Displaced people who fled the Naga Self-Administered Zone in Sagaing Region to Nagaland, India, have reported difficulties as they no longer receive aid.
Due to the junta’s arrests following the coup, Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) staff, National League for Democracy (NLD) elected candidates, and political activists have sought refuge in Nagaland state.
A man who has sought refuge in Nagaland state said: “We are doing our best to survive. We haven’t received sufficient aid from the start, and now we receive none at all. We are not sure why this is happening. The most important thing is that we need humanitarian assistance.”
“There are more than 50 families who have fled to the Indian state of Nagaland, with a total population of more than 300,” said the aid worker.
“We are struggling to survive after being here for four years,” an aid worker said. “Internally displaced persons are facing significant challenges with expenses such as housing, education, healthcare, and food.”
“When they first arrived, social organizations provided assistance. However, over time, they were no longer able to offer support. The most challenging issue now is the cost of food.”
A displaced woman reported, “The National Unity Government (NUG) and civil society organizations in Nagaland initially provided assistance to those fleeing to the state. However, we are no longer receiving support at this time.”
She added, “Until early 2022, I received some aid, but since then, it’s stopped. I’m struggling to survive, and no one believes I’m not receiving aid. I don’t know how others manage. I have to live on a shoestring. I have neither income nor aid.”
Since aid has stopped, they have been forced to work as day laborers in gravel mining, farms, and upland plantations.
They get a minimum wage of 250 to a maximum of 600 Indian rupees. In term of Myanmar currency, they get up to 30,000 kyats per day, the aid worker said.
The aid worker added, “They survive by selling whatever they have, but I have nothing to sell. Due to limited employment opportunities, it’s challenging to find daily work. Those who can, are working in farming, mining, and upland agriculture to make ends meet.”
After the military coup, most NLD representatives, CDM staff and political activists from Leshi and Lahe townships in Naga of Sagaing Region have fled to Nagaland.
The IDPs seeking refuge in Nagaland said the state government provided them with aid initially, but later stopped providing support.
Sent by NMG