By Sai Hseng Hlaing

A civilian was injured and more than 700 people displaced by fighting in Kyaukme Township in northern Shan State after the Burma Army and Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) squared off on the evening of October 4. 

A 45-year-old man was wounded after being struck with shrapnel from artillery fire. Tin Maung Thein, from Ziwita Social Volunteer Team in Kyaukme town, told SHAN the victim is being treated for his injuries at Kyaukme Public Hospital.

Local civil society organizations (CSOs) are assisting internally displaced persons (IDPs) with food and shelter. 

Tin Maung Thein, General Administration Officer (GAD) for Kyaukme Township, donated instant noodles and eggs. The GAD officer told SHAN that a CSO gave 50,000 kyat ($39) to the injured man.

Sai Tun Win, a parliamentarian for Kyaukme Township Constituency-1, said artillery struck the man’s house in Hkang Hkai village. Fighting forced 200 villagers to seek shelter at Pon Woe Monastery.

Locals told SHAN that hostilities have been ongoing since September 30.

Col Oum Khur, spokesperson for RCSS/SSA, said during the fighting there were many Burma Army casualties but couldn’t provide an exact number. The Shan spokesperson said the trouble started after the Tatmadaw entered its territory to attack them. Currently, both armed groups are standing off.

Hkantg Hkai is located about 20 miles from Kyaukme town.

RCSS/SSA has fought Tatmadaw, and sometimes other ethnic armed organizations, multiple times since signing the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement in 2015.