Internally displaced people (IDPs) from seven villages in Khaunglanhpu Township, Putao District, Kachin State, have been grappling with livelihood crises for nearly four months after fleeing fighting.

Residents of Dingchet, Maraw, Ingargar, Lakyangar, Mabyone, Dingbudingsar, and Inkhagar villages where most households depend on cultivating Cao Guo (Chinese black cardamom) were forced to abandon their crops at harvest time, leading to the displacement of entire communities.

The IDPs are currently hiding in the forests and struggling to access humanitarian aid after the junta blocked all land routes and waterways leading to them, according to a Putao Township resident.

“It is not possible to reach them to provide assistance. The junta has closed all land routes and waterways, and any boats carrying large bags of rice are stopped and forced to turn back,” he told MNJ.

The junta has reportedly airlifted about 100 reinforcement troops into Putao District, where fighting with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is ongoing, and is likely to deploy them to the frontlines, local residents said.

The junta has imposed strict road restrictions in the region, blocking IDPs from reaching Putao Town and preventing villagers in Putao from returning to their homes.

Currently, Khaunglanhpu IDPs are in urgent need of food, blankets, warm clothing, shelter, and medical assistance.

The junta has been carrying out airstrikes on areas where it believes KIA troops are deployed, including residential zones, forcing entire villages to flee.

Clashes that began in Lang Se Village, Tsawlaw Township, Kachin State, in September last year quickly spread to neighboring Khaunglanhpu Township.