KACHIN STATE- It is reported that more than 2,000 residents who were trapped in the clashes and facing food shortages in Waingmaw Town have been evacuated by religious leaders and civil society organizations.
The Kachin Independence Army; KIA-led joint forces and the military council have been fighting fiercely in Waingmaw Town since March 8. More than 2,000 residents from Shwe Nyaungpin Villages, Aung Myay (1) and (2) Wards were trapped inside the monastery of Aung Myay (2) Ward.
Since the war refugees had difficulty living and food, they asked the military council to allow them to leave starting March 9, but they were only allowed to leave on the evening of March 13.
“Only the disabled, the elderly, and the children were allowed to be evacuated. But heard that they were taking out as many people as they could since everyone is fleeing the war,” said a resident.
On March 12th, before allowing the war refugees to leave, the military council took out family members of soldiers of the Infantry Battalion (321) in cars, according to locals.
Now, the evacuees, who are allowed to leave the conflict zone, are placed in four religious buildings in Waingmaw.
While there is no fighting in Waingmaw Township at the moment, the locals said that the fighting could intensify soon. Residents said that there are few military council forces and more militia forces in the Waingmaw region.