SENG PHOO — Over 250 civilians were forced from their homes after fighting between the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) and several members from the Northern Alliance continued in northern Shan State.

Photo Taifreedom- civilians were forced from their homes

RCSS troops battled the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Shan State Progress Party (SSPP/SSA) outside Ner Kyel village, located in Namtu Township, on December 9. The hostilities affected over 84 families from Ner Kyel, Kon Kyaung, Ner Keng and Piang Loung, in Man San village-tract.

Loung Sai Ba Nyan, who’s helping the displaced villagers, told SHAN because it’s time for them to harvest their crops, they’re eager to return to their farms. “We didn’t hear gunshots today. Some have returned to their villages. If there are no clashes today, everyone plans to return home.”

Yet, at the same time, both the TNLA and SSPP are sending in reinforcements, while Burma Army soldiers are nearby, standing off, which is worrying villagers.

During clashes, a shell struck a home in Ner Kyel village this Wednesday, December 9, but was not detonated.

The RCSS and SSPP also fought in Hsipaw Township last Saturday, December 5.

The RCSS is a signatory to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement, while the TNLA and SSPP are not.

The SSPP/SSA and the TNLA are also members of the Federal Political Negotiation and Consultative Committee (FPNCC).