The number of the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in Tanintharyi Region has increased to over 30,000 as fighting has intensified after the imposition of martial law, according to the statement released by the FE5 Tanintharyi, a research organization.
More than 30 clashes were reported. The whole region saw intense fighting after the army declared martial law in Palaw and Tanintharyi Townships in late February.
Due to the ongoing battles, the total number of IDPs has exceeded 30,000. Over 28,000 IDPs are unable to return to their home.
Due to the increasing number of the IDPs, the supply of food, medicine and humanitarian aid face challenges, an official of the FE5 Tanintharyi told the Than Lwin Times.
Refugees are taking shelter at the IDP camps, nearby forests, farms and monasteries. Due to an increase in the number of the IDPs, there is a shortage of food and medicine. The IDPs also face personal hygiene problems.
Palaw Township tops the list of IDPs with over 27,000, followed by over 3,000 in Tanintharyi Township, over 200 in Dawei Township, nearly 150 in Launglon Township and over 150 in Kawthoung Township.
As the military council has tightened the rules for the supply of aid to the IDPs and restricted the transport of rations and medicine. It causes a hindrance to the aid distribution, the people helping the IDPs.
Sent by Than Lwin Times