Approximately 2,000 individuals have been displaced by recent clashes in the southern region of Waingmaw Township. The escalation in hostilities, which began in early March, has prompted these individuals to seek refuge away from the conflict zone, as reported by aid workers assisting the displaced population.

Since mid-December, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the People's Defense Force (PDF) have asserted control over territories encompassing Myitkyina and the southern areas of Waingmaw Township. The situation worsened in March following an attack on Tatmadaw bases along the Waingmaw-Bhamo road, compelling residents from Aung Myay 1 and 2, as well as Shwe Nyaungbin villages, to flee their homes.

The displaced individuals have been relocated to various shelters, including two monasteries in Waingmaw, three monasteries in Khatcho village, Christian churches, and the Minar Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp. U Pyinyartharya, a prominent figure aiding refugees, expressed concerns about the sustainability of assistance efforts, emphasizing the urgent need for peace to ensure the well-being of all affected communities.

The conflict has not only displaced thousands in Waingmaw but has also heightened military tensions in neighboring townships such as Hpakant, Moemauk, Mansi, and Bhamo. Many have fled to nearby towns seeking safety from the violence.

Reflecting on the dire situation, a married woman in her fifties who fled from Shwe Nyaungbin village shared her worries about the un-harvested rice paddies and the uncertainty surrounding the armed groups present in her village. She expressed a desire to return home and highlighted the limitations of sustained assistance in the current circumstances.

Presently, around 2,000 individuals have sought refuge in monasteries across Waingmaw and Khatcho village, but the capacity to provide aid remains inadequate, according to relief workers.

The ongoing conflict in Kachin State has a long history, dating back to the civil war era from 1962 to 1994. Despite a period of relative peace following an agreement between the Tatmadaw and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) in 1994, violence resurged in 2011, leading to widespread displacement. The recent escalation intensified again in 2021 with the changes of political situation.