Locals struggle to survive amidst pressures from armed groups in northern Shan State
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Phyo/Thant Zin (NP News) - Jan 1
A local source from northern Shan State told the NP News that locals are struggling to survive amidst the pressures from armed groups in the northern part of Shan State.
Territorial disputes and other conflicts are reportedly occurring between armed groups in some towns of northern Shan State controlled by the MNDAA and TNLA.
"Northern Shan State is currently under the control of two or three armed groups, resulting in intense conflict. A key example is the tension between the KIA and TNLA in Kutkai, which arose after the TNLA interfered with the KIA's anti-drug distribution. The TNLA has also frequently been involved in instigating ethnic conflict in places like Kyaukme, Namtu, and Kutkai," he said.
After the 1027 operation, it is reported that the MNDAA and TNLA control towns in northern Shan State, including Namhsan, Mantong, Namkham, Namtu, Minegao, Kutkai, Monglon, Hsenwi, Kunlong, Monekoe, Kyukot (Pang Hseng), Chinshwehaw, Konkyan, Laukkaing, Nawnghkio, Kyaukme, Thipaw, and Lashio.
He further stated that, in addition to the pressures exerted by the armed groups controlling the towns, local residents are also subjected to human rights violations committed by these groups.
He said, "After they took control, we, the people, became worried, and many had to move to safer areas in the southern part of Shan State. When there were no people left in those towns, fearing Tatmadaw airstrikes, they began enforcing measures such as sealing off houses. They warned that if people didn’t comply with their orders, they would seize their homes. Many who returned were arrested, and there were numerous cases of people being detained."
The local source also reported that residents in MNDAA- and TNLA-controlled towns face extremely difficult conditions due to disruptions in power, electrical supplies, and communication lines.
A local source stated, “In areas under their control, people are facing fuel supply disruptions, and communication has become increasingly difficult due to power and electricity shortages. When Kutkai and similar areas were under the control of two factions, it became impossible to determine who was in charge. We had to follow orders from both sides, and this situation remains unchanged. This is the current reality in northern Shan State. While locals have endured military governments and previous regimes, they have never faced conditions as severe as these. What I mean is that even groups that once supported the MNDAA and TNLA no longer want them. It’s turning into a system where each side rules according to its own laws.”