Approximately 500 residents who have been displaced by war for the third time, from Hmainglone ward of Loikaw township in Karenni State, are currently in urgent need of assistance.
"The Junta troops will continue operations as usual. It causes locals to evacuate due to security concerns, resulting in the displacement of the entire Hmainglone ward”, a young aid worker told NMG.
In November, nearly all residents of Hmainglone were displaced during 'Operation 1111' after resistance forces launched an offensive against the Junta in Karenni State. Though the locals returned home at the end of May, they now face another displacement in June, marking their third displacement after a similar event in June 2022.
“Only a handful of people remained in the ward, as the Junta troops frequently intimidated residents, deploying troops and planting landmines around the area, while covert guards were also a common sight, leading to widespread insecurity and prompting another round of displacement”, a former resident from Hmainglone explained.
According to local sources, there is now a pressing need for livelihood support, including financial assistance, for those displaced by the conflict.
Aid workers have emphasized that the displaced population includes those rendered homeless by the clashes, along with vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant and nursing mothers, the disabled, and individuals with chronic illnesses, underscoring the urgent need for prompt assistance.
Currently, Junta troops are primarily positioned at Shwe Lat Wah Monastery in Hmainglone, Government Technological University (GTC), the West Market area, and Yadanan Thiri hill, where ongoing clashes with Karenni resistance forces are also reported.
In Loikaw, where tensions have subsided, but power lines have not been fully restored. However since the final week of May, residents have gradually returned and resettled in various areas, including Minsu, Nambawwan, 500-Acre, Industrial Zone, Shanpine, Dawnoeku, Chikei, Dawtama, Lawdhamma, Shwetaung, Market Sector, Mingalar, and Naungyar.
Despite ongoing de-mining efforts, military tensions still loom in certain downtown wards of Loikaw, coupled with the threat of shelling and airstrikes at any time. This has prompted resistance forces to issue strong warnings to residents that it is not yet safe to return
