Some local residents have been forced to flee to safer places amid concerns of possible armed clashes as local armed groups have reinforced their troops in Kunkauk and Seiau villages in Theinni Township, Lashio District, northern Shan State.
The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) reinforced its troops in Kunkauk village on 6 October, while the Myanmar army also sent reinforcements to Seiau village, according to locals.
A local man in his 30s said some villagers fled as a precaution because armed groups had set up camp near the village.
“People are afraid because the troops are near the villages. For this reason, about 300 people have already fled. About 100 of them have taken shelter in Hpaihkam Monastery, while some have fled to their relatives in the town.”
The displaced villagers are from Tanthkan, Nawngmum, Kunkauk and Pinehone villages.
According to locals, about 400 KIA soldiers are currently stationed in Kunkauk village and at least 200 junta soldiers in Seiau village.
Locals fear that fighting could break out because Kunkauk village, where the KIA base is located, lies between Seiau and Namsalat villages, where the military council has set up camp, said Aik Sai (pseudonym).
There is a military council base in Namsalat. Artillery is often fired from there. As a result, residents fear that junta forces will shell the area from the base if fighting breaks out. But the KIA has said that if the junta troops approach the village, they will retreat; they do not want any fighting near the village,” said Aik Sai (pseudonym).
In addition, fighting broke out between the intruding Myanmar Army troops and the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) near Namtu Creek in the Kunkauk village area at around 1 pm on 5 October. After the clash, the military council troops withdrew from the area, locals reported.
KIA troops are currently stationed at the Kunkauk Monastery compound and collect taxes from trucks traveling between Kunkauk and Kunlong, locals said.
Sent by Shan Herald.