Displaced people in the upper Sagaing Region have reported facing difficulties in returning to their homes due to pressure from the junta’s militia recruitment and recruitment efforts by other armed forces.
Local authorities have urged the displaced people to return home. They are unable to return home due to the recruitments when they stay there, an IDP said.
A displaced woman from Tawsi village in Homalin Township said, “Authorities said the displaced people can return home. However, I heard the news that they will recruit 40 soldiers per village. So, we don’t return home.”
A person assisting the IDPs stated, “The displaced people are managing their livelihood difficulties on their own. They are facing recruitment pressures from both the military council and the PDFs.”
A local from Homalin, who is helping the IDPs, said, “The IDPs are facing huge difficulties. They have to solve food and shelter problems on their own. They are forced to provide five militia soldiers from a displaced group. The IDPs are under pressure from both sides.”
Since the joint force of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the People’s Defense Force (PDF) took control of the Shanni Nationalities Army’s camps in Tawsi and Manhon villages in Homalin Township in October 2024, the people have been displaced for over four months.
Locals reported that although the military council is not recruiting soldiers under the People’s Military Services Law in some areas of the upper Sagaing Region, armed forces are still carrying out recruitment efforts in those areas.
Due to the ongoing fighting in Homalin Township, thousands of people have been displaced. A total of 2,000 locals from Shwe Pyi Taw have sought refuge in Homalin, where they have been staying for over a year.
Since there are no separate displacement camps for IDPs and limited organizations offering long-term assistance, the displaced people are working in gold panning, tea plantations, and various other jobs in the region to meet their daily needs.
Sent by Shanni Voice