Over one thousand people affected by fighting in Kanpetlet Township, southern Chin State are facing food shortages, according to a volunteer, who said locals are sharing their food with them.
After the military started controlling rice shipments to the township, a bag of rice has risen to 100,000 kyats ($60). The volunteer said the military is blocking the Kyin Twe road, and transportation is also hindered by rainy conditions.
On July 27, residents from 10 villages fled fighting between Burma Army (BA) and Chinland Defense Force (CDF) from Mindat and Kanpetlet. With the help of religious leaders and elders, they established a camp about 64 kilometers from the town of Kanpetlet.
The military indiscriminately fired artillery at Kanpetlet town at 9 pm on August 6. Town residents told Khonumthung News a shell landed on the grounds of a Baptist Church and near homes in Myoma ward 2.
CDF chapters in southern and northern Chin State have been fighting with BA since forming several months ago to protect civilians resisting the military regime.