“Sixty-eight people have arrived. I saw infants, disabled people, and elderly people. The total number is 68, both men and women,” said U Naw Tawng from Tanai-based Christian committee for assisting the IDPs.

The new batch of IDPs from Awng Lawt Village and nearby villagers in Tanai Township have been settled inside the Kachin Roman Catholic church grounds in Tanai, according to local residents.

The IDPs said some residents may be still trapped in the jungle.

“Many of our friends have been left behind. Some of them gave birth inside the jungle so they couldn’t come out. Two [women] gave birth inside the jungle. Three or four [women] gave birth in their villages so their babies are still too young. It’s difficult for them to come out. Some people can’t walk. Elderly people and children have been left behind. They may be able to do slash-and-burn farming inside the jungle. If not, they can’t help it. Many of them still remain [in the forest] because they can't go any further,” said U Aung Latt, who made it out of the jungle.

Around 300 people are still trapped inside the forests, according to him.

“There were cases of people getting sick and suffering from diarrhea. A two-year-old child died after getting sick inside the forest. My friend gave birth inside the forest. It’s very difficult,” U Aung Latt continued.

Heavy fighting resumed between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Tatmadaw in Tanai Township, Kachin State since April and residents of Awng Lawt Village and nearby villages have been trapped in the forest for nearly two months.

However, some of the trapped IDPs have been rescued by the government, religious organizations, and youth organizations in early May.

Some residents of Awng Lawt Village and nearby villages are taking shelter at temporary IDP camps in Myitkyina while some are residing at the temporary IDP camps in Tanai.