The war-torn Nawnghkio (Interview)
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Thant Zin /Hsu (NP News) - Nov 27
It has been reported that the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), along with three other northern forces, initiated military operations under the name "Operation 1027" in towns across northern Shan State starting on October 27, 2023. Currently, these forces are actively attacking and controlling towns such as Kutkai, Kyaukme, Muse, Namkham, Lashio, and others in the region. Additionally, the TNLA and allied forces launched an attack on Nawnghkio on June 25, and by July 10, they had overrun and taken full control of the town following an assault on the military’s 606th missile battalion stationed there. Since the initial attack on Nawnghkio by the TNLA, a significant number of local residents have fled to other regions as refugees to escape the conflict. The livelihoods of the town’s residents have been severely impacted, with extensive damage reported to homes, public properties, and government buildings. Currently, the military is escalating its offensive with aerial attacks aimed at retaking Nawnghkio from TNLA control. The Statesman Journal has conducted an interview with a trusted local resident from Nawnghkio to shed light on the hardships faced by residents, the ongoing situation in the town, and related developments.
Q: What kind of town was Nawnghkio in the past?
A: I’ve been in Nawnghkio since 1991. Back then, it was a peaceful town. At that time, it was classified as a “brown zone,” meaning there was some level of presence by peace groups and a few armed groups, but the situation was relatively calm. After 1994, the area became a “white zone” completely under government control, and conditions improved significantly. Before Operation 1027, Nawnghkio was a prosperous town with a thriving economy.
Q: What kind of businesses and livelihoods did people engage in?
A: Most locals were farmers, cultivating white and red onions, potatoes, and eggplants. Additionally, crops like sugarcane, sesame, and sunflowers were widely grown. Starting around 2001, the markets and other businesses also thrived, making it a well-off town economically.
Q: What hardships did locals face after the TNLA began their operations?
A: Once Operation 1027 began, many locals had to flee. Livelihoods were disrupted, and the economy came to a standstill. In the first wave of fighting, the TNLA didn’t reach as far as Nawnghkio, but during the second wave, they attacked Nawnghkio, Thibaw, and Kyaukme. Villagers in those areas had to abandon their homes.
When the attack on Nawnghkio began, civilians, healthcare workers, and government staff with their families fled to May Myo (Pyin Oo Lwin). They sought refuge in monasteries there. Villagers from areas like Shwemotehtaw, Ywarpyin, Tharyetcho, and Naungautaw stayed until the TNLA attacked the military’s 606th missile battalion. Afterward, these villages were destroyed. Nearby areas like Kan Gyi and surrounding villages were also severely damaged.
By the time the 606th battalion fell, entire villages were destroyed, and reports suggest that bodies were loaded into three vehicles and dumped into a cliff near Narhmun Village. Economic activity in these areas is now entirely impossible, and farming is no longer viable. Houses have been destroyed, and belongings looted.
Q: How many people currently live in Nawnghkio?
A: In the town, there aren’t many people left. Most have fled. Very few have returned to live in Nawnghkio. From what I’ve heard, people from nearby villages like Shwe Moke Taw have also fled toward Kyauk Gyi and southern areas. Many have relocated to Maymyo (Pyin Oo Lwin). The situation is uncertain, but bombings are frequent. For example, there was a bombing at a gas station, possibly the “Pa Laung Ma” station, and the area near the hospital has also been heavily affected.
Currently, the town is almost deserted, with only a few remaining supporters of the authorities in power. Businesses that still operate in the town reportedly have to pay taxes or fees, though it’s unclear how much. This collection is said to be overseen by a PDF leader named Myint Than. Most business owners pay these fees because they have no choice.
In reality, many neighborhoods in the town are now completely empty. Nawnghkio has essentially become a barren, deserted place resembling an open field.
Q: What kind of livelihoods are the residents of Nawnghkio currently pursuing?
A: Currently, there are hardly any economic activities taking place in Nawnghkio. Most people are unable to work due to the circumstances. However, in nearby villages such as Kyauk Taw, people manage to engage in some activities. Kyauk Taw has been a model village, and the residents there work on farms during the day and rest at night. In many other villages, however, people cannot do much because of the ongoing conflicts. In areas like Taung Khan Kwin, working is also difficult. Villages near Me Boke and Nawnghkio Gyi still manage some subsistence activities, but it's a struggle, and many people are living day-to-day.
Trade is minimal. Although some shops in Nawnghkio remain open, they face pressure from groups like the TNLA, who threaten to confiscate property if businesses don't reopen. As a result, some displaced shopkeepers have returned and reopened their shops, but the level of business activity is far from what it used to be. After recent events, the town's economy has significantly declined. Many prominent business owners, such as rice mill operators, have fled to other areas.
Approximately 50% of economic activity in the town is still functional, but it's mostly under control of the authorities or groups in power. The situation leaves little room for economic growth.
Q: How are the prices of basic commodities in Nawnghkio?
A: Prices for basic goods have skyrocketed. A viss of cooking oil costs about 20,000 kyats, sometimes exceeding that. Eggs are priced at 1,000 kyats each, while rice costs around 8,000 kyats per traditional unit. Diesel is 5,000 kyats per liter. The high prices are partly due to the additional tolls and fees that traders have to pay, further driving up costs for residents.
Q: What is the current state of Nawnghkio given the military's aerial operations?
A: The situation in Nawnghkio is terrible. Buildings near the market have been destroyed, and daily bombings have left the town in ruins. According to reports, the TNLA recently retreated toward Kyaukme, but the damage to Nawnghkio remains extensive.
Q: Do you believe the recent increase in military operations in Northern Shan, including Nawnghkio, is related to the SAC Chairman's visit to China?
A: Yes, it appears so. Nawnghkio is a strategically significant town as it connects Southern Shan State to areas like Mandalay and Myitkyina, as well as Mogok. After the SAC Chairman's visit to China, there have been talks of opening peace discussions, but only if groups like the TNLA demonstrate genuine commitment to peace. However, clashes seem to have intensified. China's tightening of arms and ammunition supply might also put pressure on the TNLA, making it more challenging for them to sustain their operations.
Q: How is the communication infrastructure in Nawnghkio?
A: Communication in Nawnghkio is severely disrupted. Incoming calls from outside are not possible, though residents can make outgoing calls occasionally. Even MPT services, the only somewhat functional network, are unreliable. Internet services are also unavailable. Previously, Starlink was used, but it is no longer operational now. The TNLA has reportedly set up signal jammers in some areas, contributing to the difficulties.
Q: Is it true that TNLA has been recruiting child soldiers in Nawnghkio?
A: Yes, forced recruitment of child soldiers by the TNLA has been ongoing for long time. Children as young as 14 from villages around Nawnghkio have been taken. Additionally, young adults are lured with promises of a 500,000-kyat salary, but they often don’t receive it. Villages in areas like Thon Ze, Ingyin Kone, and Taung Khan have seen many such cases. Some children join out of desperation due to food shortages and starvation, only to find themselves forcibly conscripted.
Q: What might happen if the situation in Nawnghkio continues as it is?
A: The future of Nawnghkio remains uncertain. The town is in a terrible state, and it's hard to predict what will happen. For now, everyone is simply waiting to see how things unfold.
Thank you for providing these insights.