Hundreds of villagers from northern Shan State displaced by fighting between armed groups on Friday are in need of emergency aid. A woman from Koong Hsar, who requested anonymity, said they had had to flee their homes when clashes broke out between the military and the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) near her village in Hsipaw Township.

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“We need food and it’s cold here. We couldn’t take anything with us when we fled the violence, and the elderly, the children and the mothers need warm clothes and blankets,” the woman said, adding that they are sharing the food they have among themselves.

A volunteer, who also wished to remain anonymous, said that over 400 villagers are staying in churches, Maharsi and Bodaw Buddhist monasteries and with relatives in Hispaw town. “The abbot has given them some food and shelter, but it’s not enough for everyone,” she told SHAN. Most of the people have fled from Ho Nawng, Kong Pin and Koong Hsar.

Villagers from Kon Tha are unable to go home because the army remains in their homes and the SSPP soldiers are stationed nearby. The groups clashed near the village on 10 November as well.