the highway to receive their goods and to access the highway vehicles.

“Before, we just had to pick up our goods at the gate when they came from Yangon, but now, with the high fuel prices, we have to go all the way to the highway and pick them up ourselves, which further increases transportation and commodity costs,” said a fruit seller.

A woman living in Mahlaing Township said, “Vehicles from Myingyan are no longer traveling directly to Yangon, so now people have to go all the way to the Yangon-Mandalay highway to catch a ride which makes it more burdensome for passengers and traders from between Myingyan and Mahlaing.”

Additionally, the news of the possibility of clashes spreading to Meiktila has caused panic buying, leading to shortages of goods.

“Things remain calm in Meiktila, but rumors are scaring people, and they’re buying up everything until the shortages of grocery items. Rice is now 4,500 MMK per pyi (2.24 kg), and eggs are 600 MMK each. The scarcity of goods is making it worse,” said a grocery seller in the central market, Meiktila explained.

Most people fleeing to Meiktila are reportedly non-CDM (Civil Disobedience Movement) workers, students, and junta supporters from Mahlaing, Taungtha, and Yonesingyi Village, with a few working class, according to locals.

“My friend didn’t join the CDM when the military took over, and now she’s become a teacher. As the fighting in Myingyan and Taungtha got worse, her whole family moved to Meiktila,” said a 26-year-old woman from a village in Mahlaing Township.

Currently, military checkpoints and inspections have been tightened around crowded areas, department offices, and lake circuit and exit gates in Meiktila.

Meiktila remains a district of key military strongholds with the presence of the 99 Light Infantry Division, Shante Air Force Headquarters, Air Defense Training Base, artillery units, tank battalions, police academies, and various supply battalions.