Displaced villagers in Kalay Township are facing continued food insecurity as the ruling Military Council hinders food donations from reaching them. Meanwhile, soaring food prices, a trend seen throughout the country, compound their struggles.
Given that it is currently between harvest seasons, a committee member assisting in Kalay Township has reported significant difficulties in procuring food for the displaced residents, thanks to increased costs. For instance, a bag of rice now costs $62. While some have managed to secure daily work plowing the fields of farms, their wages are insufficient to feed their families. The man hopes for more donations to help these vulnerable communities survive.
Civil societies within Burma and abroad, as well as the exiled National Unity Government (NUG) and individuals, have been contributing. However, with the ongoing conflict, the number of people in need continues to rise, while donations have been declining.
Since the coup over 2.5 years ago, numerous People’s Defence Forces have emerged to challenge the military’s rule in Sagaing Region, where the township is located. In response, the regime has resorted to burning homes in villages where resistance fighters have been, as well as in villages without any involvement.
This reign of terror is part of a failed attempt to reduce support for the revolution, leaving thousands of innocent civilians displaced from their homes for years, with others’ homes falling victim to junta forces’ torching or destruction through indiscriminate air attacks.
In the southern part of the township, there are 13 displaced camps housing approximately 30,000 residents.
In the north, where no camps exist, those affected by the fighting must seek shelter in the jungle or, if they have relatives in safer areas, stay with them. Given the wet season, there is a pressing need for more tarpaulin, the man said.
Over 400 teachers who joined the protest movement are currently educating over 1,000 students in the camps.
Additionally, the People’s Health Care backpack team and medical clinics set up by the NUG are working diligently to provide healthcare services.
“This is the people’s revolution. These are not ordinary people displaced by war; they are revolutionaries who refuse to live under military dictatorship,” the man emphasized. He explained that the revolution cannot succeed without the support of the people and underscored the importance of taking care of them as the fighting continues and more villages are attacked by the junta’s forces.