September 13th, 2022
The military-backed General Administration Department has issued a letter ordering the Karenni Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who are taking shelter in Inle Lake in Nyaungshwe Township in southern Shan State, to return to their homes, at the end of September, according to the organizations which are helping the IDPs.
A man who is helping the IDPs from Inlay region said: “At present, it is not convenient for us to return to the places where there are clashes. It is impossible for the IDPs from Demawso Township to return to their homes. Some people have lost their houses in the fighting. We cannot do farming since last year. We will return to our homes if we are ordered.”
Although the Office of General Administration Department issued an official letter, the department has not issued any directives for the transport of the Karenni IDPs, he added.
The Karenni displaced children may face educational difficulties and security challenges if the military puts more pressure on the IDPs to return to their homes, the person who is helping the IDPs said.
The teachers from the government schools are helping the displaced Karenni children to pursue their education. These children may face difficulties as they return to their homes soon.
The IDPs from Karenni State are taking shelter in Yangon Myoma monastery in Nyaungshwe, rest houses at some monasteries in Heyarywama, abandoned markets and the houses of their relatives.
Some refugees are taking shelter at the temporary tents like the IDP camps. The number of the refugees taking shelter at the camp exceeds 50, according to those helping the IDPs.
Monasteries from Inle Lake and some donors provide aid for the IDPs. Youth philanthropic organizations are helping them.
The ICRC and the WFP are providing aid to the IDPs as the people from the conflict-affected villages in the southern Inlay are facing transportation difficulties, the officials of the refugee organizations said.
According to the list from the General Administration Department, more than 4,000 IDPs from Karenni State have been taking shelter in Inlay Region since January 10th, 2022, the IDPs say.
The IDPs worry that they may face accommodation difficulties and educational problems.
Sent by the NMG