Some civilians in northern Shan State who were displaced by the fighting in 2021 and moved to Kyaukme town have returned to their villages, but many are concerned about the landmines that remain.

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Since fleeing the fighting between the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) and Northern Alliance groups, they have been working as labourers, but their daily wages (7,000 kyat for men, 5,000 for women) aren’t enough to support themselves in the town, a man helping them told SHAN. “They have to pay their rent and buy food” and water amid rising inflation, he said, explaining that their rent is between 40,000 ($19) and 70,000 kyat per month.

The township is home to 5,000 people from 1,250 families who remain displaced by clashes between the RCSS, the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army.

A man from Chong Houng fears stepping on a hidden landmine laid by one of the armed groups if he returns to his village. However, he has learned that some families have returned to their villages to clean their houses. “I heard that SSPP troops provided them with some rice.”

An officer from the armed group recently told SHAN that they’re ready to support those who want to go home. Over a week ago, more than 150 people returned to Pon Lon, Hu Suan and Khur Hnin village tracts in Mong Ngor sub township, volunteers report.

12 families returned to Choung Houng, 16 families to Choung Thit, 7 families to Nam Hpyit, one family to Hin Wow, 12 to Hu Suan, 8 to Neing Hseng, 26 to Mang Pouk, 2 to Ton Heik and 17 to Wan Kein Kai.