More than 100 villagers fled their homes in northern Shan state following heavy clashes between Burma army forces and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), according to local residents.
The displaced Kachin that sought refuge near Loi Hem last Sunday are from Loi Lawm, Ka Li, Loi Hem and Nam Gut in the Mongkoe area of Muse Township.
Most of the displaced villagers have taken shelter in Win Seng village, according to Mang Ying, a volunteer assisting with relief efforts.
As fighting spreads a Kachin Baptist Church in the nearby Mungbaw Gat is making arrangements to accommodate more people, Mang Ying said.
Government troops allegedly executed Kachin civilian Zahkung Lum Awng from Nong Hem village, according to a friend of the victim's family. Sources say that before being killed on June 14 he was forced to work as a guide by troops in the area.
Kachin villagers in Mongkoe region have reported that government forces operating in the area are considering all civilians as enemies. Mongkoe region is controlled by KIA's fourth brigade battalions 36 and 38. KIA civilian militia Mungshawa Hpyen Hpung also operates in the area.
The latest bout of fighting in northern Shan state comes less than 3 weeks after Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) leaders and government representatives met in the Kachin state capital agreeing to take steps to reduce tensions.
