Joint Strategy Team | May 5, 2017

Intense fighting between the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) and Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) took place on 2nd May 2017 near KaungKhe, Pan San, and Namhom villages in Nam Kham Township. The villages are located on the way between Nam Kham and Nampaka in northern Shan State. Due to deployment of air strikes from helicopters and multiple rounds of heavy artillery, civilians were killed an dinjured; a 75-year old woman from Namhom village was killed and three villagers – two of whom are children – from Kaungkhe village were severely injured while they were picking tea leaves on their farms. Currently, al the injured civilians are hospitalised in Nam Kham. Fighting continues in the area, and the road between Nam Kham and Nampaka has been blocked.

This conflict could affect the livelihoods of the local populations since now it is a critical time for harvesting tea leaves, and it is the primary source of income for them. It is also worrying that the fighting is taking place as the second 21st Century Pang Long Peace Conference is approaching. The key concerns for the civilians in this new conflict affected area are protection, safety and security.

Joint Strategy Team 5 May 2017.

Contact: Gum Sha Awng (Mr.) at gum.sha.awng@metta-myanmar.org

Mobile: +95 95192913.

Joint Strategy Team – Bridging Rural Integrated Development and Grassroot Empowerment (BRIDGE), Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC), Kachin Relief and Development Committee (KRDC), Kachin Women Association (KWA), Kachin Development Group (KDG), Karuna Mission Social Solidarity (KMSS), Metta Development Foundation (Metta), Nyein (Shalom) Foundation and Wunpawng Ninghtoi (WPN). 

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