Fighting Hampers Aid Amid Escalating Conflict in Karenni State
By Network Media Group
Thursday, November 30, 2023
As the war escalates in Karenni State amid the resistance group’s 1111 Operation to seize the capital town of Loikaw, fighting and State Administration Council (SAC) checkpoints have sealed off the state, preventing the delivery of supplies from other states.
Khu Palu Reh, the general secretary of Karenni State Interim Executive Council, established by the resistance and civil society groups in June, said, “In some places, people have run out of food rations and medicines.” In light of the situation, he stressed the need to prioritize the remaining supplies for those who need them most.
“Clashes have increased in Loikaw and surrounding areas, and many people have fled the town and nearby villages. This is why the displaced population has drastically increased. We have run out of medicines and basic food rations, including rice and dried food products for them.”
With the conflict closing the road from Mobye to Loikaw and Taungoo – Yar Doh, the flow of supplies and trade into the state has come to a halt.
Ko Michael with Kayaw Youth Organization, who is assisting over 6,000 people from Loikaw Township who have taken shelter in western Hpruso Township, said, “Nothing is left. We have run out of food rations, plastic sheets, medicines, etc. Currently, we also don’t have petroleum.”
The strain has been felt not just by the new arrivals but also people who fled earlier fighting since the war started and by villagers still living on their land. He explained that some people couldn’t bring anything with them when they fled from the capital, and they need warm clothing and blankets during the cold season, as well as food and medicine. Michael mentioned that 216 people (56 families) have arrived in Hoyar village-tract in the township, and he expects more soon.
According to Khu Palu Reh, the international community must do more to help these people, and Thailand should open its border for the delivery of aid. He said SAC must “respect human rights and allow humanitarian aid to the internally displaced persons (IDPs)” by not blocking the crucial arteries leading to the state.
Since November 11, over 70 civilians, including children, have been killed, and many people were wounded from SAC shelling and gunfire, aid workers say.
Karenni Human Rights Group reported that over 45,000 people from Loikaw have been displaced between November 11, when the offensive operation to seize the capital started, until November 19.
With phone and internet services suspended in many areas of the state, it is difficult for IDPs and volunteer groups helping to receive updated information about what’s happening and for news about the conflict to reach the rest of the world.