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“I would like to urge the public to help the fleeing IDPs from Putao as much as they can,” A local from Swanpiyan

An interview with a local from Swanpiyan about the situation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Putao.

March 18th, 2022

The refugees displaced by the fighting in Putao Township are in need of help. Those who fled to Myitkyina are also facing accommodation difficulties. The KNG asked a local from Swanpiyan about the latest situation about those hiding in the forests and those who fled to downtown.

Q: May I know the situation of the Putao IDPs?

A: Even now, some people get bored. This place is not like a home. The relatives of the IDPs can accept one person only. It is very difficult for them to accept two or three people. Some IDPs have no relatives. The IDPs have to collectively take shelter in the places where their friends are living. They face accommodation difficulties. The religious organizations have not fixed the place for the IDPs. In my view, the availability of food may be more difficult in the long-run.

Q: Where are the people from Putao taking shelter?

A: It is difficult to say where they are taking shelter. They are taking shelter in the houses of their relatives and friends. They are taking shelter in different places.

Q: Are the IDPs from Putao still present there?

A: The people from our village have asked for help from the religious organizations to rescue the people hiding in the forests in time. The religious organizations said they have submitted a letter to the minister. We have not received any reply so far. The people have to stay in the forests although they hear the sounds of gunfire at night. A helicopter landed in Swanpiyan village recently. A jet fighter was monitoring the situation while the helicopter was landing on a football ground. All the people fled to the plain area as they were fearful.

Q: Do the religious organizations arrange the accommodation for the IDPs?

A: There is no such situation. Some IDPs are staying at the lean-to. Some others are staying in the old bungalows. They face difficulties although they arrive in town.

Q: Are they in a position to return to their homes due to accommodation difficulties when the situation returns to normal?

A: We want to go home at any time. But we don’t want to go home if there is no security. We have requested the religious organizations to make a coordination between both sides to seek the means to go home, if possible. Although some people want to go home, they have no home to live in. Their houses were destroyed. It is impossible for us to return to our homes without the credible town-elders.

Q: Will it be convenient for the IDPs if they stay here for long?

A: The IDPs face accommodation difficulties. The second problem is the availability of food. At present, the IDPs are receiving a few donations from the organizations. In the long-run, it makes the situation more difficult.

Q: How many IDPs are there in the forests?

A: There are around 200-300 IDPs in the forest in Swanpyiyan village. Most of the IDPs in Lonesharyan have returned to the city. The people from some villages frequently return to the forest and their homes as the military troops are not stationed. There is safety as the people are unable to enter Swanpiyan and Insiyan villages.

Q: Do you have anything to add?

A: I would like to urge the public to help the fleeing IDPs from Putao as much as they can.

Sent by the KNG.

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