As Burma Army ceased shelling Mai Jayang, the base of Kachin Independence Army (KIA)'s 3rd Brigade near the border with China, people taking refuge at Laying on the Chinese side say they can visit their homes during the day time.
Since 19 December, there has been no heavy shelling, and the refugees are able to return home during the day time and return to camp in the evening, according to a resident of Loije who is helping the refugees.
"The government had been firing with heavy weapons on Loije and Mai Jayang each day. It is about 5 days that they have stopped using them. As the situation gets better, people from the border villages are going home to work, during the day and return to camp at night to sleep," he said on 23 December.
For some villagers, it is difficult to return home because of landmines planted by both the KIA and the Burma Army.
"In Kawng Hsa, there are landmines in the sugarcane fields and since it is harvest time, the villagers are having a tough time," he added.
According to the latest reports from the aid organizations, more than 3,000 victims from Loije and Mai Jayang are staying and are facing food problems.
"The daily requirement is rice. There are also some who are in poor health. Donors come and donate but it's not enough. As conditions become stable, some are going back to find their own food and return to camp only at night," he said.
Since June, when the battle between KIA and the Burma Army broke out, there are about 40,000 people being displaced to big towns and the Chinese border.
Latest report today say there is heavy fighting at a village on the Myitkyina-Bhamo highway. More troops are also arriving near Laiza, the KIA headquarters. New troops in Momauk appear to be from Light Infantry Division 66, based in Inma, Pegu Region.
