The Pa-O Youth Organization said that more than 70,000 people have been displaced and civilian deaths are reported during four weeks of fighting between military-backed Pa-O National Organization/ Pa-O National Army (PNO/PNA) and the Pa-O National Liberation Organization/ Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLO/PNLA) in Hsihseng Township of Shan State.
The IDPs are from Taunggyi and Hopong Townships and are taking shelter in the forests. They are facing livelihood and accommodation difficulties, an official of Pa-O Youth Organization said.
“The total number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has exceeded 70,000. Among the IDPs are those from Karenni State who fled to Hsihseng. We are compiling the list. We provide livelihood support for the IDPs, as much as we can. Efforts are being made to provide more aid.”
The total number of IDPs including the IDPs from Karenni (Kayah) State and the IDPs who fled again has reached 70,231, according to the Pa-O Youth Organization.
Among the more than 7,000 IDPs, are the elderly people, about 30 percent of whom are over 50 years old and about 20 percent of them are children under the age of 10. Middle-aged people are taking shelter in the forests near the town.
During four weeks of fighting, the military council carried out 263 bombardments and fired 311 rounds of artillery shells. In addition, 65 civilian houses and 12 religious building were destroyed in the fighting, according to the statement by Pa-O Youth Organization.
The rations are running low due to the proloned displacement of IDPs in the forests due to fighting between the PNLA joint forces and the military council, the person helping the IDPs said.
Sent by Shan News