Amid ongoing intense clashes in Pekon Township, southern Shan State, thousands of residents from 13 villages have been forced to flee to safer areas.
Since 2 June, a joint force of the military council and the Pa-O National Organization (PNO) has launched offensives in villages east of Pekon, leading to intense clashes with resistance forces that continued until 9 June.
Due to escalating clashes between the two sides, over 8,000 residents from 13 villages in the eastern part of Pekon Township have been forced to flee their homes, according to an official from the Pekon Shan Youth Network.
“The IDPs have no place to flee to. Fighting is taking place all around. Some have fled into the forests. Right now, no village is safe. Women, the elderly, and children have fled, while some men stayed behind to guard their villages,” the official said.
Currently, the displaced people are taking refuge in villages across the eastern part of Pekon Township, including Taung Poet Kwe, Yay Pu, Hpa Yar Taung, Hsant Swea, Sant Lake, Loi Paw, Saung Nan Khae, Nam Paw Lon, Mah Kay Hkam, Lahe, Nyaung Mun, Taung Po Gyi, and Kone Paw.
A displaced man said that, due to the sudden outbreak of fighting, they were forced to flee immediately. Along the way, displaced civilians are facing numerous hardships and are in urgent need of clothing and food supplies.
“Everyone from the village has fled. Now that all the roads are closed, there’s nowhere left to run. Some are escaping through the forest, but the paths are rough and difficult. I’m worried about the long term — we’re going to face many hardships, and we all need help,” he said.
The displaced civilians are currently taking refuge in areas near Hsihseng Township, the western part of Pekon Township, and in nearby forests.
Those staying in monasteries and schools are facing serious shelter-related challenges and are in urgent need of assistance.
Amid intense clashes between the military council and resistance forces in Mobye town, located on the Shan-Karenni border, the Mobye People’s Defense Force (Mobye PDF) has issued a warning urging civilians to avoid traveling within the town and along main roads.
Sent by Shan News
