Due to the ongoing clashes along the Mandalay-Muse Union highway in Shan State, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has surged to nearly 20,000, and they are in dire need of immediate food assistance.
As of October 31, approximately 20,000 IDPs have fled from Lashio, Hsenwi (Theinni), Naungcho, Kyaukme, Nawngping, Kutkai, Chin Shwe Haw, and Namtit townships in northern Shan State as a result of "Operation 1027" carried out by the Three Brotherhood Alliance against the Military Council troops.
The conflict between the Three Brotherhood Alliance and the Military Council troops is escalating in the major townships of northern Shan State. Tens of thousands of IDPs are forced to flee, and they are facing an immediate need for food, clothing, and medical assistance, primarily because transportation between townships is severely limited
In Lashio township, more than 10 IDP camps have been opened in monasteries in urban areas and villages, and the total number of IDPs has reached more than 6,000. Among them, Thiri Mingalar Mansu Shan Monastery has the most population, hosting around 3,000 IDPs, according to Lashio residents.
A woman who has fled the conflict and is currently residing in Mansu Shan Monastery in Lashio Township expressed, "Now there are more than 3,000 IDPs in Mansu Monastery. There are too many people, and the space is tight. We need everything, including blankets, mosquito nets, bed sheets, and clothing. In particular, we require pants and clothing for children aged 1 and 2 years old.”
It has been reported that more than 3,000 IDPs have sought shelter in monasteries situated in remote villages within Lashio Township. Due to transportation challenges, these IDPs are facing difficulties in accessing essential food and medical assistance, with assistance struggling to reach the IDP camps in these remote village areas.
Similarly, in Hsenwi Township, it is initially reported that more than 5,000 IDPs have sought shelter in monasteries within both urban and villages. However, residents of Hsenwi have suggested that the actual number of IDPs may be even higher.
A woman, who is among those displaced by the conflict and now taking refuge in a monastery within the urban area of Hsenwi, shared her concerns, stating, "My foremost worry is about food. There are no donations or assistance coming in, and transportation in and out of the town is difficult. We rely on machine-pulled water and need to conserve it for drinking purposes. Clean water is in short supply, and some people can no longer access it for drinking."
In Hsenwi township, a large number of people became trapped amidst the conflict between the Three Brotherhood Alliance and the Military Council troops. Adding to the challenges, the entrance bridge to Hsenwi town along the Lashio-Muse Union highway was demolished, leaving Hsenwi town inaccessible and causing a halt in transportation.
In Naungcho township, the Military Council troops incurred substantial losses, prompting them to resort to indiscriminate artillery shelling along with airstrikes. This resulted in more than 1,000 Naungcho residents seeking refuge in Thapyaytoe, Myaysarkone, and Thaphankine monasteries, while over 500 IDPs found shelter in two IDP camps located in Nawngping, Kyaukme township.
Furthermore, the Ta'ang Women's Organization (TWO) has reported that over 300 local residents from the Monese area of Kutkai Township have fled their homes and are currently in dire need of food assistance.
In Chin Shwe Haw township, over 1,000 individuals are trapped within the town and are currently residing in tents within relief camps. They are in urgent need of blankets, bedding, and food supplies.
In Namtit Township, located in the southeast of Chin Shwe Haw Township, United Wa State Party (UWSP) external relations officer Nyi Rang has reported that they have provided assistance to over 5,000 IDPs hailing from Chin Shwe Haw and Laukkai Townships.
