After five days of Operation 1027 by the three Northern Alliances in northern Shan State, an investigation by Mizzima reveals that the number of displaced people has exceeded 22,000, and the conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least 12 civilians.
Amid the operation, residents from Chinshwehaw, Lashio, Hsenwi, Naungcho, Kyaukme, Kutkai, and Mongkoe towns have been displaced, seeking shelter in monasteries and secure locations.
More than 10,000 IDPs from Chinshwehaw have found refuge in Namtit Sub-township within the Wa Self-Administered Division of Shan State, while an additional 5,626 IDPs are currently in Lashio.
Moreover, Hsenwi is accommodating over 5,000 IDPs, with more than 1,000 IDPs in Naungcho, over 450 IDPs in Kyaukme, over 500 IDPs in Kutkai, and over 500 IDPs in Mongkoe.
An official from the Foreign Liaison Office in the Wa Self-Administered Division said, “Approximately 10,000 IDPs from Chinshwehaw have found shelter in Namtit, where they are receiving accommodation and assistance.”
The conflict has expanded to include the city of Lashio, where the Northeast Military Command is situated. Reports indicate that there are currently 5,626 internally displaced persons (IDPs) taking refuge in nine monasteries within Lashio Township.
Hsenwi, located approximately 25 miles from Lashio, is currently providing shelter for more than 5,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the monasteries of Kyaungkhan village and Homain village, as reported by local sources.
In Hsenwi, the phone lines are currently out of service, which suggests that the number of people seeking to escape the conflict may be even higher. As a result, there is an ongoing investigation to gather further details about the situation.
The ongoing battles in Northern Shan State have resulted in the deaths of at least 12 civilians, including one child, and at least 20 civilians have been injured in areas such as Chinshwehaw, Kutkai, Lashio, and Namkhang due to artillery shelling by the military council, according to the Mizzima investigation.
The Myanmar junta has reported the loss of Chinshwehaw.
