As a result of the Military Council's plan to dismantle several IDP camps in northern Shan State, IDPs are under pressure to seek new locations re resettlement. Approximately 150 families of internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing in the Monekoe (Mankan) region of northern Shan State have expressed worries about the costs of relocating to a different location.
IDPs have been attempting to purchase land in installments, construct bamboo houses, and subsequently move into their new dwellings. Unfortunately, the majority of them have encountered difficulties even in acquiring the land through installment payments.
The IDPs have expressed their concerns that assistance for them has declined since the coup d'état. They emphasized that the current political and military situation has resulted in lack of security, making it impossible for them to return to their original places of residence. In addition there is a lack of available day- labour opportunities for the IDPs.
Out of the approximately 220 families residing in the Monekoe IDP camp, nearly 70 families have successfully relocated to a new location independently. However the remaining families are facing difficulties, as they have been unable to purchase land for their resettlement.
A displaced individual from Monekoe expressed, "A portion of our community is renting rooms outside, while some have taken the initiative to establish new villages and establish a life there. However, the majority of us face significant financial obstacles that prevent us from relocating or even acquiring land."
The IDPs have requested assistance from relevant officials and civil society organizations to support the Monekoe IDPs, as a majority of them lack the financial means to proceed with their relocation.
"We need assistance to buy land and level it for building houses in our new village resettlement project. Living in an IDP camp presents various challenges, such as limited access to food, inadequate shelter, and difficulties in providing education for children, all due to the current political situation,” said an IDP.
The IDPs have expressed that, up to this point, they have been relying solely on the monthly subsidy for their livelihood provided by the World Food Programme (WFP). They have also stated that no organization has come forward to assist them in purchasing land and constructing houses, which are essential for their relocation to a new village.
The IDPs are currently experiencing challenging circumstances due to the scarcity of employment opportunities and the soaring prices of goods, which are directly linked to the ongoing political situation.
On March 14 of this year, the Military Council called upon officials from several IDP camps in northern Shan State and instructed them to relocate between March and April. The discussions held in March focused on the dismantling of seven IDP camps in northern Shan State, followed by plans to dismantle eight IDP camps in April.
The IDP camps scheduled for dismantling during March and April include Namphatka KBC IDP Camp, Aung Tha Pyay IDP Camp, Mong Yu Lay IDP Camp, Zup Aung IDP Camp 1 and 2, Pan Ku IDP Camp, Loimone IDP Camp, Namtu IDP Camp, Monekoe IDP Camp, Kutkai KBC IDP Camp 1 and 2, Kutkai RC IDP Camp, St. Thomas IDP camp, Nay Wun Ni IDP camp, and others.
