During the armed conflict in northern Shan State between former allies, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), Ta’ang civilians and other locals reportedly suffered extrajudicial arrests, torture, and fatalities resulting from drone strikes.
Between March 14 and 16, the MNDAA detained 9 Ta’ang residents in Monekoe Township during its operations, alleging they had links to the TNLA.
Similarly, in Namhpatka Village in Kutkai Township, MNDAA forces reportedly abducted several Ta’ang men; one individual suffered severe physical assault, according to local sources.
“People are now too afraid to even travel on the streets. MNDAA arrests, based on accusations of having ties to the TNLA, have become more frequent. One of those detained was reportedly beaten severely. In the current situation, the public no longer knows who they can trust,” said a northern Shan State resident.
During the period of heightened tension, the MNDAA used drones to drop bombs in Loihseng Village, Kutkai Township, killing three locals, including civil rescue team member Mai Tun Hla. Locals said the MNDAA dropped more than 100 bombs on the village, damaging homes and monasteries.
“Mai Tun Hla was a true humanitarian who had helped displaced people many times. We first heard that he had been injured by shrapnel and hoped he would recover, but tragically, we lost him. He saved many lives, yet we were unable to save him, and we feel as though we failed him,” a colleague of Mai Tun Hla told NMG.
The MNDAA has also deployed large-scale forces in areas such as Kutkai, Namhpatka, and the Muse 105-Mile border trading zone near China, displacing Ta’ang ethnic residents who fear they may be targeted. The whereabouts of 3 Ta’ang men arrested between Namhkam and Kutkai on March 15 remain unknown, leaving their families deeply concerned.
Leaders of the TNLA and MNDAA met in Laukkai, an MNDAA stronghold, from March 17 to 20. TNLA spokesperson Lway Ya Oo told local media on March 21 that the two groups reached a ceasefire agreement during the meeting.
Ta’ang civil society organizations strongly condemned the targeting of civilians driven by grievances in a conflict between armed groups and called for the immediate release of all detainees.
Locals and civil society groups in northern Shan State urged armed groups to refrain from using military force to resolve territorial disputes, protect civilians during conflict, and settle differences only through dialogue.
Photo caption: Mai Tun Hla, a rescue worker who was killed in a drone strike in Loihseng Village, Kutkai Township
