YANGON – The Ta’ang National Liberation Army and the Restoration Council of Shan State were urged to stop their conflicts, as fighting has boosted the number of refugees and may shake the country’s peace process.

Fighting in Namhkam started at the end of November, mostly in Kyaukme township and the Palaung self-administered zone.

Since the beginning of the month, at least 4,300 people have fled their homes seeking refuge from the violence, according to estimates from the United Nations’ country Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The Shan Nationalities League for Democracy was the last organisation asking both groups to stop their conflicts. In a statement, it said Shan state had a long history of 26 tribes living together through thick and thin. In the conflict areas, Shan and Ta’ang ethnic groups had lived together for hundreds of years. No tribe lived in isolation.

“The groups should remember the common goal was the establishment of a federal union, which required an end to ethnic tensions and for groups to shun racial hatred, calling for an immediately ceasefire between groups and a peaceful solution to all armed conflicts,” it said.

In a statement on Friday evening, the US Embassy also expressed deep concerns over the clashes, warning that the violence threatened to unravel the country’s delicate peace process.

While the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) said the Ta’ang army ambushed its bases, the army claimed that the fighting started as RCSS moved up north, invading its territory.

It said the conflict would end when the RCSS left its territory. On February 13, it said it was open for negotiation.

The United Nationalities Federal Council formed by nine ethnic armed groups is reportedly trying to mediate. The meeting venue and time is being decided.

It is unclear how fighting would affect the peace talks, but this has gained attention from other ethnic parties and politicians.

MP Sai Tun last week tabled an urgent proposal, urging the union and Shan state governments and other stakeholders to resolve the conflict. Twelve MPs, including two military representatives, seconded the motion.

MP Sai Tun Sein from Mongpyin constituency said he thinks the fighting started due to a misunderstanding between armed groups in Shan state.

“Under the nationwide ceasefire agreement, the groups are to stop offensive action and avoid opening military camps at religious buildings, schools, hospitals, clinics and other public places.

“A misunderstanding between signatories and non-signatories and putting ethnic disputes at the forefront led to the conflict. Now civilians have to bear the brunt of it.”

Namhsan MP Win Htoo expressed concerns on sporadic fighting. He mentioned a clash of the army and an armed group in Namhsan township, near Palaung, on January 23. This was followed by the fighting of two armed groups on February 7.

“The incoming government needs to continue working on the emergence of an all-inclusive union peace conference to reach a proper peace deal,” he said.