An interview with a displaced resident of Yinmabin Township in Sagaing Region
The Myanmar army has continued to burn and destroy homes and arrest and kill residents of villages in the resistance stronghold of Sagaing Region. Whenever junta forces enter villages, villagers, including children and the elderly, are forced to flee their homes day or night, rain or shine.
In this interview with Shanni Voice, a displaced woman from Yinmabin Township spoke about their situation on the ground.
Q – Which villages in Sagaing Region has the Myanmar army entered these days?
A – Currently, they have entered the Pale, Yinmabin and Salingyi Townships. On 6 August, they beheaded three residents of Lelngauk village on the bridge and threw the bodies into the creek. They also took all the people they encountered on their way as human shields.
Q – Are these locals hiding right now?
A – Of course they’re. As soon as they hear that the junta troops are coming, everyone packs up some belongings and flees. If they don’t flee, anyone the junta soldiers encounter in the village, young or old, will be killed. So as soon as we hear they’re approaching, we flee immediately, day or night, rain or shine.
Q – Myanmar army troops have repeatedly burned down houses in Sagaing. Was your house among those burned down?
A – Yes. It’s all gone. Our house was burned twice. The first time, a part of the house remained here and there. The second time, only the ashes remained. But that’s also a good thing. Because if it had been left standing, we’d have had to worry about it when we fled. Now that everything is gone, we can just pack up and flee.
Q – The military council’s army has entered Yinmabin many times. Are the residents prepared to flee in case they enter?
A – Of course. Not only us, but all the villagers. Everyone packs a small bag with blankets and essentials for personal use. Some pack gold and valuables if they have any. They pack in advance rice and food and other useful things like lighters and flashlights that can be easily carried. When the troops approach, we take these things and flee. At night, even the children have to get up and run.
Q – Is it more difficult and dangerous to flee and carry things in the rainy season?
A – Of course, we have to flee even in the rain. It’s not a problem that we get wet, but if we get caught, we’re dead. So everyone has to flee, young or old. Now, in the rainy season, we also have to be afraid of snakes in the forests. And we can get sick while fleeing in the rain. It’s very difficult for us, but people here have gotten used to it.
Q – As a displaced person yourself, how have you dealt with the inhumane brutality of the military, while the people of Anyar (Upper Myanmar) keep their spirit strong, which people praise?
A – We have faced it because it’s destined. They destroyed or burned our houses and property, but we can’t let our spirit down. The most important thing is to keep our spirit strong. Now we’re still alive. There are people who gave their lives in battle or died fighting. Compared to them, a house means nothing.
Q – What else would you like to add?
A – Don’t give up. Stay strong. I’d like to say that we people of Anyar also stay strong.
Sent by Shanni Voice.