The resettled locals of Namsanyan village in Waingmaw Township, Kachin State, are increasingly concerned about the escalating tension between the Military Council and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in the vicinity of their village.
During an operation aimed at apprehending illegal gold mining operators in Namyansan, a column from the Military Council, which had advanced from the Khara area in Bhamo Township, engaged in a firefight with local KIA troops, locals said.
"We have proactively developed contingency plans for potential emergency displacements, demonstrating our readiness and commitment to anticipate the worst-case scenarios and be vigilant and prepared in advance”, a woman residing in Namyansan village told MNJ.
Having already endured the ordeal of fleeing from war, the residents of Namsanyan are now faced with lingering concerns. After permanently resettling in their homes and leaving behind the relief camps, they worry about the prospect of future clashes, as they fear there will be no refuge left for them if they are forced to flee once again.
"The villagers expressed their readiness to flee in case of renewed conflict, but their predicament lies in the fact that there is no space available for them since they left the camp. Even if they were to return, they have been informed beforehand that the camp can no longer accommodate them. It is truly disheartening to witness their dilemma”, a woman who is currently remaining in a relief camp in Waingmaw Township.
If there is a resurgence of war in Namsanyan, the local community is deeply concerned about the potential impact on their livelihoods and the education of village children.
The village leaders are currently urging residents to stay informed, engage in open discussions, and work together to find resolutions for any issues that may arise within the community.
Since 2018, villagers have been resettling in Namsanyan. During this period, an outpost of the Military Council was present in the village until early 2020. However, around mid-2020, the outpost was completely withdrawn from the village.
On June 16th, near the Namsanyan Bridge, an ambush by KIA targeted a 100-strong column of the Military Council, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
As a consequence of this clash, the majority of gold miners have ceased their operations and returned to their hometowns, but a few large-scale gold mining sites are still operational.
In 2011, the residents of Namsanyan were forced to flee their homes due to renewed conflict between the Myanmar Military and the KIA. Since 2018, they have been gradually returning and resettling in their old village area.
