More than 1,700 people ran away from their homes in northern Shan State in September due to fighting between ethnic armed groups in Namtu Township, according to an announcement from United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

The announcement said the internal displaced persons (IDPs) are living in religious buildings in Namtu and Hsipaw townships. Locals and humanitarian groups are providing help.

Most of the IDPs had returned to their homes during late September after military tension decreased, it said.

The IDPs had to leave their homes many times in recent months. As a result, their homes, livelihoods and other necessities have either been damaged or completely destroyed.

Forces of northern alliance are preparing to conduct military operations near Ngarngu, Ngarhan and Naungaw villages in Namtu, prompting villagers residing in those areas to run away to Mansan Village to take shelter. Landmines were already set up in the nearby villages, according to locals.

Areas near Ngarng and Ngarhan villages are resided by Palaung and their allies. They cannot return to their village in production season of sweet corn and have to stay at Mansan refugee camp. Locals from Naungaw Village can visit their village for three times in September,” said a local.

Locals from Narpon Village, Mongmu Village Tract are still living in thee refugee camps till the end of September. They have no income as they could not reap their corn harvest, said locals.

Fighting between army and forces of Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP/SSA) and Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) broke out in Namtu Township, northern Shan State. Skirmishes occurred frequently between Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS/SSA) and forces of Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP/SSA) and Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in the township.