In Pinlaung Township, located in the Taunggyi District of Shan State, over 5000 individuals who have been displaced by ongoing fighting, which has persisted for more than ten days, are currently unable to return to their homes.

Heavy fighting between the Military Council and the People's Defense Forces (PDF) broke out at approximately 6:00 AM on March 9th, near Saung Pyaung village in Pinlaung Township, the village administrator said.

“The fighting started early in the morning and has been fierce, with gunfights taking place around the village of Saung Pyaung near the Pekon and Pinlaung border. At the moment, we are also fleeing the clashes. PDFs were hiding in some villages, and the Military Council began barraging them with both small arms and heavy artillery”, he said.

Currently, access to Lon Pyin, Taung Me Thin, Myauk Sa Lone, Taung Sa Lone, Nam Nein and Pinlon villages in Pinlaung is restricted and fighting continues around these villages.

Furthermore, over 5,000 individuals who are fleeing from the ongoing conflicts are experiencing severe emotional distress and are also in urgent need of food assistance.

"I had to leave behind the rice and corn at home. Some were fortunate enough to carry a small amount of food, but others fled with nothing but their bare hands. Currently, in about six villages, the villagers are unable to sustain themselves and are forced to flee. Urgent food aid is desperately needed”, the village administrator added.

Since February 24th, ongoing conflicts have taken place between Military Council troops and the Pa-O National Organization (PNO) and the PDF. The conflicts have resulted in the loss of four civilian lives and the destruction of many houses. The region still remains in turmoil and the fighting continues unabated.