Shwegyin is currently witnessing heavy fighting between the Karen Defense Forces operating under the KNU and the Military Council. As the conflict persists in Shwegyin Township within the Nyaunglebin District, a territory of the Karen National Union’s (KNU) 3rd Brigade, approximately 5-6000 people have fled their homes, locals said.
According to Saw Elster, a Karen social group official in the Nyaunglebin District, fighting has been ongoing in Shwegyin since the second week of March, resulting in the displacement of thousands of residents from their homes.
“ We could still hear the sound of gunfire and heavy artillery until this morning. The fighting has been ongoing for approximately five days, or perhaps even a week”, Saw Elster said on March 14th. . Saw Elster added that “as a result of these clashes, the residents are forced to flee their= homes.”
According to local residents , many people are being forced to flee their homes not only due to clashes but also because Military Council troops are reportedly raiding villages, engaging in shelling, making unjust arrests, and subjecting villagers to torture and killings.
“After being displaced by fighting, some individuals sought refuge in Shwegyin and nearby areas, finding shelter in monasteries, relatives’ and friends’ homes. It is estimated that around 6,000 households from 12 villages have been forced to flee due to the ongoing conflicts”, one resident said.
According to a local who did not want to disclose his name, residents from twelve villages, namely Inn Balar, Chaung Kyoe, Pazun Aing, Lat Kaut Wa, Pyin Yay, Moe Kho, Inn Kyite, Inn Ba War, Wi Kyun, Pho Pite San, Shwe Khe Su, and Nyaing Aing, have fled due to the ongoing conflict.
Those displaced by the conflict have sought refuge in various locations, including the surroundingareas of Kyauk Mhaw Pagoda and Mabee village tract, as well as Shwegyin Township.
Additionally, some individuals have found sanctuary in villages that have not been impacted by the war.
The displaced individuals who have arrived in Shwegyin and Kyauk Mhaw are primarily residing in monasteries, where they are receiving assistance with food from both the local community and from each other. Those who seek refuge in other villages are staying with their relatives and depending on them for sustenance, Saw Elster said.
Amidst these circumstances, the affected locals and human rights activists are urging international aid organizations to provide more impactful aid to the displaced individuals, closely monitor the actions of the Military Council to ensure that fair consequences are administered.
