Residents who have fled from Loikaw township are appealing for more the acceptance of Karenni IDPs seeking refuge in Southern Shan State, due to the escalating war in Loikaw Township, Karenni State.
This request is prompted by the difficulties encountered by the Karenni in finding any kind of sanctuary or welcome in Southern Shan State.
The locals of Loikaw expressed their desire for Shan residents to welcome National Registration Card (NRC) holders from Kayah State, specifically those prefix start from 2/, as they have heard that there are places unwilling to accept them.
A person who fled the conflict from Loikaw to Taunggyi Township in Shan State expressed their frustration, stating, "They refuse NRCs starting with 2/. We are willing to pay for our stay; we have children and elderly family members with us. Despite being willing to meet their financial requirements, we face rejection. Therefore we appeal to them to accept those fleeing the conflict. We are all experiencing trauma and seeking refuge in other states during this difficult time."
As of the morning of November 17, numerous individuals have fled Loikaw Township, and the Karenni community is urging Shan State to accept those who will seek refuge there.
In the urban area of Taunggyi, a resident mentioned that despite the ward administrators issuing instructions not to accept those who have fled the conflict, there are still some individuals willing to accommodate them.
"They are unwilling to accept displaced people. However, if you explain to them that the individuals are here for visits or training purposes, they are more likely to accept them," mentioned a resident of Taunggyi.
Due to the intensifying conflict in Loikaw Township, tens of thousands of residents have evacuated their homes. Reports indicate that a considerable number of people have sought refuge in southern Shan State, driven by the Military Council's daily artillery shelling into residential areas. The ongoing shelling has caused substantial damage to homes, instilling widespread fear for the safety and lives of those affected.
"This morning, people are leaving Loikaw. The town center is congested with cars at the traffic lights. Sadly some pet dogs are left behind as their owners cannot bring them along. Witnessing these dogs running after their owners on the street is heart-wrenching. It's a sorrowful sight," shared a resident of Loikaw, who also mentioned the communication lines are not functioning well.
At present a person who fled the conflict from Loikaw mentioned that Taunggyi Township and certain neighboring villages in Shan State are unwilling to accommodate displaced individuals.
"We were denied entry into the village. Despite our appeals , they refused to let us in. They simply stated that they cannot permit us to stay," she explained.
Certain charities in Nyaungshwe Township and Aungpan Township are actively receiving IDPs and providing assistance to displaced people.
Those involved in assisting internally displaced persons (IDPs) emphasize the crucial need for humanitarian assistance for individuals who have fled due to the ongoing conflict.
