Fearing an exodus of refugees, China is blocking Kachin internally displaced persons (IDPs) from crossing its border. An increasing number displaced Kachin are seeking sanctuary in China, said volunteers helping IDPs.
At least 39 displaced persons from Kutkai Township in northern Shan State have been sheltered for over 10 days at the Jinghpo Baptist Church in Menghai. Menghai is a Chinese border town in that country’s southwestern Yunnan province.
The church is sheltering the Kachin IDPs and providing for their needs, against the wishes of the Chinese authorities, according to church sources
Hundreds of Burmese IDPs who are trying to cross into China border have been trapped for weeks at the Burmese border town of Mongkoe, opposite Menghai with neither Burmese nor Chinese authorities being helpful, said residents of Menghai.
