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KARENNI STATE – A volunteer helping the displaced persons said on Saturday (July 1) that as the junta council is strengthening its forces in Loikaw and tensions have risen, preparations are being made in advance for possible clashes in the area.
As the military regime has tightened security, cut off the internet and telephone access, and strengthened its forces in Loikaw City, the people are anticipating and preparing for the worst-case scenario, stated the volunteer.
“We have to face whatever struggles life gives. As the military tension has risen in Loikaw, if we are not well prepared, we would be in crisis. So, we are doing what we should be doing,” continued the volunteer.
Even though preparations are being made, there are still said to be some deficits. More than 80,000 locals from Demoso and Hpruso Towns (where clashes are intense) have been displaced to Loikaw City which already had a population of over 60,000. If war broke out, more emergency assistance for food, shelter, and medical supplies may be needed, remarked the volunteer.
At the moment, the military council is using the Loikaw Airport to strengthen its forces while military tanks and armored vehicles are patrolling the city, as confirmed by a local.
In Karenni State (home to around 300,000 people), more than 200,000 locals are displaced and most of them are taking refuge in IDP camps since the coup and the civil war, according to an official of the Progressive Karenni People’s Force.
Currently, there have been several cases of flu and skin diseases and malnutrition in IDP camps along with the shortage of medical supplies, food supplies, and rainproof shelters in most of the IDP camps, according to those helping the IDPs.