Fighting broke out between the army and Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) forced about 400 locals to flee away to Mogok on November 25, sources said.

About 200 locals from Chaungyi and 200 locals from Kyaukwah moved to Mogo as fighting broke at a place between Kyaukwah and Dattaw about five miles away from Mogok on November 24. They are taking shelter at Lisu literature and culture hall and Pakeswe temple.

“No fighting has occurred in their areas but they are afraid of fighting. There are infants among the refugees,” said Soe Naing from Lisu literature and culture association from Mogok.

Heavy gun fires have been heard near Mogok since the night of November 24 and they are worried about their safety, said locals.

“I don’t know about casualties and now no gun fire is heard. The refugees arrived here since the fighting broke out,” said Hla Moe Oo, Administrator of Mogok Township General Administrative Department.

“I heard gun fires last evening and two or three explosions. I don’t know how many numbers of refugees arrived in Mogok yet,” said MP Naing Ngan Kyaw of Mogok Constituency.

Although skirmishes occurred near Mogok in recent days, fighting has escalated now. Some Palaung ethnics moved to some monasteries in Mogok before the November 8 election as military tension occurred in their villages. About 300 more people fled to Mogok on November 24 due to heavy fighting.

“A total of 64 people from 22 family members arrived here before the election. They knew about the fighting in advance,” said a local.

Locals said the fighting broke out near Mogok as TNLA may ask for their military operation in the area.

“As far as I heard from the authorities, the TNLA asked for land in Mogok but the army denied it. After that, the fighting occurred. I don’t want fighting to break out here. No foreigner is allowed to visit the town as it is a gem land. I am worried about my town's future as the plans to transform the town as a resort town are just beginning. The fighting may destroy them,” said a local.