Over 1,500 civilians fled their homes due to the ongoing clashes between the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Restoration Council of Shan State/ Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA).

Sai  Than  Maung, a representative from the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) in Kyaukme Township, said that more than 800 IDPs came to Kyaukme. They are staying in Kobya Yartha, Thiho Temple, Saya Aung Supan Temple, Namsilin Temple and Honam Temple.

“Today, more than 1,500 IDPs are still arriving at the site,” he said. “So far, there’s no group providing aid to them yet.” The IDPs are only receiving relief from local people in Kyaukme.

“About 2,000 villagers are being held captive in the Chinese temples of Taw sang village,” he said. “The villagers said the TNLA troops looted the villagers’ houses and took their properties.”

Sai  Than  Maung also stated that people in the township are going to offer aid such as food, blankets and clothes.

The conflict between TNLA and RCSS/SSA also known as SSA-South, erupted in late November last year.

The Ta’ang Women’s Organization (TWO) and Ta’ang Students and Youth Organization (TSYO) on Wednesday accused RCSS/SSA, one of the eight groups that signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) in October, of abusing against citizens such as robberies, arrests and many acts of violence.

Col. Sai La, spokesperson of RCSS/SSA, claimed that the Ta’ang groups are feeding false information to the public. He said such kind of things made their organization look bad.

“We’ve ignored the allegations that they (TNLA) have said about us in the past, such as the Burma Army transporting our troops by army trucks, and forcibly relocating villagers from their homes,” he said. “Now, we feel that it is time for us to clear things up by addressing these allegations and telling our side of the story. ”

The RCSS/SSA spokesperson also said that with regards to the current fighting they had contacted the TNLA for talks.

“But, we have yet to get a response from them,” he added.

“Without negotiation, citizens wonder what the future holds for the IDPs,” Sai  Than  Maung  said.

“I strongly recommend that the Ta’ ang group regardless if they took part in the ceasefire signing or should pay attention to the IDPs.”

The TNLA could not be reached for comment at the time of reporting.