Church authorities in Kachin state say the rising number of refugees displaced by ongoing fighting between government troops and opposition forces does not indicate an end to hostilities, despite reports of a government-ordered cease-fire.

Bishop Raymond Sumlut Gam of Banmaw diocese said local churches have provided clothing to refugees but that the needs of the displaced are growing beyond their ability to cope.

Sources in Banmaw say that an estimated 35,000 refugees have fled their homes to escape the fighting, up from 18,000 last month.

A priest from Banmaw who asked not to be named said ongoing skirmishes between the government and soldiers of the Kachin Independence Army have thrown the region into turmoil.

In Myitkyina, capital of Kachin state, a priest said he had also seen an increase in the number of refugees in temporary shelters there.

“The fighting is killing [people], and it is immoral. In my opinion, I have seen very little sign of hope for a durable peace,” said the priest, who asked not to be named.

Meanwhile, Fr Christopher Raj, director of Karuna Lashio Social Service, said about 500 refugees from Banmaw and Laiza have fled to Mung Ji parish in northern Shan state, bringing the refugee total there to about 1,000.

“We are planning to open some camps in other parishes for the increasing refugees,” he said.

He added that churches have distributed food and other items, but that refugees have other needs as well, including cooking utensils.

Other groups, including the Mandalay Interfaith Network, have dispatched volunteers to raise funds and offer support, particularly to children in the makeshift camps.

“We have collected 16 million kyat (US$20,000) so far to support the areas of Banmaw, Waimaw and Myitkyina,” said Aung Zaw Win, president of the network.

President Thein Sein this week issued an order for government troops to halt all military operations in Kachin state, according to a report by the BBC on December 12.

The order was announced by the chief minister of Kachin state and called on government troops to fire only in self-defense, according to the BBC report.