UN says rival fighting in northern Shan State to blame for increase of displaced civilians.

Fighting between armed groups in Myanmar’s restive northern Shan State has substantially led to an increase of internally displaced people (IDP), according to report by United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

The UNOCHA office reported the increases can be attributed to fighting between Shan armed forces in Hsipaw township.

Fighting between Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) and Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) near Ton Keng village in Hsipaw township occurred between December 22 to 25 of last year.

Over 1,200 people from 10 villages have been displaced in Hsipaw township, according to the UNOCHA report, with some civilians having to flee their homes at least twice in 2018.

IDPs have mainly sought refuge in Buddhist monasteries, supported by monks, community-based groups, aid groups and the government’s disaster management department.

All of the IDPs in Hsipaw township were able to return home by the end of 2018 said the report.

Shan civilians have been pushing for RCSS/SSA  and SSPP/SSA leaders to meet as soon as possible to resolve differences and end fighting in Shan State.