The IDPs are from Namtu, Namkham, Kehsi, and Mong Kurng townships. 

More than 2,800 people have been displaced in Shan State within the last 12 days, the UN agency for humanitarian affairs reported on Thursday. 

The internally displaced people (IDPs) are from Namtu and Namkham townships in northern Shan State and Kehsi and Mong Kurng townships in southern Shan State. They were forced from their homes by fighting between July 9 and 23, UNOCHA stated. 

Battles occurred between government forces and the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA). The RCSS/SSA also clashed with the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). 

IDPs fleeing the clashes sought shelter in Buddhist monasteries and Christian churches, but returned to their homes when the fighting let up so that they could tend to their farms. 

“People are worried there will be more fighting in their area. Both local people and monks have demanded that the armed conflict stop,” Shan Nationalities League for Democracy spokesperson Sai Lek told SHAN. “We can stop these battles if we truly work together, with commitment,” he added. 

According to UNOCHA’s report, there have been more than 6,500 IDPs in Shan State between January and July of this year and more than 6,800 IDPs in Kachin State during the same period.