Karenni Farmers Risk Landmines and Shelling Amid Donor Shortfall
By Network Media Group
Saturday, March 30, 2024
Receiving fewer donations, Karenni civilians displaced by the civil war are taking risks by cultivating their farms despite the dangers posed by landmines and shelling from the Military Council.
“Even though there might be hidden landmines, they have to work on their farms,” said a person from the Karenni Humanitarian Team (KHT).
He explained that a farmer in Mobye stepped on a hidden landmine two to three weeks ago, and lost one of his legs.
According to the Karenni Civil Social Network (KCSN), there are more than 280,000 people displaced in Karenni State and Pekon in southern Shan State.
Maw Trayzar, who lives in a remote camp in western Hpruso Township, said her family has received less support this year.
“Probably, donors do not come to our area because the road is bad and our camp is situated far from the road.”
She said IDPs don’t have many options. When they don’t receive donations, they must forage for wild vegetables in the jungle or grow their own food despite the dangers.
Thirty-four families live in Maw Trayzar’s camp. Half of them have started planting paddy plants despite artillery shelling by the Burma army in the area.
Five months ago, an eight-year-old from Doh Pareh in Hpruso Township was killed by an artillery shell fired by the No-14 higher military training school.
Some of the IDP’s paddy plants died last year, and they have fewer seeds; however, Maw Trayzar thinks they have enough to cultivate two months’ worth of rice.
“Those not growing paddy on their farms don’t have any food, and they have to borrow rice from other people.”
