An influx of displaced people (IDPs) into towns across southern Shan State has caused house rental prices to rise which is causing problems for displaced Karenni people.

Fighting that happened as part of Operation 1027 has displaced many people from northern Shan State. Many of these IDPs have sought refuge in the state capital Taunggyi and other townships in southern Shan State.

The resistance’s Operation 1027, in northern Shan State, started on 27 October 2023 and continued until 11 January 2024 when a ceasefire was signed. The conflict resumed on 25 June 2024, following the failure of the ceasefire.

Fighting due to the resistance’s Operation 1111 in Karenni State, which started on 11 November 2023, has also caused many people to flee the state and seek shelter in southern Shan State areas that include:  Nyaungshwe Town, Inle Lake, Ayetharyar Town, and monasteries in Taunggyi City.

An IDP from Loikaw City in Karenni State who has been staying in Taunggyi City explained that the many recent arrivals have caused a housing shortage and an increase in housing rental prices. This causes problems for  IDPs,  especially as renters have to pay  a year or six months in advance.

In towns where rents were previously 200,000 kyats many landlords have raised them by 50 per cent to 300,000 kyats. This is causing Karenni IDPs problems.

Another IDP who had fled from Loikaw said: “There are no houses [in Loikaw] left to return to. The monastery we were staying in before has also refused us. Even though we paid for a six month house rental fee, the overall cost of living has increased, which has made us depressed.”

IDPs sheltering in monasteries in southern Shan State are receiving some support, but those who are renting houses are receiving no support, according to IDPs.

The rising rental prices in southern Shan State have also, according to reports, caused many IDPs who fled Loikaw Township to return to their homes, even though fighting is still ongoing in Loikaw Township.