Clashes between rival armed groups in northern Shan State continues in 2019.

Fighting between ethnic armed groups on New Year’s Eve that affected hundreds of villagers in northern Shan State has continued into 2019. Some were still trapped by fighting yesterday.

Fighting between the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) and Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in Namtu Township have displaced over four-hundred civilians.

Nang San San Aye, an MP for the township, said that 190 villagers arrived at the monastery on New Year’s Day following clashes a day earlier about one mile from Mangsan village.

An additional 200 sought refuge at the monastery yesterday.

Other villages affected by the conflict include Ner Ngu, Ner Harng, and Nawng Aw.

The MP told SHAN yesterday about 50 people—including government staff—were still trapped by fighting that broke out in the afternoon near Mang Wah village.

At the time of press, it’s unclear if they have made it to safety.

A shell landed in Ner Keng village said Sai Ba Nyan, a volunteer helping the displaced civilians. No injuries have been reported.

“Some villagers are still there. They are afraid to run away. Volunteers are waiting for pick up the IDPs (internally displaced persons).”

Clashes between the RCSS/SSA and TNLA are frequent in Namtu Township. It’s making life for civilians extremely difficult, and preventing farmers from maintaining their fields.

Meanwhile, the Myanmar Army announced a unilateral ceasefire in Shan and Kachin states.

“The Tatmadaw will cease all military operations in each command from Dec. 21 to April 30,” to facilitate talks with non-state armed groups said an official statement from Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.