Clashes broke out near Aungthitsa in No 12 ward in Lashio, in the northern Shan State on August 17 morning and bullets from heavy and small weapons dropped in Aungthitsa. A house was on fire and some houses were damaged because of the heavy weapons.
"A house was almost destroyed and brick walls collapsed because of the heavy weapons. A woman and a child sustained injuries," said a local resident.
The residents living in Aung Thitsa left their houses to take shelter at Thiri Minglar Mansu Kaungtaike in Lashio downtown in order to stay away from the heavy bullet s of the heavy weapons.
"We are coming from Chitchin Myitta Home. A heavy bullet dropped near our home. It nothing happens to the elders, but we are worried about the children and we fled the clashes here to take shelter. There are about 300 children in the village and the children are different races. The children are sent to Lashio for their education. Some of them are homeless. Some parents cannot afford to send schools. The main requirement of the home is rice and now rice has not left much for the children," said Sayar Aung Tun Oo from Chitchin Myitta Home.
There are 791 displaced persons taking shelter at Thiri Minglar Mansu Kaungtaike in Lashio downtown, more than 100 of them are the pilgrims from different corners who are arriving here. They can't go back for security reason.
"We are on a pilgrimage visit to Muse and we are from Yangon. We are taking shelter at Thiri Minglar Mansu Kaungtaike because Goattwin bridge was blasted and that resulted in the disruption of transport links. We will return if Goattwin bridge returns of normal. Some are returning by flight. To buy air tickets are not easy. We feel frightened by gun sounds," said Daw Sandar, a pilgrim who is coming to Muse from Yangon.
"Supplies are being provided to the displaced persons who are taking shelter at Thiri Minglar Mansu Kaungtaike for security reason," said Min Thein, Deputy Director of Natural Disaster Management Department from Lashio.
Translated and Edited by Win Htut
