An interview with a resident of Hsihseng about daily the hardships residents face after returning to the town due to landmines and unexploded ordnance, and the difficulties they face in obtaining food and shelter
Clashes have been ongoing between military junta troops and the Pa-O National Liberation Army (PNLA) for over three months in southern Shan State’s Hsihseng town.
While there are no more clashes within the town, the fighting in the surrounding areas is still ongoing. The junta forces began their offensive to retake the town after the PLNA and allied resistance forces held the town under their control until 25 March.
After announcing that they had regained control of Hsihseng, the military junta ordered the staff of various departments as well as the town’s residents to return. They then began working to restore the administration, repair the burnt market and reconnect the power lines, they said.
Despite the military council’s claims, the returned residents say that no organization has yet conducted clearance work or mine risk education in the area.
Shan News conducted this interview with a local man from Hsihseng about the day-to-day difficulties faced by residents who have returned to the town due to landmines and unexploded ordnance, as well as the difficulties they face in obtaining food and shelter.
Q: What is the current situation of the fighting in Hsihseng? I have heard that the fighting in the town has calmed down and people are returning. Please tell us about the situation there.
A: There are no more clashes inside the town, but there is still fighting in the surrounding areas. The fighting has not stopped completely. Some people have returned to the town, but out of fear and under pressure from both the military council and the PNLA. Now they have to fear unexploded ordnance and landmines.
Q: The military council is now asking residents to return to Hsihseng, claiming that it is repairing the markets and power lines. Are the residents ready to return to the town now?
A: As far as electricity is concerned, only street lighting has been restored by laying some cables. Households have not yet been reconnected to the electricity grid. As for the markets, the burnt market area has simply been bulldozed and is now allowing those who previously ran shops or have now returned to open stalls there. So for those who still have intact houses, the return is manageable. But for those whose houses have been burned down, it remains very difficult. The military has set up some emergency shelters for the displaced people whose homes were destroyed.
Q: We have heard that after the fighting in Hsihseng, landmine injuries continue to occur. What is the extent of landmine contamination in the town?
A: How do I say about that. No one has cleared the laid landmines. But there is also unexploded ordnance such as artillery shells that are still present in various parts of the town. Since people have returned to Hsihseng, about three people have already lost limbs to landmines. One person has been killed. There are also some injured – it keeps happening often.
Q: Is it like one person is injured by a landmine every week?
A: I can’t say it’s one person every week. But so far, since the beginning of the return, about six or seven people have been injured by landmines and unexsploded heavy shells.
Q: Which group is working to remove landmines and unexploded ordnance? Or do they just leave it as it is without demining?
A: Time and again, returnees are injured or killed by landmines and unexploded ordnance. The fact that such incidents occur shows that no one has come to clear the area yet. Many of the displaced people have had to return because surviving in remote areas without sufficient food and shelter has become too difficult. Some are no longer receiving help, leaving them in great need.
Q: What are the security challenges for people living in the midst of such a mine risk?
A: I don’t know what others would say. But since the incidents of landmines and unexploded ordnance have started injuring and killing people after the beginning of the return, I’m sure that all returnees carry the thought in their minds, “When will it be our turn?” The people who have decided to return to the town despite the difficulties of being displaced without reliable food and shelter have basically reconciled themselves to facing these dangers once they’re back home.
Q: What particular difficulties are the current returnees facing in terms of medicine, health care, food, shelter, etc.?
A: For the displaced, the main problem, wherever they are, is getting enough food and other basic needs. Even living far away from their homes, they struggle to make a living and earn an income to support their families. Now that they’re back in their own town, they have some security in this regard. But the returnees have no employment or livelihood opportunities. They’re still struggling to feed themselves and their families on a daily basis. Just this morning there were posts on social media from returnees describing their difficulties in obtaining basic food. So although they have returned home, the basic challenges of making ends meet remain.
Q: Please add any other points you’d like to make.
A: I’ve nothing further to add. I’d just urge those who have returned to exercise extreme caution and vigilance with regard to the threat of landmines and unexploded ordnance, which unfortunately are still present in the region.
Sent by Shan News.
