The Tai-Leng Nationalities Development Party (TNDP) has issued a statement opposing a letter reportedly issued by the KIA to residents of Shwegu Township urging them to leave the town.

In its June 11 statement, the TNDP said that towns including Kawlin, Pinlebu, Htigyaing, Indaw, Banmauk, Katha, Mansi, Momauk and Bhamo have suffered extensive loss of life and property as a result of KIA-led offensives to seize urban areas.

According to reports, KIA Battalion 12 issued a notice on June 8 advising residents of Shwegu to evacuate. KIA spokesperson Col. Naw Bu told media outlets that the notice was issued due to heightened military tensions and concerns for civilian safety.

Residents of Shwegu said some people have already begun leaving the town, while others who have operated businesses there for many years have relocated to Mandalay and other cities.

“A survey would show that 99 percent of residents do not want to leave. Now, only about one-third of the town’s population remains. Once people leave, they become homeless. Every town that has been destroyed has been left with nothing. If they truly care about the people, they should not destroy the town. Residents living elsewhere are also trying to gather signatures and submit letters of appeal,” said a resident who fled to Nga Oe.

The TNDP urged the KIA to abandon any plans to attack Shwegu and to cease offensive operations in other areas. The statement also said that the KIA/KIO would bear responsibility should ethnic tensions arise as a result of the situation.

The party noted that fighting associated with KIA-led offensives in northern Myanmar has caused widespread destruction in the towns of Momauk, Mansi and Bhamo in Kachin State, as well as parts of Katha, Indaw, Banmauk, Htigyaing, Kawlin and Pinlebu in Sagaing Region. It added that around one million people have been displaced and remain unable to return to their homes.