Livelihoods under threat due to on-going armed conflict

February 23, 2024

HURFOM: In early 2024, the joint revolutionary forces active in Southern Ye Township, Mon State announced they would increase their revolutionary momentum by attacking the junta’s military bases, police stations and check-points. Soon after the announcement, numerous armed clashes took place.

“The revolutionary forces do as they said. There will be more armed clashes in Ye Township. The revolutionary forces have warned people,” said a resident from Ye Township.

On January 20th, the joint revolutionary forces attacked the junta’s “Suspended Bridge” check-point nearby Maw Ka Nin village, and on January 31st, the police stations in Ah Nin and Htin Shu villages, Thanbyuzayat Township were both attacked at the same time.

Light Infantry Battalions #106, #583, #591, #588, #343 and the Artillery Regiment #317, all based in Ye Township, responded with indiscriminate artillery attacks.

“My plantation is near the 588th LIB and we have experienced frequent artillery explosions. It’s really dangerous. We’re afraid of going to the plantation,” said a Maw Ka Nin resident.

The revolutionary forces urged the people to stay at least 300 feet away from junta’s military bases, police stations and check-points and to find safe shelter.

“The revolutionary forces urged those who are close to the military bases to move out. Most of the villagers close to the 106th LIB have already moved. Shops have been closed. Children have to stop their schooling and adults have to stop their work. It isn’t okay,” said a Maw Ka Nin resident.

The junta’s military bases routinely launch indiscriminate artillery attacks on villages and nearby areas, and they imposed a strict curfew creating livelihood and workplace problems for plantation workers.

“The workers who sleep at the plantation start “rubber tapping” at 11 pm or 12 am. The soldiers shoot their weapons at any lights they see. They haven’t allowed us to tap rubber plants at night. We’re allowed to do “rubber tapping” only after 6 am. There is less latex produced in the morning and the workers are tired in the morning. If we can’t work during the harvest season, we’ll lose lots of our income,” said a rubber plantation owner from Ye Township.

Although there are no active armed clashes, the junta’s military bases continue to launch indiscriminate artillery attacks. There are also military aircrafts that conduct fly over patrols in the villages, creating fear and worry.

“My workers said they’re afraid and dare not to stay at the plantation. I don’t know how to console them. I also saw artillery explosions with my naked eyes. They’re insecure,” said a rubber plantation owner.

Artillery attacks and air assaults have caused casualties to innocent villagers and damaged their houses. Thousands of residents have been forced to flee their home.

Three villagers were injured and five houses were damaged by the junta’s air assaults on January 31^st, 2024. On-going military tensions prevent displaced persons from returning home.

“We dare not to return home. There have been lots of soldiers in our village. We’re afraid of potential armed clashes. We worry about our home but it’s more important to make our lives safe,” said an Ah Nin villager.

People in Ye Township, Mon State earn their livelihood from farms and plantations. Frequent armed clashes and indiscriminate artillery and air assaults are making it impossible to maintain a livelihood. Villagers feel insecure and unsafe.

“There was an artillery explosion on my plantation. I didn’t go to the plantation that day so I was lucky. There are unexploded artillery shells in nearby plantations. The plantation owners also fear for their lives,” said a rubber plantation owner from Ye Township.

Ye Township is under martial law and since early 2024, there have been frequent and constant armed clashes and artillery and air assaults creating numerous casualties, property destruction and forced relocations.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News