Fear and anxiety loom over citizens in the new year
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Phyo Lin Aung (NP News) - Dec 31
It is the New Year season, and many people desire to travel during their year-end holiday. Furthermore, the Myanmar government has declared an official holiday period from December 28, 2024, to January 1, 2025. This means that the international New Year season has become an extended holiday for Myanmar citizens, providing them with an excellent opportunity to travel. As a result, many people plan vacations, family gatherings, or cultural events, making it a peak time for tourism within the country and abroad. The combination of the extended break and the festive atmosphere encourages both relaxation and exploration.
However, unfortunately, on December 24, 2024, PDF terrorists appeared on the Yangon-Mandalay Highway, specifically at mile 318 near Natogyi Township. The media outlets supporting them have reported that travelers using the Yangon-Mandalay expressway are being advised to exercise caution, as there are plans to engage in combat with Tatmadaw forces using this route. The PDF armed group in the region reportedly stopped and checked vehicles traveling along the expressway at mile marker 318 on that day. This warning was issued due to the anticipated clashes with Tatmadaw forces along this road in the near future, according to their media.
This situation has raised concerns among all citizens who are planning to take vacations. Many are now worried and anxious about their security, as the uncertainty surrounding the clashes has made travel more risky. The potential danger has caused travelers to reconsider their plans to ensure their safety during the holiday season.
The Yangon-Mandalay expressway is the most important route for both domestic travelers and internal trade. Therefore, such threats have created a significant disruption, halting the tourism sector during this season. With the highway being a vital artery for transportation, any danger or insecurity along the route directly impacts not only travelers but also the flow of goods and services across the country. This situation is causing widespread concern, especially during the busy holiday period.
My friends, who had plans for a short trip during this holiday, canceled their plans upon seeing the news. The growing concerns about safety along the Yangon-Mandalay expressway have made them hesitant to travel, as they fear potential risks and disruptions. This has become a common reaction among many who had been looking forward to a peaceful getaway, highlighting the impact of security threats on people's travel decisions during the holiday season.
Since 2021, the PDF terrorists have engaged in destructive activities in public areas, becoming a significant threat to all citizens. They have arrested innocent people by falsely labeling them as "Dalan" and have carried out torture and extrajudicial killings, targeting not only civilians but also monks and nuns. Such cruel actions have created a climate of fear and uncertainty, with the public deeply concerned about the possibility of encountering PDF terrorists during their travels. These threats have escalated anxiety, leading many to reconsider their plans and avoid potentially dangerous areas.
The people have now been living in fear for over four years. Their basic freedoms, such as the right to travel and to enjoy food, have been severely restricted due to this atmosphere of fear. Because of the actions of terrorist groups, military zones have expanded throughout the country, making it increasingly difficult to travel between cities. Some people have even been unable to return to their hometowns for a long time.
The terrorists often carry out threats and attacks in public spaces and during public events, using the pretext of opposing the government. This situation is similar to a ruthless pattern where they attack innocent civilians, relying on weapons to assert power, much like a bully seeking dominance through force.
Tamadaw has been engaged in battles across the country due to the actions of PDF and ethnocentric groups, resulting in numerous military confrontations. As a result, there have been occasional lapses in security in urban areas. The growing concerns of the public are worsening day by day, and the government must act swiftly to restore control over the situation.
After four years of conflict, the lives and homes of citizens have been severely disrupted by the violence. With the government aiming to hold elections in 2025, it is crucial to address and resolve this situation as quickly as possible. I extend my best wishes for the new year, hoping that this issue can be tackled and resolved in the near future.