Internally displaced people in Muse Township in northern Shan State continue to remain displaced due to ongoing heavy fighting between the Myanmar army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) as tensions between the two sides remain high.
Fierce fighting between the two armies from 23 July 23 the end of the month forced residents of Namkat, Mankan and Monghsat villages of Namkat village tract to Sunsao Ward in Muse.
“On the day of the opening of the camp on 29 July, there were about 320 people. We received individual donations of any amount. Some donated rice, cooking oil and salt. We informed the administrator about the return of the displaced people this evening. But the situation is not stable yet, and I am not sure if they can return or not,” said the head of the camp.
He added that there are donors who are helping the displaced with any amount they can raise, but there are other needs in the camp.
A resident of the camp said, “Our biggest problem is the supply of water and electricity. Electricity is not always available, so we can’t pump water. With so many people living here, it is not easy for us to take a bath.”
Regarding communication with some CSOs and NGOs, the person in charge of the IDP camp said, “Two NGOs and CSOs came to collect data about the camp. But they haven’t come back to provide any assistance.”
Fighting broke out between the Myanmar army and the TNLA near Mankan village in Muse Township on 23 July, and tension between the two sides continued until 31 July, locals reported.
Locals also reported hearing sounds of heavy artillery.
The village chief said, “We heard that the fighting has quieted down now. But people in the IDP camps are still worried as they still hear sporadic artillery fire. The situation is still tense. It erupted around 5 pm on 23 July. There was a gunfight in the village. On 26 July, junta troops went up the hill after roaming the village. But they did nothing, such as looting, destroying or burning houses.”
Also, at around 9:30 pm on 29 July, an artillery shell hit and exploded in a house in Namhpatkar village in Kutkai Township, killing one woman and seriously injuring two others, according to local residents.
In July, clashes between the Myanmar army and the TNLA occurred more than ten times in Muse, Kutkai, Lashio and Kyaukme Townships in northern Shan State.
Sent by NMG
