Extension of railway operations in Kachin State is only for military support, it is said

AYEYARWADDY TIMES July 12 The Kachin State Interim Government has announced that the Myitkyina-Mogaung-Mawhkin railway section in Kachin State will resume operations from July 21. Local military sources say that this action is intended to quickly transport weapons, ammunition, and supplies for the Interim Government's army for battles within Kachin State, rather than for public transportation. "Preparations are being made to transport troops, weapons, and supplies from Mandalay to Mawhkin by military convoy, and from Mawhkin to Myitkyina by train," a source told The Irrawaddy Times. To facilitate regional commodity flow and as part of the "100-Day People's Beneficial Project," the 52.25-mile Mogaung-Mawhkin railway section has been upgraded, and trains No. 49 (upcountry) and No. 50 (downcountry) will run from July 21, the Interim Government has propagandized. Regarding this matter, the Chief Minister of Kachin State for the Interim Government, U Hket Htin Nan, held a coordination meeting on July 8, it is reported. However, according to the ground military situation, the Interim Government army, after controlling the routes of Matta, Sintku, Thabeikkyin, Htigyaing, Katha, Inndaw, Mawlu, and Nansiaung in May, has used convoys of hundreds of vehicles, including military and civilian vehicles, to enter and exit the Northern Military Command (Mapaka) based in Myitkyina three times. Currently, the outcome of the Bhamo battle depends entirely on the Interim Government army's ability to replenish troops and ammunition, and efforts are being desperately made to open ground supply routes. Military ships heading towards Bhamo are also being prepared at Mandalay Gawin Port. Therefore, the Interim Government army is approaching to use the railway section as a fortified military supply route, in addition to land and water routes, and the extension of railway operations under the guise of public benefit is merely preparations to quickly transport the much-needed reinforcements and ammunition for the army, military analysts say. Photo – KSG