Military junta forces are intensifying efforts to regain control of Nawngkhio town in northern Shan State, by launching offensives from multiple directions, forcing local residents to flee to safer areas, according to reports.
A local woman said that the junta has launched a fierce offensive to retake Nawngkhio, with troops advancing as far as Kan Gyi village.
“It sounds like they’re determined to take back Nawngkhio. We’re fleeing in advance now. Those without cars are hitching rides with others,” the woman described the situation. Kan Gyi village, where junta troops are present, is only about nine miles from Nawngkhio.
Residents of Nawngkhio Township are heading toward Kyaukme Township. However, they are worried that junta troops might advance further, as Kyaukme Township is an area controlled by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA).
“When the junta troops moved toward Nawngkhio, we had to head for Kyaukme. But Kyaukme is controlled by TNLA, so it’s not safe either. If they take Nawngkhio, Kyaukme is likely next. We’re at a loss for where to go and are overwhelmed with worry,” the same woman continued.
Currently, the junta troops are advancing through multiple routes, deploying significant forces from Pyin Oo Lwin toward Ohn Ma Thee village in Nawngkhio Township and from Lawksawk toward Taung Khan village.
This has left Nawngkhio residents with no escape routes.
“There’s nowhere to run now. We don’t know what will happen in the long term,” said a displaced man from Nawngkhio.
On 28 May, junta troops raided Shwe Mu Htaw and Shauk Chon villages in Nawngkhio Township, killing some civilians and arresting over 40 others, who remain in custody, according to a frontline source.
“They took those who didn’t flee the villages. They raid, capture people, and use them as human shields. If you don’t escape in advance, they’ll kill or detain you. Their offensives involve both air and ground forces. When the strength is unequal, we’ve had to retreat at times.”
In late April, TNLA and the junta held Chinese-mediated talks in Kunming, but negotiations collapsed after the junta demanded TNLA withdraw from Nawngkhio, Kyaukme, Hsipaw, Mogok, and Moemeik Townships.
Despite military pressure from the junta and diplomatic pressure from China, the TNLA vowed on 5 June during a press conference to hold their territories and continue their revolutionary fight against the junta.
As TNLA plans to establish a people’s government with public representatives in their controlled areas in 2025, the junta has escalated its offensive campaign to recapture Nawngkhio.
Also on 8 and 9 June, junta troops and TNLA-led allied forces clashed at Pein Hne Kone, Shauk Chon, and Pan Kone villages in Nawngkhio Township, with the junta using artillery and drone strikes, according to a TNLA statement.
On 4 June, junta artillery strikes on Nawngkhio injured four civilians—two men and two women—and damaged two homes and a monastery, as stated by the TNLA.
Sent by Shan News
