Mandalay- Taungyi buses robbed

Buses bound for Taunggyi, Shan State capital, from Mandalay were robbed by a band of about 10 gunmen in camouflage with expensive weapons and passengers lost large amount of money, jewelries and mobile phones, according to a source from Southern Shan State.

On 27 April, at 20:30, buses and van cars on the way to Taunggyi were waylaid near Ywa Ngan, west of Lawkzawk and south of Ye Oo.

"It is a short-cut way. There are few villages along the way and do not have access to electricity. That's why we did not know who they were," said a driver who wishes to remain unknown.

The group departed with a lot of money, jewelries and hand phones from the buses and van cars, but no one was hurt, said the driver.

The short-cut road has been used since over 10 years ago. Before it was used for trucks carrying teakwood, charcoal, lacquer trees, and contrabands at night time.

Normally, vehicles bound for Taunggyi from Mandalay go through Meikhtila and Thazi, a distance of 212 miles (340 km).
(Source-www.shanland.org,)