The Burma Army detained four civilians during fighting in northern Shan State with Kachin Independence Organization/Army (KIO/A) Brigade 6.

Government soldiers from IB-287 took them from Mang Dau village, located in Muse District, on Thursday, March 4, while clashes were happening nearby on Prayer Mountain.

According to a villager who fled the fighting, most of the residents sought refuge at a church in Nam Hkawng, located about 3 miles from the conflict zone. However, a blind elderly man was left behind because no one could bring him in the middle of hostilities.

The villager who had no idea if the fighting would continue is worried about not having enough warm clothing and food for everyone after they were forced to flee the conflict with only the clothes on their backs.

The men from Mang Dau detained by Burma Army are Kam Hpang Awng La, 60; Lamai Tu Jai, 40; Maung Kam Hpang Hka, 20 and Lamai Zau Tu Awng, 35.

Mang Dau has a population of 58 living in 16 houses.

Fighting between Burma Army LID-99 and KIO/A in northern Shan State started in mid-February.