An increasing number of the 1,500 people who fled to the forest five months ago from three villages in Putao Township, Kachin State are suffering from health problems.
The villagers fled the villages of Tsumpiyang, Nsi Yang, and Wadat in May 2024. They have been living in the forest in makeshift shelters made of tarpaulin for the five months since then. As winter approaches their need for warm clothing, blankets, medicine and food is becoming more urgent.
A villager displaced from Tsumpiyang Village said: "The huts made with tarpaulin sheets aren't waterproof, so when it rains heavily, water leaks inside. On sunny days, the huts get unbearably hot. Being in the forest, there are also many mosquitoes. Lately, there has been a lot of illness. With winter coming, it's really tough because we don't have enough warm clothing and blankets. Coughing and fever have become common among the displaced.”
After a junta column entered Tsumpiyang Village and arrested and interrogated people, villagers fled from Tsumpiyang and the two neighbouring villages of Nsi Yang, and Wadat
Initially the displaced from the three villages sought shelter in forested areas near to their villages, but they were forced to relocate in July after torrential rains and floods. They are now living in makeshift shelters in the jungle near villages along the Putao to Sumprabum Road.
Local Christian organisations are providing as much support as they can to the displaced people. But, their efforts have been severely hindered by transport difficulties and communication network outages.
The aforementioned villager displaced from Tsumpiyang said: "Right now, the people who fled from Tsumpiyang, Nsi Yang, and Wadat villages have gathered and are taking refuge together in what’s now called the Phon Ngai Yang IDP group. Organisations like the Kachin Baptist Convention - Humanitarian and Development Department (KBC-HDD) and the Karuna Mission Social Solidarity (KMSS) are doing their best to assist them.”
Currently, junta troops are still stationed in Tsumpiyang Village and the military situation in nearby areas remains volatile, making it infeasible for the displaced villagers to return home.
The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) took control of Sumprabum Town in Sumprabum Township to the south of Putao Township on the Myitkyina to Putao road. Since then, tensions between the KIA and junta troops have been high around Putao Town and Tsumpiyang Village.
Tsumpiyang Village is about 77 km from Putao Town and 48 km from the KIA-controlled Sumprabum Town.
According to recent reports the junta might be planning an offensive to retake Sumprabum Town.
