The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has ordered residents of villages along the Hpakant Road including Nam Ya, Hseng Hpa Yar, Kat Hmaw, Nam Tein, Ta Dar Nyi Nawng and Gawt Lwng Yang, which had returned to their homes after fighting subsided in the Hpakant region of Kachin State, to evacuate their villages again, according to residents.
The KIA’s directive comes amid the risks of landmines left behind by military junta forces during their operations in the villages, as well as the possibility of renewed raids by junta troops through the Kamaing road, said a local man from Nam Ya.
“The KIA is telling us to evacuate again because they’re worried about people stepping on unexploded landmines still in the villages. Right now, the KIA hasn’t had time to clear them, so they’re ordering everyone to leave. The military situation is unstable again, so people are returning to the places where they previously took shelter. This evacuation order has been in place for about four or five days,” the man said.
Along the Hpakant Road, villages previously occupied by junta troops face the threat of landmines and leftover ordnance from past clashes. The KIA’s evacuation order aims to protect residents from these dangers while clearance efforts are pending.
Most villagers along the Hpakant Road fled their homes when junta troops advanced, seeking refuge in forested areas. During the rainy season, they face shortages of food and medicine. After the junta troops withdrew, many returned to their villages, only to be told to evacuate again.
Furthermore, the prolonged displacement has depleted stored food supplies. With both the junta and KIA blocking the Hpakant Road for about a month, they are also facing shortages of goods.
The Hpakant area relies heavily on the Myitkyina-Hpakant Road for supplies, but with no goods trucks entering, villagers face not only the perils of conflict but also severe shortages of food and essentials.
The junta has blocked the Hpakant Road up to Karmaing-Ma Au Pin village, while the KIA and resistance groups have blocked the upper section along Nam Ya village.
A Nam Ya resident said: “Right now, we can’t go anywhere. It’s the rainy season, and moving around is nearly impossible. Getting to Naung Mee or Warazup is extremely difficult. So, for those hiding in the forests, where will they get food to survive? We’re relying on whatever dried rations we had stored and gathering wild fruits and vegetables.”
Due to food shortages, the KIA has recently allowed displaced villagers to enter their villages during the day to retrieve food supplies, but overnight stays are prohibited.
Residents are uncertain how long the KIA’s evacuation orders will remain in place. They are also urging authorities to reopen the Hpakant Road depending on the situation.
Villages along the Hpakant Road have faced frequent displacement due to recurring clashes in the area since the military coup, with residents often suffering significant human rights violations during junta offensives.
Sent by KNG.