More than 5,000 people were displaced in southern Hpakant since fighting broke out in early January, according to those giving assistance to the IDPs.

Local news media reported that fierce fighting broke out since January 6 between Tatmadaw and combined forces of Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and People's Defence Froce (PDF). At least 3 civilians were killed and more than 5,000 people from Hwakhar, Satpyarchaung and Gankhar villages are fled to their homes, it is reported.

More than 2,000 people are sheltering at the monasteries and churches around Hpakant, it is said.

“Mostly young children and elders are sheltering at the Hmawshan Monastery. The youth are seeking jobs and working at jade mines. Mittashin social organization helped with expectant mothers. At present, there are refugees mostly from Hwashar Village. Elderlies are in the most difficult situation. As over 500 people are staying at the monastery and is over a month, inconveniences happened. Some of the IDPs tried to go back to their homes but most of them were afraid of going home as clashes continued to happen. Majority of the villagers rented houses or stayed at tents in the jade mining sites,” said Sayadaw U Pandita from the Hmawshan Monastery.

“The clashes broke out since 4:00 am on that day. As the dawn approached, we fled our houses and run for our lives. I couldn’t bring anything. Some said that thieves entered the houses and took everything. It will be a month in February 6. I hope we can go back to our homes soon but clashes still continued,” said a woman over 50-year old who fled her house due to skirmishes.

At present, there are more than 2,000 people still sheltering at the Hmawshan Monastery, Taungpaw Monastery, Sein Mya Thukha Monastery, Hsaingnan church, Chin church and Naga church and Resurrection church, it is reported.