Indian-Backed NUG Faces Backlash Over Sagaing Toll Charges

Protesters in Myanmar’s Sagaing Region have blocked major roads in Wetlet Township, denouncing steep toll fees imposed by the civilian People’s Administration Organization, part of the National Unity Government (NUG) structure, which is backed diplomatically by countries including India.

Demonstrators at the Bo Yine checkpoint on the Sagaing–Shwebo road say the toll on fuel—15,000 kyats per can—is unaffordable and unjustified. “We’re not refusing to pay taxes,” one protester told The Irrawaddy, “we just want them lowered to 5,000 kyats.”

Fees for cargo trucks reportedly vary by load, sometimes reaching as high as 2 million kyats, with smaller vehicles paying between 5,000 and 30,000 kyats. Protesters have vowed to escalate if demands are ignored: “If they don’t come, we’ll go to the tax office,” one said.

The road has become a critical supply line since the main Mandalay–Kachin highway was blocked in neighbouring Madaya Township. As a result, vehicles must now detour through Bo Yine and across the Irrawaddy River, compounding traffic and costs.

Despite the significance of the route, locals say no representatives from the People’s Administration Organization have met protesters. The Irrawaddy was unable to reach officials from either the administrative or defence arms of the NUG.

While the NUG officially authorises only two tax checkpoints in Wetlet, residents and local defence forces report numerous unofficial gates run by various resistance groups, some allegedly using threats and violence against civilians.

“There are too many toll gates,” said a member of the Wetlet People’s Defence Force (PDF). “A fair and acceptable tax system is needed. People are fed up.”

Discontent is growing not only over taxation, but also over inter-group disputes, arbitrary arrests, and reports of extortion. Locals are calling on the NUG to intervene, fearing that mismanagement and unchecked decentralisation could erode public support.

While the NUG fights for international recognition against Myanmar’s military junta, scenes like this in Sagaing reveal the internal cracks forming in its civilian governance on the ground.

-2025-06-16