More than 40 refugees have taken refuge at St Mary’s Catholic Church in northern Shan State, as a result of fierce fighting between government forces and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Church sources say.

A priest from Lashio diocese said “the Church in Mung Ji parish and local people are helping the refugees with food and cash.”

The bishop has also urged the St Vincent De Paul association to offer their support, he said.

Fighting between government troops and the KIA has been raging in northern Shan State since last Friday.

The situation is very tense in Mung Ji parish — roads are blocked, communication links have been cut and there is a large military presence in the area, according to local sources.