Fighting between the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Tatmadaw has prompted another batch of 200 residents to flee from Namtu Township to Lashio in the northern Shan State.
Speaking to the Shan Herald, State Hluttaw MP Nan San Hom from Namtu constituency said over 200 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Nar Hseng Group in the northwest of Namtu town fled to Ei Nai Group Monastery and a church in Ward 9 in Lashio on March 17.
“They are residents of Nar Hseng and Lwel Pay villages. They have fled after fighting broke out near Hsut Mun Village. There are 45 displaced households in Ei Nai Monastery. That's nearly 150 people. They want to go home. They are afraid to return home since the situation is not stable,” he said.
Around 90 displaced residents are also seeking refuge at the Kachin Baptist Convention in Ward 9 in Lashio, according to a Lashio resident who is assisting the IDPs.
“We heard that a person has been injured after heavy artillery fell inside Nar Hseng Village on the 17th. Fighting is breaking out every day. [The only difference is] whether the fighting is heavy or not,” said Nan Hein from Lashio, who has been assisting the IDPs staying at the IDP camp in Man San Monastery in Namtu.
Around 1,000 residents fled to Namtu and Lashio after fighting broke out between the TNLA and the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army – South (RCSS/SSA-S) near Hsut Mun Village of Nar Hseng Group in Namtu Township last week.
The Tatmadaw has also advanced to Namtu-Man San Road so three armed groups are active in the area and clashes have been breaking out, according to Namtu residents.
