The Kokang Democratic Party, on behalf of displaced residents, has urged government forces and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) to immediately stop fighting in Kongyan District, Northern Shan State for the good of the country.
Government forces have been fighting with the Peng Jia Sheng led MNDAA forces in Laukkai Township, Kongyan District in the Kokang Self-Administered Zone of Northern Shan State since 9 February.
During the fighting soldiers from both sides were killed and injured while homes and shops were damaged and destroyed.
Lashio residents said that over 1,000 refugees from the fighting have arrived at Lashio and the town’s Man-Su Monastery is full of refugees taking shelter.
That is why we need to immediately stop the fighting said the chairman of the Kokang Democratic Party, U San Tony.
He said: “They should stop accusing each other of wrong doing and fighting each other immediately. The duty of all armed forces is to defend the lives and properties of people. I request that both sides stop fighting and start negotiating.”
According to announcements on the government’s Myanmar Radio and Televison stations five officers and 47 soldiers from the Burma Army have died in the fighting.
After refusing to transform into Border Guard Forces (BGF) in 2009 the Peng Jia Sheng led MNDAA were attacked by government forces and pushed out of the area. The government transferred control of the area from Peng Jia Sheng to one of their allies, Pai Soan Cheain.
Following his defeat in 2009 Peng Jia Sheng went into hiding and his whereabouts were unknown until he and his men launched these recent attacks on the Burma Army.
Translated by Aung Myat Soe English version written by Mark Inkey for BNI
