The CDM workers in Karenni State were able to receive a small amount of support in the past, but it is now difficult to continue to support them due to the lack of donations, according to an official from Job for Kayah (JFK).
In addition to a small amount of financial support for CDM staff, currently JFK is also working on aiding the war refugees and getting food and ammunition for the battalion, he said.
“Due to insufficient funds, support for CDM staff was stopped. We could still distribute donations from June to August. Even so, not all the staff who have been registered couldn’t get the financial support. The main problem is that the number of the CDM staff is more than the funds received. There are many sectors that we are responsible for, so we must distribute the donations accordingly. All donations can’t be used in one sector. For example, if the refugee camps ask for help, we deliver food, medicine, and stationery. If the battalion forces ask for help, we send food and ammunition. We also help wherever there is a need, so we cannot fully help all CDM sfaff”, he explained.
As the fighting between the Military Council and the Karenni Local Defense Joint Forces is intensifying in the region, the people are facing trouble economically hence the amount of donations has decreased significantly compared to before, he added.
CDM staff said some of them received support from some organizations once or twice in the past, some never got aid. They also said that they are facing difficulties for long-term sustenance as they do not receive support from donors and have no salary income.
“Since joining the CDM, I have faced many challenges. I had to be careful about everything for safety. The Military Council is also pursuing. When I came to the west side of this Demoso, I felt safe. But livelihood became very difficult. There is no place to live and I have to wander some places convenient to live. Food can be received only from the donors. I am being dependent on others. Now the CDM staff have no income and jobs do not employ us anymore. Some offices called for work, but I didn't apply because of security concerns. There are a lot of difficulties”, a CDM education staff said.
The government staff who joined CDM are not only fired but also detained and prosecuted by the Military Council. As going abroad is also banned, it is becoming very difficult for CDM staff to make a living over time.
A staff of the Department of Environmental Protection of Kayah State is on the run because he was prosecuted under the Civil Service Law for joining CDM.
Although currently selling goods in a refugee camp for making a living, he asks the National Unity Government (NUG) and the Karenni State Consultative Council (KSCC) to assist the CDM staff.
“At the moment, there is no contentment about both factions. Rather than providing subsidies or not, I want them to contact and discuss the CDM staff. I would like them to help as much as they can, even if not all the difficulties are covered. Also, I don't want the CDM staff to be neglected. CDM staff will be happy if they know that they are not forgotten. Now others are returning to offices and schools, I feel sorry for the young people who are fleeing in the forests”, he said.
After the military coup, government staff from various departments in Karenni State joined the non-violent civil disobedience movement (CDM) against the dictator. According to the information obtained by Job for Kayah (JFK), there are around 6,000 government staff who are still in the CDM in Karenni State.
