Displaced Nawnghkio Township civilians from northern Shan State have been turned back from a Myanmar junta checkpoint at the garrison town of Pyin Oo Lwin in Mandalay Region, said residents.
Fighting with the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) has been reported near Kantkaw village in Nawnghkio Township on the Yangon-Mandalay road for a few days. The village is less than 7km from the junta’s Wetwun checkpoint, which is turning back all the vehicles from Pyin Oo Lwin.
A resident said: “We were heading to Pyin Oo Lwin but were not allowed to pass the Wetwun checkpoint. We are now sheltering with a relative in another village.”
Junta troops advanced to villages on the border of Shan State and Mandalay Region on October 19, sparking clashes with the TNLA and the allied Mandalay People’s Defense Force (PDF).
PDF spokesman Ko Osmond said: “Fighting has been reported around Kantkaw for around three days. We have no plan to release details.”
A TNLA statement on Tuesday said the fighting started after regime reinforcements from Lawksawk Township in southern Shan State reached Nawnghkio. The regime reportedly dropped 18 bombs with drones on a Kantkaw school and monastery on Tuesday.
More than 2,000 residents have been displaced with the majority hiding in forests or other villages. Displaced people in forests will need water, food and medicines if the fighting lasts for long, said a Pyin Oo Lwin volunteer helping displaced people.
A Pyin Oo Lwin resident said his friend heading to rebel-held Lashio in northern Shan State was allowed to pass the checkpoint because of his contacts but had to leave all the food he was carrying.
“A friend was at Wetwun for five days before he was allowed to leave. He had to leave all the dried food like instant noodles he had for his family.”
Junta troops have reached Ohnmathee junction controlled by the TNLA and its allies on the Mandalay-Lashio road in Kantkaw.
Junta troops at Wetwun, Defense Services Technological Academy and elsewhere have been shelling around Kantkaw, according to residents.
Pyin Oo Lwin is peaceful and junta troops patrol villages around the town, said residents.
Another Pyin Oo Lwin resident said: “Pyin Oo Lwin remains calm. I only plan to leave the town if fighting breaks out. I heard military families are leaving.”
Vehicles heading to Nawnghkio, Kyaukme, Hsipaw and Lashio through Mandalay city are now using an alternative route through Ywangan and Pindaya. Drivers are complaining about longer travel times and higher fuel prices.
