Clashes between the Burma Army (BA) and the Mandalay People's Defence Force (PDF) have forced hundreds of civilians from their homes in Nawngkio Township in northern Shan State, where Buddhist groups are trying to help them with emergency aid and shelter, but it is not enough.

Fifteen monasteries in Doe Pin village tract have done everything in their power to help the more than 600 people affected by the violence that has broken out around Kalarkwe in Nawngkio Township, not far from Mandalay Region.

 

A male volunteer told NMG that the villagers of Kalarkwe, Lon Kham and Kyan Khin need rice, cooking oil, salt and clothes. “Some private donors have donated things for them, but they need more.”

Three local volunteer teams and the Buddhist monasteries are helping them in the township, which is not connected to the electricity grid and relies on generators.

“Normally, most people manage without electricity, but there are elderly people, pregnant

women, children and disabled people among the internally displaced persons (IDPs)," the volunteer explained.

Meanwhile, fighting between the BA and PDF around Lon Kham and Kyan Khin has intensified, forcing schools to close. Most of the IDPs are Shan, the rest are either Lisu or Bamar (Burmese).

About seven miles from Doe Pin village, two hundred civilians from 36 families who have fled to Hokho are also in need of emergency assistance.

“For them, we have to run generators, which costs $2.40 for diesel every night,” said another volunteer, estimating their funds will last for about 10 more days.