It is reported that the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) and a Shan youth association have joined hands collecting funds and other utilities to support the refugees, who have fled and taken shelters in the temples in Tangyan, Shan State, due to the recent clashes between Shan rebels and Burma army, according to the local news sources from northern Shan State.
Over 1,000 Shan and Ta’ang refugees from 16 villages of Loi Zay tract in Tangyan Township, who have initially taken shelters at various Buddhist monasteries in Tangyan, now have been localed at Aung Mangala (Mingala in Burmese, but Mangala in Pali) monastery according to local news sources from Tangyan.
SHAN has reported about at the end of March, Burma Army Infantry Battalions (IB) 33 and 291 and Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 322 attacked SSPP/SSA bases at Loi Zay, and “knowingly” shelling into farmlands and villages. People in the areas were fleeing for safety to stay in temples and religious places in the town of Tangyan.
Refugees include Ta’ang (Palaung), Chinese and Shan. The Chinese refugees go to stay with their relatives in Panya Young, in The new town. The majority of Shan and Palaung meanwhile are camped at Aung Mangala monastery which is comfortable for them as they are provided with water, light and accommodations, said Sai Kham Hseng, a refugee helper from Kehsi.
“It is of course problematic for Ta’ang as they brought no extra clothing with them. For the male, they wear whatever is given to them; but for the female, they prefer only Ta’ang traditional clothing. Most of them have left the temple to live with their relatives in villages where no fighting takes place”, said a local from Tangyan.
Until yesterday (9 March), there was no humanitarian organizations coming for aid, except ICRC among the NGOs. But there are groups of donors coming from Mongyai, Lashio, Kehsi, said Sai Khur, a young man from Tangyan.
“People from Kesi, Mongyai and Lashio brought some basic needs utilities such as money, blankets, plates and cooking facilities to distribute the refugees. There are also a 20-strong group of young people and SNLD from Lashio are collecting donations and basic utilities. The aid includes cash 4.5 million Kyat ($ 5,260), foods, blankets and kitchen utensils. The group did not stay overnight in Tangyan,” said Sai Khur.
“For the refugees to return home, it is only possible if Burma army and SSPP/SSA come together at the negotiation table and strictly observe the terms of truce. Most people fear the Burma Army. If there are landmines, they will be the first victims. There are also rape cases, therefore people dare not return home. Both sides should bear the responsibilities, but the government should take a bigger share of responsibility. Burma Army intentionally and systematically use this kind of war-weapons to control the areas,” said a member of Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP) in Tangyan.
It is reported that there has been shortage of food, basic needs, utilities and supplies, as only a handful of local people from the town give them food and not yet seen from others, said local sources.
In order that the donation and basic needs to reach these refugees, before the arrival of the Water festival (Buddhist New Year celebration), SNLD and a Shan Youth Association have joined hands collecting the donations and supplies from the people in Lashio, said local news sources.
If any individual or organizations would like to make donation, basic utilities or some other help, please contact the under mentioned numbers in Burma (country code, 95):
Sai Hseng Mong, mobile: 09 526 2936, email: [email protected]
Sai Sarng Mon, mobile: 09 445 108667
