Forced relocation halts farm work in Kyikemayaw Township

June 5, 2024

HURFOM: Even though the rainy season has started, local farmers from Dhammasa, Ta Ra Nar, Kaw Swel, Than Ga Long and Kyune Yaw villages, Kyikemayaw Township, Mon State are unable to begin their farm work as most residents have fled their villages.

“Last year, farm work preparation started in May. But we’re displaced this year so we’ve done nothing and now it is June. Those who returned home just stayed at home. They dare not go to their farm. The junta has stationed themselves and surrounded the village,” said a resident from Ta Ra Nar village.

Locals reported to HURFOM that unexploded artillery shells were still in the villages when armed clashes took place. Also, the military junta had imposed a curfew banning villagers from going outside after 6 pm.

“The commodity price is skyrocketing. (If we can’t do farm work this year), we’ll have a huge hardship next year. The military continuously launches artillery attacks, even those who have returned to the village can’t stay at their home. They have to go back to the IDP camps,” said a displaced villager.

The military junta and the Kyikemayaw Township General Administration Department have urged local villagers to return home but the presence of military in the villages and ongoing assaults are preventing displaced persons from returning to their homes.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News