Displaced residents have begun returning to Nam Neng Village in Pang Laung (Pinlaung) Township, southern Shan State, despite being unable to rebuild homes and religious buildings destroyed during years of conflict.

Residents say they returned out of necessity, even as landmines, military tensions, and economic hardship continue to threaten daily life.

Heavy fighting broke out in the area in 2023 between the military junta, the Pa-O National Organization/Pa-O People’s Militia (PNO), and the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) alliance, forcing more than 3,000 civilians from Taung Methin, Nam Neng, and Pinpon villages to flee to nearby areas within Pang Laung Township.

During the clashes, Nam Neng Village was heavily damaged. Residents said the village monastery was destroyed, while around 40 homes were either burned down or severely damaged by artillery fire and arson.

Although active fighting around the village has subsided, returnees told SHAN they still lack the resources to rebuild and are now living in temporary shelters beside the remains of their homes.

“We still cannot repair the monastery because nobody can afford it yet,” a local man said. “People whose houses were destroyed are living in makeshift huts beside the ruins. After being displaced for so long, we have no savings left.”

Residents also said they remain fearful that fighting could resume at any time. Many families reportedly keep essential belongings packed and ready in case they are forced to flee again.

The continued presence of landmines has also disrupted livelihoods. Farmers no longer dare to travel to hillside farms far from the village and are instead limiting cultivation to small plots near their homes.

“If war breaks out again, civilians will suffer the most,” a woman from Nam Neng told SHAN. “There are military checkpoints along the entire road, inspections are strict, and we have to travel very carefully.”

Travel between Pang Laung town and Nam Neng Village takes nearly an hour by motorcycle, with travelers passing through around 10 checkpoints operated by the military and the PNO, according to local residents.

Locals also said their return was partly driven by pressure from the PNO. Beginning in late October 2025, residents who remained displaced were reportedly warned that homes left vacant could be sealed and confiscated.

Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise along the Shan-Karenni border. Since the third week of April, residents and local observers say the military and PNO have deployed more than 300 additional troops near Hsawng Pyaung and Nam Neng villages.

Locals fear the troop buildup could signal preparations for renewed offensives toward Mong Pai (Mobye) and Pai Khun (Pekon), raising concerns that fighting may once again spread across the region.