Attacks on villages and towns by regime airstrikes, shelling, and patrolling junta soldiers have displaced over 10,000 civilians in Kanpetlet Township since the coup over three years ago.
During this time, they have survived with inadequate aid, often going hungry or sleeping in poor shelters while fearing for their lives.
Eleven civilians have been killed in the township by air attacks and twenty-eight soldiers from the Kanpetlet Chinland Defence Force, which recently celebrated its third anniversary, have laid down their lives for the revolution.
Five thousand people are staying in Hsaw Township, three thousand are hiding in Kyatwee, and about two thousand others in remote villages, gardens, and farms.
“There hasn’t been any large donors to provide these IDPs (internally displaced persons) with humanitarian aid,” explained an officer working for the humanitarian department under the People’s Administration for Kanpetlet Township.
The source remarked that another yet wet season will begin with many still lacking basic staples like rice, cooking oil, and salt as well as medicine. He pointed out how transportation to the camps located in remote villages or in the jungle becomes increasingly challenging when the rains start. The officer asked for organisations looking to help the IDPs to contact him or someone else from the People’s Administration humanitarian department.
“Soon the schools will be starting a new academic year. As we will be administering the education system here, we request for relevant organisations to donate learning materials and financial support.”