A total of 490 armed conflicts occurred in 50 townships in ten states and regions in 2018 and Shan State became the hub of armed conflicts, according to a review of peace and security for 2018 from Myanmar Institute for Peace and Security (MIPS) released on April 2.
Most of the armed conflicts occurred in Namtu and Kutkai townships in Shan State, Phapon Township in Kayin State, Hpakant and Tanin townships in Kachin State. The army encountered with Kachin Independent Army (KIA) for 162 times in Kachin State, it said.
Shan State is becoming the hub of armed conflicts including inter-EAOs conflict and over 12,000 locals fled away from the fighting in 2018, it said.
Conflicts between army and Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP) and Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) occurred as well as fighting between coalition forces of the SSPP and TNLA and Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) occurred in Shan State.
Policy makers, ethnic armed groups, Non-governmental organizations, donors and peace negotiators should use the reference of conflict and peace information. It is expected that peace negotiators use the reviews and studies of analysts to contribute to the good of peace building issue, said Dr Stein Tønnesson, a historian and peace researcher of Peace and Research Institute, Oslo based in Norway.
