More than 5,000 Shan households fleeing fighting between the army and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Moemauk Township of Kachin State, are in need of aid according to locals.

“They are not getting any aid. The INGOs and the CSOs are collecting the information about them. But I don’t see the delivery of any assistance to them. Only small philanthropic organizations are making donations” a local said.

Anyone who wants to give aid to the IDPs needs to first inform the relevant administration council, according to these aid organizations.

Since April 12, Shan ethnic people from the conflict-hit villages have fled to the villages along Tarpein River and Moemauk and Bhamo Townships.

Shan organizations and political parties in Bhamo Township have formed a committee to help the IDPs. An enumerator said: “According to the list collected last four or five days, the number of fleeing

households is over 5,000. Among IDPs are the sick, mothers, people living with disabilities and the elderly.

The San-Ni party and the Shan-Ni Literature and Culture Organization are providing assistance to Shan IDPs taking shelter at monasteries and a theatre. Some small philanthropic organizations are also extending a helping hand to them.

The fighting between the KIA and the army has intensified in Kachin State after the military coup, uprooting both Shan and Kachin people.