YANGON: More than 2,000 residents of Bhamo Ouk Chaung have fled to Bhamo and other safe areas as a result of the fighting in Sikham Gyi Village in Mansi Township, Kachin State, according to refugees and people helping them.
Most of them are taking refuge in monasteries, churches and relatives' houses.
After the attacks of the KIA, PDF and AA joint forces on the army camp in Sikham Gyi Village from Feb 17 to Feb 19, the villagers have been forced to flee the war.
As a result of the fighting, fires broke out everywhere in Sikham Gyi Village, and five women, including two students, and three men were killed. Dozens of injured people were sent to the hospital in Bhamo, according to locals.
A resident of Sikhamgyi said, “Our village has been destroyed. My house has been destroyed. When they attacked our village suddenly, the villagers did not have time to run. There were many forces. Of course, some of our relatives have died.
"Others fled as the armed groups entered their villages such as Sikham, Metlin, Khachin, Thantada, Lorkhine, Sikaw, Moncent and Pantine. Some have to be left been to act as guards. I took clothes along with me but not food. I pray that it won't be long. After a while, the money I brought will run out. I don't know how to work here.”
The Kachin State government and social assistance groups are helping those fleeing the war as much as they can and those who fled said that it was difficult to get food, medicine and accommodation. - Eleven Media Group/ANN