Conflict in Kutkai Township forced schools to close as junta forces battled with soldiers from Kachin Independence Army during several days of fierce fighting in northern Shan State.

A 30-year-old woman from Kutkai town told SHAN that some teachers led students away from their school on Monday. Later, in the afternoon, more violence broke out between the armed groups.

Two employees of a toll booth were injured in the clashes on 18 December at 7 pm.