A clash occurred between Military Council troops and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Kutkai Township, Muse District, Shan State. During the clash, an artillery shell exploded in Panghsay village.
Around 8:30 p.m. on June 11, a clash occurred between Military Council troops and KIA forces in Ward No. 1 of Kutkai Township, Shan State, according to residents. As a result, an artillery shell exploded, causing severe damage to a house in Panghsay village, as reported by the Shan Herald.
"The fighting is taking place between Ward 1 and Panghsay village. It seems that Ward 1 and Panghsay village have been deliberately separated by the military. The fighting persisted until yesterday at 12 o'clock," a local resident told the Shan Herald.
According to residents who spoke to the Shan Herald, there have been two instances of fighting in Kutkai Township.
Additionally, during the attack, a house in Panghsay village was damaged when an artillery shell fired by the Military Council exploded inside the village.
"Since it was a nighttime battle, there was no way to evade it. The house struck by the artillery shell is being relocated to another dwelling. The villagers alone are responsible for repairing the damaged house, as the armed groups have not shown up to assess the situation. Presently, the fighting has subsided," the local man informed the Shan Herald.
As shooting attacks between the coup Military Council troops and the ethnic armed forces have become more frequent in Kutkai township in recent days, residents are growing increasingly concerned about the possibility of escalated fighting lasting for several days.
Additionally, since it is currently the school season, the safety of children becomes a greater concern if fighting breaks out while they are attending classes. The residents emphasized the need to prioritize the safety of the children and expressed their worries in this regard.
"Now that the schools have reopened, there is concern about the safety of the children if a conflict erupts while they are attending school. We are unable to go and pick them up in such circumstances. With teachers present and numerous children at the school, they must be frightened. Therefore, we strongly desire to avoid any fighting in areas near the village," the resident expressed further.
A clash between the KIA and the Military Council erupted in Kutkai Township on June 9.
Although the military council has announced a one-year nationwide ceasefire for the purpose of peace processes, the reality on the ground shows that the war is still ongoing.
