Displaced civilians in Yebyu Township are struggling with severe food shortages as restrictions imposed by the Junta Commission’s forces at the Malwe Taung checkpoint on the Mon–Tanintharyi border have made it difficult for aid to reach them, according to local aid workers.
Since late August, fighting has intensified along the Kalain Aung–Malwe Taung road between the Revolutionary Joint Forces and junta troops. Reports indicate that more than 5,000 people from at least 10 villages in Yebyu Township have been displaced.
Around 60 percent of the IDPs are sheltering in monasteries inside Yebyu Township, while smaller groups have fled to areas under the control of the New Mon State Party (NMSP), Ye Township, and some parts of Dawei, according to local sources.
Displaced residents said they are unable to easily purchase food, face soaring market prices, and have received little to no humanitarian aid.
“The people on the other side of the checkpoint urgently need help. Those staying in monasteries have roofs over their heads but lack other essentials, while those in the jungle still need shelter and food. We are also worried about outbreaks of disease,” said a local humanitarian worker.
Currently, assistance is being provided on a limited scale by Mon humanitarian networks, resistance groups, and monasteries. However, locals report that support remains insufficient, and poor sanitation, particularly the lack of toilets, is raising fears of infectious diseases.
On September 6, when the Kalain Aung–Malwe Taung road briefly reopened, many IDPs moved deeper into forested areas, according to residents.
“There are no shops left in the villages. People don’t feel safe staying anymore. Those who remain are now scattered in remote places. With landmines and heavy weapons in the area, no one knows what will happen next. People are too afraid to travel, and now routes to places like Myin Chuang and Yafu are almost deserted,” said a local man.
With ongoing clashes in Tanintharyi Region and junta forces restricting the transport of goods, supplies have run critically low while prices continue to climb.
Aid workers say junta checkpoints particularly restrict rice, food staples, and medicine, leaving thousands of displaced people to suffer acute shortages.
