Amid ongoing fighting in Lashio Township in Shan state, people fleeing Lashio town are facing difficulties as they have to use jungle routes for their journey, according to displaced people.
Artillery shell explosions in residential areas during clashes between junta forces and the Three Brotherhood Alliance (3BHA) have forced residents to flee the town in hundreds of cars daily. They are stuck on the roads and some are having difficulty escaping through the jungle, the displaced report.
“We came through the jungle route. Some cars broke down on the way to Nam Lan. Some cars got stuck in the mud. If a car gets stuck, the ones behind can’t overtake because the road is very narrow. Sometimes people to spend the night on the way. When people flee from Lashio, they usually head towards Nam Ma,” said a woman who fled from Lashio.
The fighting in Lashio Township has forced residents to foee to safer areas such as Tangyan, Mongyai, Pinlon, Nansang and Laihka. According to people who fled Lashio, some residents with health problems have had to turn back to the town.
“Yesterday, the largest number of people fled by car. But the traffic was terrible, we couldn’t move forward. We couldn’t stay on the road with the elderly people. So we had to return to Lashio. We were also afraid of being caught in the crossfire on the road,” the displaced woman added.
Another displaced woman expressed concerns about her houses and pets left behind due to the sudden evacuation from Lashio amidst the fighting between the junta troops and the 3BHA.
“I’m worried that our house will be hit by artillery shells. It makes me sad to leave our dogs, cats and pigs behind. There is no one left at home. We had to leave suddenly in a panic, so we couldn’t take much with us,” the woman said.
Meanwhile, thousands of people are fleeing Lashio town. Many vehicles are stuck at the Sin In raft jetty in Thibaw Township and people have to spend the night there. Those who can pay more have priority to cross the river, according to the displaced people.
People fleeing Lashio have to pay about 300,000 kyat per person for transportation. At the Sin In raft jetty, those who can pay 500,000 kyat per car under “VIP” label are given priority to cross by motorboat.
More than 20 civilians have been killed and at least 30 injured in artillery shelling and attacks with improvised rockets on residential areas in Lashio town, according to residents.
Sent by Shan News.