More than 2,000 people who fled their homes due to the clashes between the Myanmar military and the KIA, PDF in early February in the southern part of Hpakant, Kachin Sate, have been returning to their villages since February 8, according to local sources.

The fighting, which started on February 6, resulted in at least three civilian casualties and forced more than 5,000 people from several villages in the southern part of Hpakant to seek refuge in nearby religious buildings.

U Pandita, a monk from Mawshan Monastery, where over 500 people took shelter, said that the situation had improved and that most of the displaced people had gone back to their homes with the help of social organizations and volunteers.

A 40-year-old man from Weikha village said that he was relieved to see his house and belongings intact after a month of living in the monastery. He said that many houses in his village had been looted by thieves during the conflict. He also said that he was thankful to those who provided food and assistance to him and his family.

Hpakant is a major jade mining area and a source of revenue for the country.