Network Media Group / BNI Online | April 11, 2018

Residents who have been displaced by the fighting between the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army – South (RCSS/SSA-S) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) will return home from Hsipaw if negotiation goes well.

“When we requested for permission to go back, we were told to return at first. On the same evening, Pang Hkan Village chairman was told to stay two more days. So, we have been waiting for four days. They are still negotiating with the RCSS for the return. If it goes well,

[the displaced residents] will leave tomorrow,” said a resident of Hsipaw who has been assisting the displaced residents.

The displaced residents from Pang Hkar, Pang Hkan, Htan Sant, and Man Loi villages under Hsipaw Township fled to Hsipaw at the end of March.

“The residents from Pang Hkan and Htan Sant villages, who are staying in the town, aren’t leaving yet. The number of remaining displaced residents is over 400. The entire Man Loi Village went back yesterday. That’s over 300 people. Over 60 people from Htan Sant [have also returned home]. So, over 400 people have gone back,” said Ko Myo from Hsipaw-based Border-less Parahita Association.

A total of 479 people from 138 households in Pang Hkan and Htan Sant villages, who are taking shelter at the Yadanar Shwe Gu Monastery in Hsipaw, are still negotiating their return, according to people who have been assisting the displaced residents.

The displaced residents said they want to return home if things go well since fighting has stopped in their areas.

“This is the New Year period for the villagers. They want to go to the monastery. It’s an important religious time [for them]. They want to do that. It’s time for them to pick tea leaves and clear the tea plantations. They want [the authorities to let them] return home quickly,” said a displaced resident who did not want to be named.

Ko Myo said he is worried about the local residents that will be returning home.

“We will take them home if they want to return home. We are worried about the landmine threat. We worry that they will step on the landmines while they are picking the tea leaves,” he explained.

Local residents have been forced to flee after fighting resumed between the RCSS/SSA-S and the TNLA in Namhsan, Hsipaw, Kyaukme, and Namtu townships since March 10.

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This article originally appeared on BNI Online on April 11, 2018.

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