For the second time, a United Nations agency distributed humanitarian aid exclusively to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the town of Mindat, which is under the control of the military regime in southern Chin State, rather than to the majority of those in need of aid who live in remote locations in Mindat Township.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) was not allowed to help up to 30,000 IDPs living in 12 camps outside Midat town.
Since the Burma Army (BA) took over the mountain town from Chinland Defence Force (CDF) in May, it has targeted groups and individuals trying to help the besieged camps suffering from food insecurity.
Of the 10 camps recognized by the regime in the town, only three camps still have people living in them, according to an IDP.
The source told Khonumthung News, that UNICEF gave medicine, food and other items to pregnant women and mothers breastfeeding and children in the camps.
Only those who were present in the camp at the time when UNICEF arrived would have received the rations, the IDP said.
Some people who were working on their farms when the relief supplies were distributed on August 14 did not get anything.
In July, the regime prevented the United Nations High Commissioners for Refugees (UNHCR) from helping anyone living outside the town.
The UNHCR brought enough relief supplies for 5,000 people but was only able to help about 500 IDPs. The remaining tarpaulins, mosquito nets, mats, blankets, solar lamps, pots and kitchen utensils were reportedly left behind in the town.
The CDF, or Mindat People’s Administration, as the CDF chapter was then known, was formed in late April to protect individuals and groups targeted by the military council for their peaceful resistance to its rule.
Since CDF and BA started fighting, tens of thousands of villagers have been uprooted in Mindat Township.