A civilian was injured after a shell struck his village in northern Shan State, causing hundreds to flee their homes during fighting between Burma Army and Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) in Kyaukme Township.

At the time of the press, it was unclear which armed group was responsible for the shell that struck the home in Hkant Hkae village this Sunday (October 4).

Sai Tun Win, a parliamentarian for Kyaukme Township Constituency-1, told NMG that the male injured during the attack is receiving treatment at Kyaukme Public Hospital.

A local, who works with Nam Khong Social Volunteer Team, told NMG fighting has slowed down from the weekend. "I think nearly 200 villagers fled to Pon Wow village. Some stayed in Hkant Hkae village. In total, however, there are almost 500 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from three villages in Pon Wow."

Some are staying at Pon Wow Monastery, while others are at their relative's home. Local civil society groups and religious leaders are providing food to those in the monastery.

Tatmadaw troops have been fighting RCSS/SSA at five sites in Kyaukme Township since September 30.

"They fought near Nam Pyet village on September 30. And they clashed again near Nam Wah village in Hae Kwe village-tract. They fired small and heavy weapons around Nam Wah village. Residents sought refuge in Hae Kwe village. They then clashed near Hkant Hkae village on October 4," said the source from Nam Khong Volunteer Team.

Residents reported that the Burmy Army fired heavy weapons indiscriminately into the jungle at times.

NMG could not reach RCSS/SSA's spokesperson or Tatmadaw's Information Team for comments on the fighting. No information was posted on Burma's Office of the Commander-in-Chief's website.

Villagers said they're struggling to survive after sporadic fighting and the threat of landmines has prevented them from working in their rice fields.