“Buddhist temples and religious places in Tangyan have become sheltering centers for refugees. They include Shan, Ta’ang (Palaung) and Chinese. Chinese go to Chinese temples while the rest to Shan Buddhist temples. Among them, Wat Veluvan has been the largest center for accommodating the refugees. But, outside the temples, Burma army soldiers are standing guard and prohibiting people from outside making donations or helping them”, said Sai Kham Pan, a member of Veluvan temple’s trust.

At the end of March during the fight between SSPP/SSA and Burma army’s Infantry Battalions (IB) 33 and 291 and Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 322 had intensified. The Burma army units were attacking the SSA bases along Loi Zay range. The Burma army not only shelled the SSPP/SSA bases, but also fired “knowingly”, according to sources, into farmlands and villages. It is reported that the shells landed in villages resulting in many losses. Following the shelling, Burma army soldiers also confiscated and looted villagers, a Lahu militiaman told SHAN.

Following the clashes people fled their homes and left their properties behind. The SSPP/SSA spokesman Sai La told SHAN that they have complied a list of over 700 households that have deserted. “We have met the representatives of Union Peacemaking Working committee (UPWC) in Lashio and in order that are able the people to return home to make their living without fear, we requested the Burma army not to continue their operation. If it continues, war is inevitable. If the war goes on, the people will have to flee. President Thein Sein is making peace with the Shan resistance and willing to protect the life of the people. Therefore, we would like to request the Burma army not to move their troops into the SSPP/SSA controlled areas.”

It is also reported that Burma army soldiers committed atrocities and abuses to the villagers. On 27 March, a unit of Burma army, active in the Loi Zay region, arrested Loong Sai Hseng, 53, a Shan traditional physician. And, Loong Kham, 40, was taken out of the village and beaten to death at a place 2-miles away from village. Loong Tun, 52, Loi Zay village headman, Sai Tawn, his assistant, Sai Kaw, 17, and Sai Leik, 15 (both being sons of Loong Tun), were also arrested by the Burma army. They are still under detention and not yet released at the time of reporting.

Moreover, 3 Palaung ethnic girls from Nam Mai Nawd village, Nang Hsaw, 15; Nang Yun, 13; and Nang Nguen, 16, were also taken by the Burma army soldiers; they were kept in the camp and were released after 2 days.

Apart from the above stories, Sai Lu Khe, 20, from Wan Ho Tart was injured at his thigh by a bomb from the Burma army. The wall of Loong Kham Hswe’s house from Wan Hwe Pu was flattened. Sai Zarm lost a pig from his domestic farm worth 80,000 Kyat (about USD 94). They [Burma army] also shot at a pig belonging to Loong La to death for their own consumption, worth 100,000 Kyat (about USD 117) value at local market, a young refugee helper told SHAN.

The villages which suffered direct impact from the war are Wan Pang Mawn, Wan Kawng Hsai (Chinese quarter), Wan Tok Loi Zay, Wan Na Loi Zay, Wan Mark Wow, Wan Kawng Kaw, Wan Hwe Pu, Wan Nam Mai Nawd, Wan Kao Lung, Wan Pa Fang, Loi Zay tract, all in Tangyan Township. According to the 2010 election statistics, the population of the area is estimated at over 1,000.