Since the regime and the Mandalay People’s Defence Force began deploying more troops in Nawngkio Township, farmers who are at the start of the planting season are afraid that the conflict between the two groups, which has displaced many people in recent months, will flare up again.

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Although tensions between the armed groups remain palpable in the area, some of the civilians affected by the previous clashes have recently returned to their homes in Doe Pin, Hokho and Kalar Kwe village tracts in the township, which is next to Mandalay Region.

“We are very concerned that fighting will restart,” a resident of Doe Pin told SHAN on condition of anonymity. “Some soldiers from BA are staying in the villages, others in the jungle…If fighting breaks out, it will threaten our livelihoods.”

Recently, there were clashes between the Shan State Progress Party and regime troops in the township, where Ta’ang National Liberation Army and Restoration Council of Shan State are also active.