Since early January 2025, the military council has intensified airstrikes in the western part of Pekon Township, located on the border of Karenni (Kayah) State and Shan State, both day and night. This has led to casualties among IDPs and local residents.
Due to the military council’s airstrikes, displaced people are trying to flee to other areas. As the displacement continues, there is an increasing need for essential supplies for the IDPs.
The following are excerpts from the concerns and voices of locals and IDPs, who frequently face the military council’s bombings, along with the widening conflict zones and the prolonged duration of the conflict.
Daw Nar Tar Hlyar (a displaced woman, Pekon Township)
“Even hearing the sound of cars and motorcycles sometimes makes me want to get up and run, as I fear that it’s an airplane. I cannot even eat food. Even some children are not allowed to leave the trench at all when they come back from school. They have to hide in the trench wihtout eating foods. The people are experiencing such things.
A local man from Hanbu (Pekon Township)
“Since early 2025, they (the military council) have used more jet fighters than before. Most people feel that the aerial bombings violate our right to live freely. We can’t sleep well, and we have to move with caution. In the past, when we went out, we were careful to avoid car and motorcycle collisions. Now, when riding a motorcycle down the road, we fear looking up and seeing a plane coming from above. We worry about being bombed. Locals sleep in the uplands, where there is a lower chance of aerial bombings. Some people take shelter in huts under rocks, which can provide some protection. According to my estimate, the military council conducts at least 10 aerial bombings. Now, the junta is using heavier bombs, frequently dropping 500-pound bombs.”
U Peter (a displaced man from Bangkok IDP camp, the western part of Pekon)
“When the planes are coming, I rush to the trench for safety. I have children, and I always warn them. When the plane comes, we lie down on the road to keep ourselves safe. We have to protect ourselves, but if the bomb hits directly, there’s nothing we can do. We have to relocate, even if we’re afraid, and move for a while to stay safe.
However, it’s difficult to stay in one place. We stay as guests in nearby villages for two or three days, then return to our village. It’s very upsetting that the junta attacks IDPs, even though we are not an armed organization. We are still surviving because we are lucky. For now, we have to stay here, as we don’t know of any other safe place.”
U Joe War Ni (the displaced man, Pekon Township)
“In my personal view, the army is directly bombing the people with the intention of wiping out the people. The community is terrified when the planes come. They flee to nearby villages and return after hiding for one or two days. I would like to call on the army to stop attacking innocent people.”
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times