People displaced in Paletwa Township of southern Chin State, as well as those from Paletwa who have sought refuge in Mizoram State on the India-Myanmar border are in need of food, medicine, and warm clothing, according to sources.
According to Salai Soe Than, the coordinator of the Paletwa IDPs and Humanitarian Supporting group, there are approximately 20,000 displaced people in total, with over 15,000 IDPs in Paletwa Township and over 4,000 refugees in Mizoram State on the India-Myanmar border. They are in need of medicine and food assistance.
“We have IDPs within Paletwa Township and refugees in Mizoram. In the areas controlled by the Paletwa Council, there is a public health team. But, there’s not enough medicine. And for food, rice is the main necessity,” he said.
Salai Soe Than continued, “For the refugees in Mizoram, I’ve just returned from there. They are struggling with their daily needs. They’re also facing medical challenges. On this side, people are trying to manage their own healthcare. They have no jobs and no income, so their situation is quite challenging.”
Moreover, as the winter approaches, there is a need for warm clothing, pants, blankets, and mosquito nets for the displaced people, especially children. He added that donations of these items would be greatly appreciated.
Most of the displaced people are living in villages within Paletwa Township and in Samee town. They face daily struggles due to lack of security, inability to work on their farms, and difficult transportation conditions.
Similarly, Paletwa refugees in Lawngtlai district of Mizoram State are struggling to make ends meet due to lack of employment and insufficient support.
Salai Soe Than explained, “The displaced people have no jobs. They manage their lives with the little money they earn from daily labor. In Mizoram, there aren’t many organizations providing substantial support. They can’t provide much. Whether it’s for daily needs, healthcare, or education, assistance is definitely needed. For now, they’re managing as best they can.”
He added, “Some are allowed to cultivate small plots in the villages. They are struggling for their daily survival. The situation for those internally displaced isn’t much different. Economically, there’s nothing they can do for a living there. Because it was once a battlefield, it’s not very safe for them to move around in the forest. There have even been people killed by landmines at schools.”
While IDPs in Paletwa Township have received some assistance from domestic and international organizations, it has not been sufficient for long-term support.
Therefore, the Paletwa IDP and Humanitarian Supporting group is appealing to donors both inside and outside the country to help address the difficulties and needs of Paletwa’s displaced people. Those who can provide assistance are encouraged to contact them, according to Salai Soe Than, the relief coordinator.
The displaced people of Paletwa have been fleeing to safer areas since 2019 when intense fighting between the Arakha Army (AA) and the military junta began. More people have been displaced since the 2021 military coup, as fighting intensified again, forcing them to flee to rural areas, mainland (Myanmar), and Mizoram State.
In addition, a Paletwa local reported that food prices in Paletwa Township have skyrocketed. The prices are now four times higher, making it even more difficult for people to meet their daily needs.
In Paletwa, the current prices include: 150,000 kyat for a bag of ordinary rice, 20,000 for a viss of fish paste, 10,000 for a viss of salt, 30,000 for a viss of MSG, 40,000 for a viss of green chili, 30,000 for a large pack of Premier coffee, 20,000 for a viss of beef, 30,000 for a viss of chicken, 1,000 for an egg, 10,000 for a viss of onions, 15,000 for a viss of garlic, and 55,000 for a gallon of petrol.