Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Pinlaung Township, Shan State, are struggling to make a living due to the lack of donors, IDP aid workers report.
Karenni IDPs who have arrived in Pinlaung Township in Shan State are in urgent need of food, blankets and medicines as there are no donors, said a man helping the IDPs.
“These days, donors are not only scarce, but there are no donors at all. Many IDPs are sick. There is nothing left for them either. It’s risky to transport medical supplies. In my case, I was almost got arrested. We have received some requests for help. They urgently need shelter and blankets. I’m also in a situation where I can’t provide any more help,” he said.
There are over 300,000 people in the IDP camps in Pinlaung Township, most are elderly people and children. The IDPs who are staying with their relatives are also struggling to make a living and are in need of assistance, IDP aid workers said.
An Karenni IDP said, “We can only work for a daily wage. No donors have come. Because of limited work opportunities, we have to make do with the little money we have. The chilli harvest is over now. There are more people here, but fewer jobs. We only got 250 kyat per can of chilli we harvested. And everything is expensive here in Pinlaung. Water is scarce and the weather is also chilly. We have no way of earning a living here. We even have to buy water. Firewood is also scarce.”
As the soldiers of the military council and Pa-O National Organisation (PNO) prohibit the transportation of goods, clothes, tarpaulins and medical supplies through Aungpan checkpoint, Naungtayar checkpoint, Pinlaung entry and exit checkpoints, checkpoint near Yinmee village and Hsawng Pyaung checkpoint, the displaced people are reportedly facing many difficulties.
The people who were forced to flee on 15 November due to “Operation 11.11″ ongoing along the border between Shan State and Karenni State and who have now found refuge in Pinlaung, Nyaungshwe, Inle and Hsehseng areas are staying in monasteries and with their relatives. They are reportedly in need of food and warm clothing.
Sent by Shan News