Around 160 displaced residents who fled to Kawng Aing Village in Hseni (Theinni) Township, northern Shan State need emergency assistance, according to Hseni residents.
“They didn’t bring many blankets. They only brought one blanket per person. It’s very cold so they need blankets. They are only sleeping with one blanket each. The blankets are very thin. They didn’t have any bed sheet. They also need food supply. Even if the village residents can feed them, how long can they feed them? There are issues like that,” said Rev U Khun Gaung from Hseni Kachin Baptist Convention.
Local residents fled in fear after artillery shells exploded inside their village during recent clashes between the Tatmadaw and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in Kutkai Township.
The displaced residents are Kachin, Shan, and Ta’ang (Palaung) nationals living in Dah Khai Village of Kyein Mun Village Group under Kutkai Township.
“They said they fled the day before yesterday after artillery shells fell inside their village. Now, there are 158 people in Kawng Aing [Village] in Hseni Township,” said Rev. U Khun Gaung.
The displaced residents have taken shelter in three rest houses at a monastery in Kawng Aing Village and the village authorities and administrator have been making arrangements to take care of them, according to local residents.
Local residents explained that the displaced villagers fled to Hseni Township as it was far to travel to Kutkai Township. The area was tangled with armed groups.
Rev U Khun Gaung said Dah Khai villagers brought some food supply when they left their village, but they were forced to leave it behind by the armed groups on the road.
“I feel pity for the villagers. They couldn’t bring anything. They weren’t even allowed to bring food on the road. No matter who did it, it’s not good to do such kind of restriction. If they were allowed to use the roads in peace, they could have brought rice, cooking oil, and salt (food supply). Everyone brought them. They had to leave their trawler jeeps inside the bushes [before coming here],” he added.
The TNLA Information Department announced that a clash broke out between the Tatmadaw and the TNLA in the area between Hpar Hpein and Ngawt Ngar villages in Kutkai Township from 7:15 am to 10:30 am on February 5. During the clash, the Tatmadaw used two helicopters to attack the TNLA for nearly half an hour.
People who went to observe the displaced villagers said the fighting has not stopped on February 6 and sounds of heavy weapons could be heard from Kawng Aing Village.
