NAUNGPAIN----As ongoing fighting between military[Tatmadaw] and Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) occurred in the villages near Kyaukme Township, northern Shan State, since the beginning of October 3rd, over 1,000 villagers nearby fled to the village monasteries.

“The fighting took place in the villages near Kyaukme Township. There are over 900 internal displaced persons(IDPs) due to the flash battles. Heavy weapons fell on the villages injuring a man. He is now receiving medical treatment at the Kyaukme People’s Hospital,” said Nay Aung, from Social Welfare Association in Naungpain Township.

The locals said that the continuous fighting took place until October 6th and then hearing the noise of heavy weapons.

“The fighting took place in the mountain between Kyaukme and Naungpain villages in the morning of October 6th. We also heard gun noises. No cars passed through the road. Villagers are trapped at the corn plantations due to the fighting,” said Nan Ohmn from Sakhan Thar village.

Likewise, the locals said that fighting had been taking place in nearby villages in Kyaukme Township until evening of October 6th.

There are now over 1,000 IDPs. Mainly, we need basic consumer goods for them. Although we have a few rice bags, it is not enough for a long time. Now, we accompanied with the volunteers from Naungpain village are leaving to the Ponhoe village where there have been many IDPs from Hsibaw Township aiming to provide the assistance to them,” said Ko Myo from Volunteers without Borders in Hisbaw Township.  

“ Fighting took place near Union Highway situated at the entrance of Kyaukme Township yesterday morning. So, Check Point which is now carrying out health screening activities was transferred to Kyaukme People’s Hospital from the entrance town,” said Nan Yi Hlaing Oo from the Public Health and Treatment Department in Kyaukme District.

With the aim to prevent measures against the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, the check point is situated near at the junction of Pinglon Road which links between Mandalay-Lashio Union Highway and Kyaukme Township. Moreover, the check point is close to the fighting area. That’s why it was transferred to near Kyaukme People’s Hospital.