Aid groups in Myanmar are facing greater difficulties as commodity prices have skyrocketed following the military junta’s release of the new 20000-kyat banknote.
“Since the release of the 20000-kyat note, we have faced greater difficulties. Commodity prices have gone up. Things we could buy for 1,500 kyat have now gone up to 3,000 kyat. This has caused us a lot of difficulties,” said a leader of an IDP assistance group in Karenni State.
As the revolution has dragged on, donations have declined, and rising commodity prices have made life even harder for aid groups, he added.
Prices of staple foods, especially rice, have skyrocketed, with a bag of average rice rising from 60,000 kyats to 100,000 kyats, IDP aid workers said.
“As the Myanmar kyat has weakened against foreign currencies, we also have to pay higher prices for certain things. I think this affects not only our group, but also all other groups working on the ground,” said Ma Tagu of Dove KK – an aid group for internally displaced people.
In addition to providing general assistance to IDPs, Dove KK also provides medical care, education and supplies to resistance comrades.
A displaced person from western Demoso Township said that food shortages often occur in IDP camps when donors are unable to come due to various difficulties.
“Such food shortages can cause depression among IDPs. It’s becoming more and more obvious that the war has made them feel more helpless these days,” the IDP said.
Currently, there are more than 250,000 IDPs in Karenni State, most of whom are in Demoso Township, according to IDP aid workers.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times