As the Junta’s troops launched combat operations, local residents report that thousands of civilians have fled from villages, while others have been arrested In Indaw Township of Sagaing Region.

A local resident from Indaw Township told KNG that a column consisting of approximately 180 troops was engaged in combat operations, moving from Mohnyin Township towards the northeast of Indaw Township on the night of June 28.

"This column is located between the villages of Pinwel, Auktaw, and Pharpan. The nearby villages are fleeing in fear.The administrator of Pinwel village was also arrested at night. Additionally, 4-5 people from Pharpan village were taken into custody."

The individuals who have been arrested, comprise the village administrator of Pinwel and five residents from Pharpan, and they were taken as human shields by the Military Council troops during their combat operations along the road according to locals. A villager from the northeast side of Indaw Township informed KNG that in instances where they are captured as human shields by the Military Council troops, they are usually held for a minimum duration from two days to a month, before being released.

"Usually, they are taken as human shields because they are too afraid to go alone. The situation differs between columns. Some are released after reaching a couple of villages, while others remain captive for a month. Those who were set free shared that they were forced to carry the

soldiers gear and forced to walk in the front of the military column. At night they were compelled to sleep nearby," he explained.

The residents of Narmakyaing, Pinwel, Auktaw, and Tonekhwel villages are currently evacuating due to ongoing combat operations. According to the residents, there are thousands of people affected from more than 100 households.

On June 21 and 22, three individuals, including a five-year-old child from Pinwel village and Nabar village, sustained injuries as a result of indiscriminate artillery shell firing from the hill-based military camp where Military Council troops were stationed in Indaw township.

The indiscriminate firing of artillery shells by the Military Council troops in Nabar village of Indaw township is causing hardships for local farmers in the surrounding area, hindering their farming activities.