Locals who have fled to Pin Ma Khaw village area in Homalin Township are facing difficulties with shelter and food shortages, according to the displaced people.
Some of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) are currently living in areas of old gold mining sites (Hmyaw Mee Khon). Although they did not have to pay housing costs last year, they now face financial difficulties as they are required to pay rent this year.
“We came here because we were in trouble and had nowhere to stay. We sell snacks in the evening. We’re not running big shops with large displays. Now they’re saying we have to pay 50,000 kyats per month,” said a displaced person from Hlwa Sin Kone village.
The IDPs reported that they received some food aid from the World Food Programme (WFP) last year, but have not received any assistance in recent months.
A displaced woman from Nan Sa Kar said: “We’re facing hardship. We don’t have money to pay, so we don’t have food. Yesterday, someone donated a basket of rice. But after it’s gone, we don’t know what to do. I was telling my husband at home that with land rent at 50,000 kyats a month, it’s extremely difficult for people like us who have no income.”
Furthermore, they are facing issues with unclean drinking water and food shortages, and say they are still unable to return to their homes.
It has been about a year since residents from villages along the Homalin-Shwebo strategic road, including Pauk Pin, Nan Sakar, Naung Po Aung, Hlwa Sin Kone, and Nar Maw, were displaced to Pin Ma Khaw village, Nan Taw, Homalin town, and Khaung Kham village due to fighting between the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) and People’s Defense Forces (PDFs).
Sent by Shanni Voice.
