Thousands Flee Fighting in Southeast Myanmar

By The Irrawaddy 11 March 2023

Combating between the Myanmar army and Karenni resistance teams has pressured round 3,000 villagers and 500 individuals already displaced to flee their properties and non permanent shelters in southeast Myanmar’s Kayah State.

On Thursday, residents of three villages within the Daw Ta Ma Gyi village tract within the east of Kayah’s Demoso Township fled their properties as clashes continued between junta troops and a mixed drive of Karenni Military and Karenni Nationalities Protection Power fighters, based on the Karenni Human Rights Group (KnHRG).

“Regime troops arrange an outpost on a hilltop close to Daw Ngay Khu Village. Clashes additionally occurred close to Daw Ta Ma Gyi village tract yesterday. Residents and displaced individuals sheltering in Daw Ta Ma Gyi, Daw Ngay Khu and Daw So Hpya villages fled their properties,” mentioned Ko Banya, a KnHRG spokesperson.

Clashes additionally reportedly happened on Thursday and Friday close to San Pya 6 Mile, Nang Hu Htway and Daw Hse villages in Demoso township, with army regime troopers launching artillery strikes, mentioned locals.

“Combating was ongoing for 2 days and so they [regime troops] have been firing artillery constantly. It was nearly inconceivable to rely what number of instances they fired,” a displaced particular person mentioned.

KnHRG spokesperson Ko Banya mentioned that the refugees from the three villages in Demoso are presently sheltering beneath plastic sheets and tarpaulins.

“I noticed that some displaced individuals have introduced as a lot meals and water as they’ll carry with them. My concern is in regards to the shelters and provide of drugs. Some individuals don’t have correct shelters and are simply tenting beneath timber. Rain is forecast for the approaching days and I’m anxious for them,” mentioned Ko Banya.

A whole lot of 1000’s of individuals in Kayah State have fled their properties since preventing broke out in Might 2021. Many reside in makeshift refugee camps.

The United Nations Excessive Commissioner for Refugees mentioned that there have been no less than 86,600 internally displaced individuals (IDP) in Kayah as of February 13, 2023.

Nevertheless, KnHRG mentioned that the whole variety of refugees is probably going a lot greater, as over 200,000 individuals have fled their properties since Might 2021.

There are actually round 225 IDP camps, with almost 100,000 refugees in Demoso Township alone. Different Kayah residents have fled to southern Shan State, Karen State and Bago Area.