Following fresh clashes in northern Shan State, around 300 villagers have fled to Namtu township to take shelter at a monastery, according to a group assisting those displaced.
Fighting erupted between the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) on July 4.
Residents under the Loi Pyay Village group, about 10 miles east of Namtu, fled.
“The skirmish broke out nearby the villages. Some of the villagers fled on foot while others came via motorcycles or cars. We tried our best to pick them up at Hsaik Kawng Village to transport them here,” said Sai Ba Nyan, vice chair of the Namtu township committee for assisting the displaced people.
Over 290 people from 78 households in the Loi Pyay area have sought refuge in Namtu. Most of them are women and children, Sai Ba Nyan added.
The Literature and Culture Committee, local residents and the International Rescue Committee have been providing assistance.
An additional 500 people who fled earlier skirmishes between the Tatmadaw and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army are already sheltering in various churches and monasteries throughout Namtu, unable to return home so far.
