In Nam San Yang village, located near the KIO headquarters, military operations have been initiated by the military since the morning of July 3rd. As a result of escalating tensions between the both sides, thousands of local residents have once again been forced to flee from the area.
A local resident provided an account of the situation until July 7, stating, "There is a growing sense of unease among the villagers today. The areas affected by this fighting are Nam San Yang and Garrayang, which are prominent peaks. A considerable number of individuals from Nam San Yang have already fled."
The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) issued a warning to the public, advising them to remain cautious and ready for any situation. A resident reported hearing gunshots near Nam San Yang village continuously from the morning of July 3 until July 5, indicating ongoing clashes between the two sides.
"This week has been marked by a heightened state of tension in the area, particularly around Lai Zar and Nam San Yang. Yesterday, news spread of a confrontation occurring at the summit of the mountain. As of now, the roads in this region are only open from morning until 12 o'clock."
Amidst the escalating tensions between the military and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), a civilian was injured on July 3 when the military opened fire. The injured individual happened to be a civilian who was returning from Bhamo Township.
Regarding the tension between the two sides near Nam San Yang, Colonel Naw Bu, the KIO information officer, made the following statement:
"The ongoing conflict in Nam San Yang signifies a defensive struggle, as Military Council units initiated military operations in the area. The past few days have been marked by intense tension, although no gunfire was reported on July 5 and 6. The Nam San Yang Bridge has become a battleground, with exchanges of fire between the Military Council troops and the KIA, occurring from opposing sides. This conflict is occurring in close proximity to Nam San Yang Village."
Colonel Naw Bu, the KIO information officer, has stated that Military Council troops from Bhamo Township have arrived near the site of the tension since July 4, and their troop strength has been increased.
He confirmed that the Military Council troops were observed moving in and around Nam San Yang until July 7.
In order to escape the ongoing conflict, the residents of Nam San Yang village are fleeing to secure locations, leaving behind only a small number of individuals who serve as village guards.
The residents of Nam San Yang village are internally displaced persons (IDPs) who had previously returned to their village in 2018.
Apart from Nam San Yang village located on the Myitkyina-Bhamo highway, residents from nearby villages such as Kantawyang (Gangdau Yang), Aung Ja, Lajaryang, and others are also fleeing due to the escalating situation. Furthermore, the people of Maizatpar, Lamaiyang, Munglai Hkyet, and Lai Zar are deeply concerned about the potential intensification of the fighting.
As a result of the Military Council troops being present near the KIO headquarters in Lai Zar, a warning letter has been issued to the public, urging them to exercise caution due to the possibility of clashes erupting at any moment.
In the warning letter issued by the KIO, it advises individuals to minimize travel along the Bhamo-Myitkyina highway unless absolutely necessary. In case of urgent travel, the letter emphasizes the importance of attentively listening to military news updates. It also cautions against traveling near Military Council troops and going to areas with a potential for conflict. Furthermore, it urges people to avoid being exploited or used by the Military Council troops.
