The Karenni Human Rights Group (KnHRG) has stated that ongoing attacks by junta forces targeting farmlands and farmers in Karenni State could soon lead to famine across the region.

According to KnHRG, in October alone, junta troops shelled paddy fields and detained or beat several farmers who were harvesting their rice crops.

In addition to these direct attacks on local farmers and agricultural areas, the group said that heightened military tensions between the two sides could also disrupt internal trade routes, worsening the food insecurity situation.

Therefore, to address the resulting challenges such as disruptions in the flow of goods, rising commodity prices, and growing food insecurity, contingency measures have been put in place, according to U Banya, Secretary (2) of the IEC, who spoke to Kantarawaddy Times.

“We have plans to make sure people don’t face serious hunger or famine. We’ve taken steps to reduce the risk as much as possible. We’ve set aside food reserves for each township and prepared emergency funds so we can act quickly when needed. We’re also working with international partners and looking for new trade routes to get essential supplies. But right now, we can’t share all the details” said U Banya.

KnHRG’s November 5 statement added that as junta troops continue to target farmers and advance military columns into agricultural zones, cultivable land in Karenni State has decreased, leading to reduced crop yields.

Displaced residents from Dee Maw Hso Township said that some famars had to negotiate with junta troops to harvest crops near military areas, while others were forced to harvest their rice under dangerous conditions.

In October, junta forces carried out drone and airstrike attacks on paddy fields in Pruso and Dee Maw Hso Townships during the harvest period, killing three civilians, KnHRG reported.

Photo credit - CJ