Thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Karenni State are hoping for humanitarian aid from the international community, said the locals helping the IDPs.

An official of the Pikinkawkhu IDP committee said: “International aid is urgently needed, especially for the children and the elderly. Many people have been wounded by the army’s indiscriminate shootings in the villages. There are more than ten people who sustained severe injuries in the IDP camps located about four or five miles from our camp. We will be very happy if there is an inflow of international aid.”

A person who is helping the IDPs said: “Due to the current crisis, the people are hiding in forests in Loikaw, Demawso, Phalkhone and Moebye Townships. They are asking for international humanitarian assistance as they are facing many difficulties. Road access to the conflict-hit area is difficult during the crisis period. International assistance is required.”

So far, there are more than 20 IDP camps in the forests, according to the latest news. But the number of IDP camps is expected to be higher than that. Among the IDPs were children, the elderly and pregnant women.

A person who is helping the IDPs observed: “Demawso Township has a population of around 70,000. Demawso Township alone has around 40,000 IDPs. Among them are the elderly and children. They have to flee to safer places due to the bombings and shootings. People in Moebye and Phalkhone Townships have to flee. Around one-third of the population from the Karenni capital, Loikaw have fled.

The IDPs are in urgent need of basic foods, utensils and medicine. As the rainy season has set in, the IDPs are in need of tarpaulin sheets, waterproof sheets and fly-proof latrines, he added.

Since May 20th, the fighting between the Karenni People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) and the army has erupted. Due to the fighting, locals are taking shelter in nearby towns and forests.