SSPP says they will drive RCSS forces out from Hsipaw

SSPP says they will drive RCSS forces out from Hsipaw
Published 24 November 2018
Min Naing Soe

A short fight between forces of Shan State Progressive Party (SSPP) and Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) occurred in Nalock Village, Hsipaw Township in northern Shan State on November 23.

Initial reports claim that three civilians were dead and two wounded as a result. Following the clash, the SSPP have swore to drive RCSS forces out from the area.

Reports and claims concerning the incident suggest that RCSS sprung a surprise attack on the SSPP in the village, peppering SSPP forces with both heavy and light weapon fire. The villagers were frightened by the fighting and tried to escape the village. They were then fired upon by the RCSS forces that had surrounded the village.

Journalists from The Daily Eleven had attempted contact with the spokesperson of the RCSS in order to probe more information about the battle but the call was not answered.

Fights have continuously occurred in Namtu, Lashio and Hsipaw townships in northern Shan State in recent days, severely hampering locals from going about their daily lives. They are also forced to leave their homes and went to and fro between their work and IDP camps, said locals.

Frequent encounters between government troops and Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), SSPP and RCSS, and joint forces of SSPP/TNLA and RCSS had occurred in some townships within northern Shan State.

Civilians have been wounded or shot dead from the battles whether by getting caught in the crossfire or falling victim to landmines. Ethnic armed groups have also detained some civilians.