‘I don’t understand why they are fighting each other,’ a villager said of the ethnic armed organizations.
Three civilians—including one 10-year-old boy—were killed in Hsipaw Township, northern Shan State, on Friday, during clashes between the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) and troops from the Northern Alliance of ethnic armed groups.
The fighting, in Ner Lawt village, lasted just moments after beginning at around 6:20 a.m. Sai Oun, aged 10, and Sai Pay, a 30-year-old man, died in the battle, according to the victims’
family members. Another 30-year-old man—Sai San Nawng—succumbed to his injuries as he was being transported to Mong Khur public hospital. Two more people were injured: Nang Aye Moon and schoolteacher Nang Htwe, both aged 20.
“Clashes broke out between the two Shan armed forces. I don't understand why they are fighting each other. I am not interested in their fighting. Civilians including children have been killed and wounded,” a relative of one of the victims told SHAN.
The Northern Alliance includes the Arakan Army, the Kachin Independence Army, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army. Villagers also reported that the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army was involved but SHAN could not confirm this.
SHAN tried to contact the two Shan armed groups, but was not able to establish communication in order for them to comment at the time of reporting.
Villagers remain worried about continued clashes, as many armed groups remain active in the area, including the Burma Army and various militias. The fighting as also disrupted their farming practices, creating concerns about food insecurity in the coming year.
