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SHAN STATE – Some IDP displaced by the battles in northern Shan State have returned home but there are also some who continue to live at the IDP camps, according to people assisting the IDP.
The majority of the displaced people from Nammatu Township where the battles were intense had returned home but the displaced people from Hsenwi Township are still unable to go back as their homes were destroyed by the junta council’s aerial bombings.
“There are around 1,500 (displace people) here in five (IDP) camps. Before, there were food and medical supplies but there were no supplies in a week. The medical team hasn’t visited like before. A camp with around 100 people costs at least two to three lakhs per day. We need support,” said Sao Su Dahmma, a monk helping the displaced people in Lashio.
He continued that there are still many requirements regarding bedding, blankets and warm clothes as the displaced people currently have to stay in the sun (for warmth) during the day and that assistance is still needed.
Currently in Lashio, there are 800 displaced people at Manhsu Monastery; 420 at Kanmaing Monastery; 150 at the Yeiktha Monastery; 45 at Mankaung Monastery; 30 at Shwekyaukgu Monastery and 10 at Tawya Monastery, totalling 1,465 and all are said to be displaced people from Hsenwi.
Monk Nandawuntha who has been helping the displaced people from Namkhan shared that although all the displaced people had returned home, they are having trouble with restoration efforts as their houses were broken into in addition to being damaged by bombs.
“Many civilian houses were damaged as the junta soldiers would target the houses. In Naungtine Village, the residents didn’t leave the village and stayed at home. But the junta soldiers would order them to open up or break into the houses. So the civilians were terribly frightened,” explained the monk.
Most Namkhan residents fled to China and the vicinity and those who fled to the surrounding area returned while those who fled into China reportedly have not come back.
The displaced people from northern Shan State are reported to have fled to the towns of Kunhing, Kar Li, Taunggyi, Hopong, Namhsan, Mongnai, Kengtawng and Mongpan in southern Shan State and reportedly numbers over 9,000.
The displaced people did not have financial issues in the past but had to turn to odd jobs after fleeing their homes.