Due to the ongoing conflicts in northern Shan State, residents of several villages in Monekoe Township have been compelled to seek refuge for safety, and these displaced individuals are in dire need of food and humanitarian assistance, locals said.
As a result of the 'Operation 1027' initiated by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, the conflict with the Military Council in Monekoe has intensified, leading to the displacement of thousands of residents. An official from the Ta'ang Women Organization (TWO) informed KNG that there is currently no aid available for these war-displaced individuals.
"The displaced residents are living in makeshift tents near the Chinese border fence along Monekoe Stream, far from town, making it difficult for donors from cities like Lashio to offer them support. Local reports highlight the ongoing struggle these displaced individuals face in making ends meet,” the official said.
The clashes have led to the displacement of thousands of civilians, encompassing residents of Kawng Hong and Mai Ya village tracts, along with inhabitants from several other undisclosed villages.
The official of the TWO CSO also mentioned that as the conflict in Monekoe escalated, houses were destroyed by Military Council’s airstrikes and shelling.
"The fighting continues, and just a few days ago artillery shells hit the local villages, resulting in houses set on fire. Right now villagers are afraid of ongoing hostilities, and reluctant to return
to their homes, making it impossible to ascertain the extent of the damage,” she said.
The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), a Kokang armed group, claimed that on November 4th, air raids conducted by the Military Council in Shi Chai village, Nan Tone village tract in Monekoe, resulted in the tragic deaths of 5 civilians, including 3 children.
Monekoe predominantly comprises ethnic Chinese residents, alongside the presence of Ta'ang and other ethnic communities.
Monekoe is situated within the Muse District, although residents mention that it typically requires around six hours to reach Muse Township by motorcycle.
Since the commencement of 'Operation 1027' by the Three Brotherhood Alliance in northern Shan State, daily confrontations with the Military Council have been intense, leading to an increase in the number of war-displaced individuals in northern Shan State to nearly 20,000.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) reported that, as of October 30, over 6,200 civilians had been displaced from their homes due to the ongoing conflict in northern Shan State.
