Food and shelter are urgently needed for more than 22,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) in Mon State’s Kyaikto Township, according to aid workers.

At least 22,000 locals from Moppalin, Melyonegyi, Melyonelay and Ingabo villages in Kyaikto Township fled to nearby forests and monasteries as junta troops trained heavy weapons fire on the villages last month.

“Residents dare not stay in the villages because the junta troops often fire heavy weapons into the residential areas,” said an aid worker.

Most IDPs are from Ingabo and Melyonegyi villages, and the displaced people are currently facing livelihood hardships, said an official from an IDP support group.

“The monasteries donate food for IDPs but they [IDPs] need shelter because they have taken refuge in the forest. Donors are needed to help the displaced people,” the official added.

Kyaikto IDPs sheltering in the forest. (Photo: CJ)

A displaced resident of Ingabo village said the seasonal monsoon rains are adding to the hardships faced by the IDPs.

“We set up makeshift tents in the forest but we are facing difficulties when it is raining. Some IDPs take shelter in the compounds of monasteries,” he added.

Military convoys are frequently targeted with landmines in Kyaikto Township, and anti-regime forces often launch attacks on security checkpoints set up by junta troops, leaving local residents and troops from both sides of the conflict on edge.