On November 27, heavy artillery shelling targeted an IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp located on the eastern side of Pekon Dam near the Shan-Karenni border in Pekon Township. Residents of the camp reported that the shelling continued today, forcing them to relocate once again.

One displaced person shared: “Since we live in displacement camps as IDPs, we don’t have access to cars or motorcycles. During the intense fighting a few months ago, others came to rescue us with vehicles, and that’s how we managed to leave. But now, some families are struggling to flee again. While many have relocated, some families remain in the displacement camps despite the ongoing intense fighting.”

Recently, artillery shelling by the junta’s stationed battalions caused casualties and injuries among the displaced people in the camp. Additionally, a woman sustained injuries from another shell explosion on the morning of November 28.

U Banya, founder of the Karenni Human Rights Group, stated that the junta’s various oppressive tactics are not only causing psychological and physical harm to the people but are also having a significant impact. The statement by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing about retaliating against ethnic armed-controlled areas implies an intention to make it impossible for civilians to live normal lives.

“Their tactics are meant to disrupt people’s ability to live normal lives. They aim to destroy the social economy, sever access to healthcare and education, and deliberately target people for death. These acts constitute crimes against humanity” he added.

The newly displaced camp currently houses over 90 households. These residents originally fled from areas like Loikaw, Pekon, Moebye, Dee Maw Hso, and Shadaw due to earlier military operations.