An increasing number of residents of Pang War in Kachin State are evacuating the town due to fears of potential airstrikes by the military, according to local sources.
Although fighting has ceased since the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied forces captured the town, nearly all residents are evacuating due to concerns about airstrikes, said a local woman from Pang War.
“Most civilians have left, and locals have fled to safer places. Even we have packed our bags and are waiting for the car. We’re waiting because vehicles are having extreme difficulty on the roads. Those with their own cars have all left already. Only about one-third of the population remains. Everyone else is ready and waiting to evacuate,” she said.
Thousands of Pang War residents reportedly gathered along the Chinese border fence when gunfire erupted in the town, but Chinese authorities denied them entry.
Since 17 October, almost all residents have been primarily evacuating from Pang War towards the Waingmaw-Myitkyina area.
“Everyone is leaving, saying they’ll return when the situation calms down. Even today, rumors of possible airstrikes are spreading, and we’re waiting anxiously. All shops are closed, and Pang War is like a ghost town. Although the fighting has stopped, people are still worried,” another woman from Pang War explained.
Local residents and migrant workers from various regions are evacuating the town using private cars and motorcycles where available. They face significant traffic congestion on the roads.
While the KIA took complete control of Pang War town on 18 October, tensions remain high as some major battalions still remain in the connected areas of Phi Maw, Kam Phang, and No Zun Bum.
Pang War town, located about 40 miles from Chipwi town in eastern Kachin State, is known for its natural beauty and rare earth mining operations. The town also serves as the headquarters of Kachin Special Region-1 on the Myanmar-China border.
Sent by KNG.
