Over 800 civilians in Namtu Township, who were displaced by clashes between opposing ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) in Burma’s northern Shan State, require emergency food and assistance. 

Sein Win, who’s helping the internally displaced persons (IDPs), told SHAN more civilians keep arriving. He said the IDPs need food and warm clothing and blankets. During the Winter season, “we have to take care of their health,” explaining that at least 10 people are suffering from diarrhea.

The Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS/SSA) fought with Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in Pang Chem village-tract for the whole day this Tuesday, January 5.

Over 600 civilians from Maik Hoong, Huay Hoong and Ner Mart villages are sheltering in Ner Hsai village. While over 200 villagers from Nyaung Swel, Maik Hoong, Look Laue villages  were fled to Mansam monastery of  Mansan village. 

Since fighting between EAOs started in Namtu Township on December 25, at least 872 people have been affected by the violence. In Kyaukme Township, over 1,000 have been uprooted since the beginning of last month.

“I think hostilities between RCSS and the TNLA will continue to intensify and consequently, the numbers of IDP will also increase,” a resident from Namtu Township told SHAN. 

During Tuesday’s fighting a villager was killed and another wounded after a shell landed in a home in Nyaung Swel village. The victim’s home burned to the ground.

After the RCSS signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) with the government and Burma Army in late 2015, hostilities started with TNLA in northern Shan State.

Although the TNLA is not a signatory to the NCA there’s been discussions about reviving negotiations on a bilateral ceasefire agreement with the government along with other member groups from the Northern Alliance.