More than 300 houses were destroyed in Namphakka fighting in Kutkai Township, Northern Shan State, according to local residents.
Houses, schools and religious buildings were destroyed after a fierce battle took place, attacking and seizing by the KIA Joint Force against the Infantry Battalion 123 on February 15.
“More than 100 houses in Ward No.5 were hit to destroy by heavy weapons, and some houses were destroyed even impossible to live in. When the fighting took place, only people ran to escape, and everything that we left was destroyed by fire,” said a local from Namphatka Ward No.5.
The monasteries of Theindi Thukha, Yan Aung Myin, Pantayout, Ayekone and religious buildings were burned down due to mutual shootings by both sides in fighting as well as bombings by the military junta.
Local people have already returned to Namphakka village since February 10, but the transportation roads have not yet reopened, causing difficulties due to rising prices.
“It is a difficulty as roads are still closed. The 105-mile road of the Muse is still closed, so some local people have not dared to return because of fear that there will be more fighting. The prices of goods are high when the roads are closed,” said a person helping IDPs.
According to the list of Ta’ang Women Organization, 128 houses in Ward 5 of Namphatka Village, 50 houses in Ward 1, 40 houses in Ward 2, 30 houses in Wards 3 and 4; 30 houses in Laogon Village; 5 houses in Lwalkan village; 12 houses in Ayekon village; 35 houses in Manmaw village and 36 houses in Sitaban village were damaged, totaling 366 houses.