An interview with Khun Lone, a lead trainer of the Disaster Risk reduction (RRI), which conducts air defense awareness sessions and training in Karenni State
The military council, which has been carrying out nationwide aerial bombings, is increasingly targeting civilian areas in Karenni (Kayah) State with airstrikes.
Organizations have urged the international community to halt the sale of aviation fuel to the military junta, establish a no-fly zone, and prevent attacks on civilian targets in order to reduce airstrikes. However, no significant progress has been made to date.
While it may not be possible to completely eliminate aerial threats, various measures have been put in place to minimize harm to the civilian population in Karenni, including the construction of bomb shelters and trenches designed to protect against airstrikes.
Network Media Group (NMG) interviewed Khun Lone, a lead trainer of the RRI, about the implementation of air defense measures aimed at reducing the damage caused by airstrikes in Karenni State.
Q: What efforts or measures is the RRI currently implementing?
A: In Karenni State, our primary focus is air defense for students. We have encouraged all schools to dig bomb shelters and trenches. One major concern is the inconvenience of entering a bomb shelter with a crowd. Therefore, we’ve emphasized the importance of digging both trenches and bomb shelters. When we visited the IDP camps, we urged families there to dig their own shelters as well. During our training sessions at schools, we also install siren alert systems and provide practical training to teach people how to respond effectively.
The first step we took was to hold an air defense briefing for them. After that, we demonstrated the necessary training skills. We taught them how to perform rescues, how to crouch, how to sit, and how to run. The main focus was on teaching these essential survival skills. When aircraft approach, we equipped them with sirens and icon devices to stay connected with each other. They are instructed to activate the sirens when aircraft are near. At the schools, we have set up sirens, batteries, solar panels, and communication devices to ensure they are prepared.
Q: Could you please explain what ‘sirens’ refers to, as mentioned earlier?
A: Sirens are an air raid warning system that emits a wailing sound, similar to a loud alarm. When activated, they produce a ‘wooooooo’ sound. It’s essentially a warning system, and the sound can be heard within a one-mile radius. These sirens are designed to alert people to incoming danger.
Q: What signs or indicators can help predict or detect in advance if the military junta is planning to carry out an airstrike?
A: Before the bombs are dropped, the scouts arrive first. The Y12 scout aircraft is deployed, and they fly around the area. In some locations, drones are also seen flying. In Karenni, there are frequent instances of scouts flying overhead.
Q: What is the difference between a trench and a bomb shelter?
A: The difference between a trench and a bomb shelter is that when there are a lot of people, for example, students, it’s faster to run into a trench. It’s more spacious. And it’s a little safer. When we built the bomb shelters for students, it becomes quite inconvenient when they are running in groups. Even when you get to that bomb shelter, the space is tight. That’s for the students. For the displaced, since they are small groups, with a maximum of 10 to 15 people per household, it is more convenient to have a bomb shelter.
Q: Is the RRI group directly involved in the construction of bomb shelters and trenches?
A: Our RRI team does not build bomb shelters or trenches. However, we provide training and have instructed both students and people in the IDP camps to dig them themselves. Primarily, we focus on teaching students, which is why bomb shelters have been dug at every school. We are not responsible for building bomb shelters. Our primary role is to provide training, food, and essential air defense systems such as sirens, solar panels, and walkie-talkies. We mainly focus on offering the techniques needed for protection.
Q: Have there been any instances where air defense efforts and awareness campaigns successfully helped people avoid harm during an airstrike?
A: We visited Loi Nan Pha school for a training session around Friday, and by Monday, the military junta dropped bombs on the area. Fortunately, no one was harmed, as everyone quickly rushed into the trench for shelter. Two or three planes dropped bombs on Loi Nan Pha school, but luckily, there were no injuries. Some people experienced heart attacks, and CPR was needed, but a first aid attendant was present to assist. For large groups of people, a bunker is more effective than a bomb shelter. Quick movement is crucial, and because trenches are dug around the bomb shelters, it allows for faster and more efficient evacuation.
Q: While digging trenches for schools may be more appropriate, could it also potentially invite danger in some cases?
A: Recently, we have instructed them to dig trenches. However, we take precautions by covering the dug-up soil with materials like camouflage nets or other resources. Sometimes, we remove the excess soil as well. Our strategy has now been adjusted to make the shelters harder to detect from above. In previous years, schools like Lwain Nan Pyaung have been targeted by junta surveillance or scouts, who have made accusations such as, ‘This is a military training school’ or ‘They are conducting military training.’ We’ve encountered such claims in the past.
Q: When an aircraft is detected in the air, how do you communicate and alert others?
A: We have installed three large ICOM walkie-talkies and provided ICOM radios to all the schools. These devices allow for communication between schools when aircraft are detected. Most of the aircraft come from Taungoo. One device is placed on the western side, and they are connected to each other. When they detect enemy planes, they use these devices to warn one another. In some areas, the devices were not functioning properly, so we installed larger ICOM radios, which I believe are more effective. When an aircraft is detected and the device is activated, students can quickly run to a safe place. The sirens are also quite effective in alerting them.
Q: As the RRI, what additional actions or steps should be taken in the future?
A: Last year, we were able to provide air defense training at approximately 20 schools. This year, we have received permission to conduct training at around 50 schools. So far, we have already completed training at about 20 schools.
Q: Recently, which areas have been the primary targets of airstrikes by the military junta?
A: Now, we can reassess the situation. Who is the military council targeting? On our side, their primary targets are students, IDP camps, hospital buildings, and resistance bases. I believe it was last month when an airstrike hit a school we had visited. Fortunately, no students were present at the time, so there were no casualties. This occurred on the eastern side of Demoso.
Q: How effective is this air defense system and awareness in providing security on the ground?
A: There are about 500-600 people at Loi Nan Pa School, but fortunately, no one was hurt. This awareness program helps reduce the risk. However, since our group focuses on risk reduction, we cannot guarantee 100% safety. People will still be at risk if heavy shells or airstrikes directly hit.
Sent by NMG