CNI News

13 Dec 2022

Fighting between the Palaung State Liberation Front/Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar military in Namhsan in Palaung Self-administered Zone in Shan State (North) has displaced more than 2,000 residents, member D D Poe Kyein of the Ta'ang Political Consultative Committee told the CNI.

The clashes erupted from 7th December to the evening of 11th December and residents were forced to flee to Namhsan, he added.

D D Poe Kyein said, "More than 2,000 residents have been displaced. People from Manlone, Konetha and surrounding villages fled to Namshan."

During the clashes, the Myanmar military launched airstrikes while military battalions in Namhsan and Manton fired heavy weapons.

Residents displaced by fighting between the TNLA and the military.

Local residents have difficulties as they are harvesting tea and drying them, a volunteer who has been helping the displaced told the CNI.

He said, "Local people will face difficulties because it is time for them to harvest tea and paddy. They had to flee from their villages by leaving everything they had. We call for both parties to resolve issues through dialogue without bearing any grudges against each other because it is local residents who suffer when clashes break out."

Ta'aung civil society and social assistance organizations are offering help to the displaced.

D D Poe Kyein told the CNI, "Our local residents are in trouble. It is winter and it is very cold. We are worried about the elderly and children. They should be staying indoors in warm clothes but they are fleeing from clashes. Moreover, schools have just reopened after a hiatus of two year due to COVID-19 and the political crisis. Children cannot go school because of the battles. The local economy has been damaged and local residents are wondering what they can do for their living. The displaced are in serious trouble."

The TNLA is a Ta'aung armed organization that is negotiating for a bilateral ceasefire agreement with the military.