Interviews

“…since the incidents of landmines and unexploded ordnance have started injuring and killing people after the beginning of the return, I’m sure that all returnees carry the thought in their minds, “When will it be our turn?”” – A local man from Hsihseng

“But it’s not feasible for us to relocate immediately. We need time to construct new houses, toilets, and dig wells. Even if we request to delay the evacuation until after the Thadingyut (end of the Buddhist lent), it’s not allowed. They say if we don’t demolish the homes ourselves, when they come to demolish, everything will be destroyed.” – A local woman from Mudon

“The junta mainly carries out airstrikes. Most civilians were killed by airstrikes. Five people from my village were brutally shot dead on the road used by the military column.” Khu Ko Reh, Coordinator of Karenni Civil Society Network (KCSN)

“Most of the victims are at the age between 15 and 60. Even a father and two sons died. There are three pairs of sons and father killed. Among those killed are two men in their 80s. Among the wounded, some were seriously wounded.” A Myinmu local who did not want to be named for security reasons

“After the coup we had to kowtow to the 100-household heads and administrators appointed by the junta. We chose this path of resistance because we didn’t want to live under the junta rule. So, our goal is simply democracy.” – Leader of Ye Balu

“The majority of those who remain in Sittwe are the poor. They are left stranded as the roads are blocked. Only a very few rich people remain in Sittwe. These days, it is not easy to moves from one place to another.” A local woman from Sittwe

“Now, during the revolution, the population no longer has access to healthcare either because of security problems, inflation or growing poverty. Maternal mortality, infant mortality and malnutrition have become major challenges for us.” – Dr. Sharon Par, Minister of Health and Sports, Chinland Government

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