The Myanmar army continues artillery shelling of villages, including Khaywea village in Kyaikto Township, Mon State, leading to growing concern for their livelihoods and lives, according to locals.
According to local residents, Myanmar army’s Artillery Battalion No. 310 stationed in Theinzayat and the battalion stationed in Letpan village in Waw Township, Bago Region, fire artillery at Kyaikto Township on a daily basis.
Due to the firing of at least 5 to 10 artillery shells per day by the junta battalions, it has become difficult for families to reach their fields and workplaces to earn a living, local residents added.
“They fire artillery every day. We can’t do anything anymore. As soon as we hear artillery, we have to hide in bunkers. Almost everyone here has dug their own bunkers. As commodity prices rise and we can’t work either, we will eventually starve,” said a resident of Khaywea village.
At around 7 aa on 11 October, two cattle were injured and a motorcycle damaged when an artillery shell hit near the house of U Phoe Thar Wa of Chaungwa village, Kyaikto Township.
According to reports, the military council has mainly targeted Chaungwa, Khaywea, Kayinaing and Kyaukpongyikwin villages in Kyaikto Township with daily artillery fire.
With the military constantly firing artillery, financially strong residents have moved to the towns of Theinzayat and Kyaukto.
“They fire artillery every day. We live in constant fear, like now. Those who have money have moved to Theinzayat,” said a resident of Chaungwa.
Last September, some 2,000 residents fled their homes after the Myanmar army’s artillery battalion shelled the villages of Padauktaw, Zigon and Hngetpyawtaw in Kyaukto Township with heavy artillery.
According to local reports, residents of Kyaukto Township have been killed or injured from the military’s artillery shelling and landmine explosions after the military coup.
Sent by IMNA.