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Refugees Reach Up To 100,000 In Karenni State

7 June 2020

Humanitarian Focal of the Karenni State Consultative Council (KSCC) confirmed that the displaced persons reached to one-fourth of the total population of Kareanni State due to the intensified fighting between People’s Defense Forces and military troops and due to the reckless shooting of the military council with heavy weapons or launchers as well.

“Total population of the Kayah (Karenni) State is just over 400,000. Today one-fourth of the total population have displaced into the jungle for their safety. We therefore are trying our best and we also urgently need the help or assistance from the international governments in order to endure the difficulties for a long-term period. If so, we can prevent the violence or the human rights violation upon our ethnic group and the unnecessary new causalities.

According to the data collected by the Karenni State Consultative Council (KSCC) as far as they can, there are 65,000 displaced persons in the Karenni State. Since there are many areas or township left for data collection, it is estimated that the total number of displaced persons might reach up to around 100,000.

It is seen that most of the refugees are in Demoso township, and Loikaw is the second township where most refugees are sheltering. Supplies are hardly reached out to the displaced personnel since the military council blocked the transportation line. Transportation is the biggest challenge and financial problem is also facing. Another difficulty faced whilst distributing supplies is that the displaced persons are spreading in different places.

“Military Council has not allowed yet for carriage of supplies. Apart from the collapse of bridges, Military Council itself attacked and shot the people who are helping and transporting food for refugees. The supplies are in jam due to their blockage,” reported Humanitarian Focal of the Karenni State Consultative Council.

One displaced person from Demoso township said that food had been the most important necessity for them, or they would possibly face starving within one to two weeks due to the food shortage. “Food is the main. Some had carried some foods whilst running, but some did not have the chance to do. Some do not dare to take them back. Until now, one or two weeks may be less obvious. However, to buy food will become the serious challenge in the coming month.”

In present, the ethnic-based medical teams and other allied groups are still helping to take care of the health issues of the IDP personnel. However, the medical supply might run out within a few days.

Humanitarian Focal of the Karenni State Consultative Council (KSCC) called for foreign governments or organizations such as UN or ICRC to put further pressure upon Military Council in order to have free transportation access for supply carriage to the displaced personnel, and to establish the IDP camps in order to have medical or education support systematically and to have free carriage of necessary medicines, food or rations.

Written by

Maw Oo Myar (Kantarrawaddy Times)

 

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