Over 100 families from Namtu township returned to their village on May 30 after they fled an outbreak of fighting between the Tatmadaw and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) earlier the same month.
The displaced villagers began arrived at the Shwe Myin Thar Monastery in Namtu township on May 11.
“The villagers wanted to go back home. There were around 300 villagers from Hsaik Hkawng Group taking shelter at Shwe Myin Thar Monastery. There are 147 people left after the residents starting leaving in small groups. Now, the last group has already visited their village to check out the situation,” said Sai Ba Nyan from the Namtu Township Committee for Assisting Refugees.
Sai Ba Nyan said that more than 500 people from Manton township are still living in Namtu since they were displaced last year.
“A total of 534 people – 235 male and 281 female – from 126 households are still here. They still can’t go back home,” he said.
Displaced families have been taking shelter at various sites in Namtu, Kyaukme, Muse, Namhkam, and Kutkai townships due to the clashes between the Tatmadaw and the Northern Alliance, and between the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) and the TNLA.
Translated by Thida Linn
Edited by Laingnee Barron
