Thousands flee Myanmar’s Kayah state capital as fighting escalates
Some 60,000 people are on the run after military airstrikes against local armed groups.
At least 60,000 people, more than two-thirds of residents in the capital of Myanmar’s Kayah (Karenni) state, have fled and been displaced by fighting since last week when the military escalated attacks on anti-junta forces in the region, a local official said Tuesday.
Aung San Myint, a spokesman for the Karenni State Consultative Council, said that more than 90,000 people had been living in Loikaw in recent weeks after some 30,000 residents of nearby Demawso and Prueso fled their home townships to seek shelter in Kayah’s capital.
But on Jan. 6, troops loyal to the military regime fired heavy weapons and sent tanks and helicopters into Loikaw to battle joint forces of the ethnic Karenni Army and the pro-democracy People’s Defense Force and Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF), sparking another exodus.
Many of the refugees crossing the border into neighboring southern Shan state in search of safety, he said.
“Most of the residents left the town for Shan state after rumors spread during the past three days that the military would bomb the city,” Aung San Myint said. “Some are seeking refuge within the state — especially those from Demawso and Prueso townships. So only about one-third of the population is left in town, and they are living in fear.”
Residents said that they are mostly headed for the Shan state townships of Taunggyi, Hsisaing, Pinlaung, Inlay, and surrounding areas and are seeking temporary shelter in monasteries with the help of local civil society groups. Some are staying with relatives, while others have set up makeshift camps in the nearby forests and mountains of Kayah state, they said.
One woman who fled from Mong Lone ward in Loikaw said she had to leave her home because there was no security left in the town.
“We had to face a lot of difficulties — it wasn’t easy to decide whether to stay in town or leave,” she said, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. “The army began firing heavy weapons now and then, and finally we had to flee.”
Another woman who fled said people were being permitted to enter Shan state only after submitting to questioning along the way by government soldiers at around six different checkpoints.
“We had to pass through several inspection points,” said the woman, who also declined to be named.
“It took a very long time at some points as there were a lot of vehicles on the road. They checked every car; how many women and men were in the cars. We had to pass through five or six such gates.”
Residents said that at least six civilians have been killed in the five days of fighting since Jan. 6.
Zaw Min Tun denied claims by the KNDF that it had shot down an Air Force helicopter in recent days. In a Monday statement, the KNDF had also warned the public to take safety measures as the junta “is likely to carry out more airstrikes” in Demawso and Loikaw townships.
SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES