Military tensions have been high between the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) between May 4 and May 7 after the TNLA attacked SSPP’s temporary outpost in Mong Yin Village Group in Namtu Township in the northern Shan State.
After the fighting broke out on May 4, the SSPP has reinforced its troops while the TNLA has also reinforced with three military columns.
“We don’t want to fight. We have been trying to be patient. Our outpost from this area has been attacked once in December and once now. I heard that they have reinforced their troops. We have also reinforced our troops,” said Lt-Col Sai Su, spokesperson of the SSPP.
Sayar Sai Ba Nyan from Namtu Township Social Assistance Group said he did not hear any reports about the fighting on May 7 and he has been assisting the internally displaced persons (IDP)s who have arrived at the monastery.
TNLA’s spokesperson Maj Mai Aik Kyaw told 7 Day Daily that the TNLA has not received any reports from his troops at the lower level even though it has received reports about the fighting from local residents.
He added that the TNLA always keep in contact with the SSPP at the lower level to prevent skirmishes and mistakes.
According to the SSPP, the two armed groups clashed once from 9 am to 2 pm on May 4 and once on May 5. No fighting has broken out between May 6 and May 7, but both armies have reinforced their troops.
Sources close to the two armed groups said less than six people have died during the skirmish between the two allied armed groups. One soldier died and two has been injured on the SSPP’s side while less than six people have died on the TNLA’s side, according to the sources but the Shan Herald has not been able to confirm them.
Over 500 residents have been forced to flee due to the fighting.
A total of 184 residents of Nar San Village, which is home to 80 households, and 71 residents of Lauk Lone Village, which is home of 18 houses, have been taking refuge at a monastery in Pang Hkam Village, which is two miles east of Mong Yin Ywar Ma Village.
Over 60 residents from Nar Pyan Village, which is home to 17 households, are also taking refuge at a monastery in Wein Nan Village.
A total of 158 women and 63 men from 73 families are taking shelter at the monastery in Mong Yin Ywar Ma Village, according to Sayar Sai Ba Nyan. Some of the IDPs are also taking refuge at the homes of their relatives and friends.
These IDPs are from Wang Kone Mon, Wang Aing, Wang Hsar Long, and Wang Hsar Aum villages. Two residents have also been injured after an artillery shell fell inside Wang Hsar Aum Village during the skirmish on May 4.
The TNLA and the SSPP are members of the seven-member Northern Alliance, which is led by the United Wa State Army (UWSA).
