MANDALAY----Fighting between the military [Tatmadaw] and Ta’aung National Liberation Army (TNLA) broke out near the eastern part of Mogok Township, Mandalay Region, yesterday night.

The locals from Mogok downtown heard the heavy weapons firing, causing the night market in Mogok Township to close early due to the fighting.

“As the fighting took place at night, we heard the fire of heavy weapons and flashes. We are now worried because the fighting area isn’t far from our Town,” said a local from Mogok Township.

Administrator Hla Moe Oo from Mogok Township General Administrative Department said that the fighting wasn’t confirmed yet. But, he heard the fire.

There have been a few clashes near Mogok Township in recent days, it is reported to be more intense now.

Some Palaung nationals fled to monasteries in Mogok Township before the Nov.8 General Election as tensions were rising near their village. 

“On November 8th General Election-2020, 22 households comprising 64 family members arrived in Mogok because they knew that the fighting must occur. We heard that the villagers hid in the jungle as the clashes took place at night. Some villagers phoned their relatives aiming to take them to the safer places,” said one of the locals from Mogok.

A local from Mogok reviewed that the TNLA offered the military to want their designated region in Mogok. But, the military didn’t accept the TNLA’s offer. That’s why the fighting took place. They don’t want the fighting to occur because the government has banned the foreigner entry due to Treasure Island. Locals worried about their future because the fighting took place continuously.