Internally Displaced People (IDPs) taking shelter in forests in Hsihseng Township in southern Shan State said that they are in need of medicines and food rations.
There are over 100,000 IDPs in southern Shan State—over 70,000 locals and over 30,000 Karenni IDPs. Most of them are taking shelter in forests.
A displaced woman from Hsihseng said, “The Pa-O National Organization (PNO) has asked the IDPs to return home although they initially fled to Katku and Hopong. No one dares to return home as the fighting continues. They have fled to forests as they are scared.”
Most IDPs have no access to healthcare as they have to take shelter in forests which have no medical stores, hospitals and clinics. In addition, they have many difficulties in getting food rations.
“The IDPs taking shelter in forests have no access to health care. They have no durable shelters.
They will face many difficulties as the rainy season is going to set in. The IDPs taking shelter in forests find it very difficult to get food aid,” said Ma Nan, an official of Pa-O Youth Organization (PYO).
In addition, three newborn babies died due to the lack of access to proper medical treatment and health care, she added.
Sixty-nine civilians were killed and 92 others wounded during the 112 days of fighting in southern Shan State, according to the statement by the PYO.
Sent by Shan News
