Around 2,000 people from three villages who have been trapped amid the fighting in Tanai Township, Kachin State have been forced to flee from fighting again, according to local people that have been assisting them.
“Fighting is breaking out along the road between Tanai and Awng Lawt Village. It is breaking out in the area of Zup Parar (Nawng Yang), Sut Yain Yang, and Awng Lawt villages. The internally displaced persons (IDPs) have to relocate from their area again. Many artillery shells fell so they were scared. Now, they have fled from Awng Lawt to a safer area. They have to flee from the area they were taking shelter in,” said U Nawng Taung, who has been assisting in Tanai IDP issue.
Although religious organizations have demanded the government, local authorities, and local armies to rescue the trapped IDPs, they have yet to receive a response, according to him.
Another demand has been made to the union government and the Kachin State Chief Minister on April 14 to rescue the trapped IDPs.
“It’s difficult for them (the IDPs) to travel. They fled after taking one or two pyi of rice so they are nearly running out of food. Also, it’s very difficult for young children, elderly people, and women. We were told that there are sick people. We have submitted the letter to the chief minister. Nobody has been able to help them. Nobody has come from the town and no organization has come to assist them,” said U Nawng Taung.
Heavy fighting is currently breaking out in Awng Lawt Village and its surroundings in Tanai Township and local residents have fled to take shelter in the forest due to fear after artillery shells fell and exploded inside the villages. As it has been a week since they fled their homes, they are facing various kinds of difficulties.
A resident of Tanai said food supply is also needed for over 200 IDPs from these villages who are taking shelter in Tanai.
“A total of 218 people have arrived in Tanai after taking part in Tanai’s Catholic Golden Jubilee religious ceremony on the 8th and 9th (April 8 and 9). They still haven’t been able to return yet. They have been stranded in Tanai. Arrangements have been made for them to take temporary shelter at the church. Tarpaulin tents have been set up for them. Since they came [to attend] the ceremony, they didn’t bring food and clothes. They need everything,” said the local resident.
Local residents have lost their lives due to the renewed fighting that broke out in the Kachin State on April 5.
