An interview with Khu Ku Reh, chair of Phay Soe Lay Youth Group, about the current situation including the IDPs in junta-free Shadaw Township (Somo Phay Soe Lay).
Shadaw Township is currently a township free of military council troops. In February this year, the resistance forces were able to take control of military council’s base camps in Somo Phay Soe Lay (Shadaw) Township.
Kantarawaddy Times (KT) interviewed Khu Ku Reh, chair of Phay Soe Lay Youth Group about the current situation and the accommodation of IDPs in junta-free Shadaw Township (Somo Phay Soe Lay).
Q: What is the current situation now that the military council camp is no longer in Somo Phay Soe Lay Township, commonly known as Shadaw? Can you provide an update on the situation?
A: Since the conflict erupted in Shadaw (Somo Phay Soe Lay) Township, the local residents have been displaced and are unable to return to their villages. Currently, there are three displacement camps: Camp 1, Camp 2, and Camp 3. In terms of security, there are 17 battalions of the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) in Shadaw Township, alongside local armed forces and Karenni Army (KA). Following the coup, a special security force was formed in Shadaw. It is border security. Duties are assigned in the town.
Currently, Shadaw is reported to be safe, and transportation has become more accessible. Despite the relative safety in Shadaw, the internally displaced persons (IDPs) have not returned to the town due to concerns over junta’s airstrikes. The IDPs are hesitant to return home due to fears of potential bombing by junta planes. Even though the battle in Shadaw has ended, there are still remnants of unexploded weapons in the area. So, the public don’t dare to return.
Q: How many people are still displaced at present? What is the current living conditions of IDPs, and what are their main needs?
A: There are currently over 700 households and over 3,000 people living in the three displacement camps. The most pressing need for these IDPs is rainproof sheets, especially during the rainy season when conditions become more challenging. Due to difficulties with transportation and blocked roads, the IDPs are unable to purchase rainproof sheets elsewhere and must rely on supplies distributed by donors in the past. In addition to rainproof sheets, there is also a significant need for food rations.
Q: What is the condition of the trade route leading to Shadaw (Somo Phay Soe Lay)? The needs of IDPs include various issues. For example, what is the condition of the roads for carrying food?
A: Transporting food for IDPs has been the most challenging issue. Transportation is difficult. We have to carry goods from other places as Shadaw has no proper roads like other townships. We have no functioning vehicles. Nearly all vehicles are out of order. There is no repair workshop. It is difficult to carry goods.
Q: There are insufficient vehicles available to transport rations. There is a shortage of rations. How do you solve these difficulties? Do you have to carry rations by person? How far do you have to go to carry a bag of rice?
A: We always rely on the people at the IDP camp when carrying rice and rations. Sometimes we have to carry them step by step. There are three or four steps to carry a bag of rice. We have other difficulties.
Q: The route for transporting goods is difficult. Has there been an emergency due to a shortage of food? For example, have the IDPs ever experienced a complete lack of food supplies?
A: Food supplies are dwindling, and there are few or no donors providing assistance. Initially, there were some donors at the beginning of the displacement, but now the situation in Shadaw is calm, yet the IDPs continue to stay in the camps. There is no donor. The IDPs have to rely on donations. It is difficult for them because they do not receive monthly aid.
Q: Have there been any requests made to aid organizations, and have they provided assistance?
A: There are currently no organizations directly helping the IDPs. Some organizations do not provide aid directly, and transportation difficulties prevent many donors from reaching the area. While some donors offer direct assistance, those who have relocated to third countries also contribute aid. Although there were donations in the past, food supplies are now insufficient due to the lack of donors. The IDPs are reduced to eating boiled rice, and some IDPs share their food with relatives. Many IDPs work as daily wage earners, but finding income is difficult during this challenging period, especially with limited opportunities for farm or daily wage work.
Q: As a result of transportation difficulties, what challenges are the IDPs facing?
A: In terms of transportation, while Shadaw township is accessible, the roads are frequently closed, forcing people to travel elsewhere to purchase goods. Currently, these roads remain blocked, making it challenging to buy foodstuffs. The remaining supplies are insufficient for the IDPs. There is a shortage of diesel and gasoline, which complicates transportation further. Clothing is also in short supply; although buying clothes in town is possible when the situation is calm, there are few goods available for sale, and shops offer limited foodstuffs. The high prices of commodities are a result of transportation difficulties, making it even harder to purchase food.
Q: How is the situation of health and education in Shadaw Township?
A: After the fighting, schools have been established in the IDP camps, but they lack essential supplies. The camps urgently need books, pens, rainproof sheets, and textbooks. Currently, each school has only one textbook, which is kept by the teacher, with no other donors available. As for health, malaria is rampant among not only IDPs but also the villages on the mountain. Malaria cases have been reported three months ago. But now it’s getting worse. Around 60 to 70 people are suffering from malaria. Many people are infected with malaria. Another is skin diseases. Skin diseases are prevalent due to poor personal hygiene. There are no people who sell clothes and footwears. The IDPs have to wear old clothes. They also experience itching. They have to stay in the forests. It’s not like home, skin disease is common.
Q: How do schools deal with students’ need for textbooks? Do you invite donor organizations to get school supplies?
A: Shadaw Township consistently needs support from donors. However, the connection with potential donors is weak, and there is no organized group actively seeking assistance. The IDPs primarily rely on help from friends and relatives but lack the means to effectively request aid from donors. Both the IDPs and the local community are struggling to find and secure support, as they have limited networks and resources for outreach.
Q: Although Shadaw Township is currently free of military council presence, residents remain hesitant to return due to fears of landmines and potential airstrikes. Are there efforts from security and other sectors to educate the IDPs about these risks?
A: Currently, the public is seeking awareness programs about landmines and unexploded military equipment. They are hesitant to return to their villages due to these dangers. Educating both children and adults on these risks would likely encourage their return. However, since the battle ended, no such awareness programs have been implemented, despite this being a crucial need. Without proper education, the public remains uncertain and fearful of potential hazards, making their return even more challenging.
Q: Now that the state has a new government, what does the Phay Soe Lay Youth Group want to request from the relevant organizations for Shadaw Township?
A: My demand is education sector is in urgent need of pens and rulers. In term of health, there is no enough medicine. There is an urgent need for food. The IDPs also need rainproof sheets when it rains. The IDPs have to stay in the rain.
Q: As a local, is there anything you would like to add about the situation in Shadaw?
A: In 1995-96, we faced a similar situation, and the overwhelming fear was a significant challenge. Currently, this fear still prevails, especially among the elderly, who often become depressed upon hearing distressing news. It would be beneficial to provide them with emotional support, as there are currently no programs addressing this need. The organizations currently lack programs that engage with the public and provide education. It would be beneficial for these organizations to develop initiatives that address mental health and support the public and IDPs in overcoming their depression.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times
