Pajau Media
25th September, 2024
According to local reports, nearly 6,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have fled to churches, monasteries, forests, relatives' homes, and even as far as Myitkyina due to the ongoing armed clashes in the Hpakant area. These displaced individuals are currently in urgent need of social assistance.
Evacuees have expressed that they are in desperate need of basic necessities such as food and financial support. One evacuee from Seng Tawng stated that if they are forced to remain displaced for an extended period, their situation will worsen.
An evacuee who fled to the Tatkone Ward COC IDPs Camp shared, “Although we are sheltering in the Tat Kone COC IDPs Camp for safety, we still require significant help to remain here long-term. There are currently only around 50 IDPs here, but more are arriving.”
There is an immediate need for accommodation, shelter, medicine, food, and drinking water for the displaced populations.
IDPs who have evacuated to the Myitkyina region are currently residing in their respective church-based Camps, with some staying in the homes of relatives.
An evacuee in MangHkring Ward described the difficulties of fleeing during the escalating armed clashes in the Hpakant-Seng Tawng area.
“At the moment, there are almost no passenger vehicles available to travel from Hpakant to Myitkyina. People with money have rented entire fleets of cars, leaving none for others. Those with cars or motorcycles have fled, but those without transportation are facing severe challenges. In addition, there are intense interrogations at four checkpoints manned by the KIA and Shanni Militia. While they don’t question motorcycles as much, they scrutinize those in cars. Many locals have fled by motorbike,” explained the evacuee.
Military operations in the Seng Tawng region began on September 4th, and by the 7th, clashes between the two armed forces intensified, forcing residents to flee. The fighting in the area has continued for over 20 days, displacing nearly 6,000 people. Not only have residents from Seng Tawng village fled, but also those from neighboring Sa Baw, Yu Ma, and Mashi Kahtawng villages have evacuated due to the escalating violence.
Armed clashes in the Hpakant-Seng Tawng region remain severe, with ongoing airstrikes from the SAC. The military situation remains tense. Since March 7th, KIA joint forces have captured at least 19 SAC military camps in Hpakant Township, with 9 camps still under SAC control.
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