There is growing concern among locals about the intensification of fighting as tension mounts in Namawan village-tract in Muse Township in Muse District of Shan State.
The shops were closed due to the military tension although it was the market day on 3 August, according to locals.
ÒYesterday, heavy shells landed and exploded near the village. No one was hurt. The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has directed villagers not to go outside and go to the farms,” a local from Namawan village-tract said.
On the afternoon of August 2, the TNLA troops entered Kaungwein village in Namawan village-tract, and the military council fired heavy shells, according to locals.
A local said: “Many TNLA troops entered the village and directed the villagers to flee. The military council fired heavy shells. Although there is no fighting on the ground, fighting may intensify due to the military council’s shelling and the TNLA’s entry into the village.”
More than 100 locals from Kaungwein village take refuge at a church in Namawan village and Namkham in Muse as the TNLA military column enters the village, according to locals.
ÒThere are more than 100 IDPs in Namawan church. Because the TNLA entered the village and ordered the villagers to take shelter. Now, the Kachin Church Association has provided food and accommodation. I don’t know the number of those who flee to other places,” a person helping the IDPs said.
More than 50 locals from Manhtan village in Sallant village-tract take refuge in Kamahtan monastery due to the intense fighting between the military council and the TNLA in Sallant village-tract in Muse Township. Locals from Namkat, Mikesat and Mankan villages have fled to Muse and Namkham.
Since the end of July, there have been more than five battles between the military council and the TNLA in Muse Township. Tension continues to mount till date, according to locals.
Sent by Shan News