A villager was shot dead and another seriously injured by a landmine as clashes between the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and junta forces intensified in Kyaukme Township, local sources told SHAN.

On September 17, a man from Hkelong village, Nawng Ping tract, was shot while fleeing into the forest during fighting. He was taken to Pyin Oo Lwin Hospital, where he died of his injuries the following day.

“It’s not safe in the forest, and it’s not safe to go home. Although Hkelong is quiet today, there was fighting in Namsawt village, and IDPs in Htaik Ton Huong and Nar Aik Khant are already facing food shortages,” a displaced woman said.

The victim was identified as U Tun Sein, a man in his 50s.

In a separate incident the same day, more than 20 families who had been sheltering in the forest attempted to return to Nawng Pyit village. As they arrived, 30-year-old Sai Kyaw Thein reportedly stepped on a landmine in his house compound, resulting in the loss of his leg.

“They couldn’t take him to any hospital. Everyone had to flee again. The whole village is burned down, with only two houses left,” the woman added.

Residents say junta troops, who regained control of Nawng Ping in late August, have barred villagers from returning and are looting homes, stealing valuables, farm equipment, and vehicles.

Troops from Division 11, stationed in Nawng Ping, are reportedly firing heavy weapons along the Union Highway and advancing toward Htaik Ton Huong village, about eight miles from Kyaukme, forcing more residents to flee.

In a related development, Nang Aye Yin, a female member of the Nump Khone Tai Charitable Organization (Nam Khone Shan Philanthropic Association), was released on September 20 after being arrested by the TNLA in Kyaukme on suspicion of being a military informant. Most of the roughly 30 civilians arrested alongside her remain in custody as the TNLA continues operations amid ongoing clashes with junta forces in the township.

A military source said the army has been rotating troops through the recently repaired Gote Twin Bridge since mid-September and that the local commander is now based in Nawng Ping to direct operations.