Frequent Clashes in Hpakant Force Residents to Flee

Pajau Media

September 24, 2025

Due to almost daily assaults and heavy artillery shelling by the junta forces in Hpakant, many local residents have been fleeing toward Myitkyina, according to reports.

While many Hpakant residents have escaped to Myitkyina, some remain behind by digging bunkers and shelters. A pastor from the Shatapru Baptist Church said that most residents from Hpakant-Mashi Kahtawng Village have taken refuge in their church.

“Clashes are getting more and more intense everywhere. At Shatapru, we had already prepared to close down the camp, but because of the renewed fighting, displaced people are returning, so we are accepting and caring for them again. Most are from Hpakant-Mashi Kahtawng and Sharaw Hka villages. Refugees have been arriving since August, and as of September 22, they are still coming in,” he explained.

The areas currently displaced include residents from Mashi Kahtawng, Sharaw Hka, Mawtaung, San Chyoi, Mawmau Layang, Maw Wan Gyi, Maw Wan Kalay under Hpakant-Seng Tawng area, as well as some from Hpakant town itself.

Most displaced people are staying with church assistance, while some are surviving on their own. Refugees say that humanitarian support and protection are still urgently needed.

Since clashes intensified in late April, between 2,000 and nearly 3,000 people have already fled from Hpakant. With the surge of displacement since early August, it has become increasingly difficult to confirm the exact number of refugees.

Since early August, the junta has taken control along the Kamai-Nam Ya-Hpakant road and in villages under Lone Khin area, before launching renewed offensives toward the Seng Tawng area, which continue until today.

In addition, the junta army has been indiscriminately firing heavy artillery day and night from Hpakant based military camps into areas where no clashes are taking place, causing many civilian casualties.

On September 22, two family members, a father and son, were killed by a drone bomb attack carried out by junta forces in Seng Tawng's Chyauk Dwe Tawng area.

News-Pilan U