Half of displaced persons from Taung Zoon villages unable to return home

August 14, 2024

HURFOM: On April 7th, 2024, a month-long armed clash between the military junta and the resistance forces in Taung Zoon village, Kyarinnseikyi Township, Karen State left 3,000 residents homeless due to the artillery attacks and the air assaults by the junta.

Although there have been no more armed clashes, half of the displaced villagers have not returned, fearing that the junta has planted landmines and may attack again.

“Just half of the population returned home. Some are afraid of the military junta and there are landmines planted around the monastery where the junta’s troops previously stationed themselves. So the villagers around the area dare not return home,” said a Taung Zoon resident.

Villagers who recently returned home are experiencing livelihood and rehabilitation hardships.

“Four houses were burnt down and destroyed by the air assault. The biggest challenge for those who returned home is livelihood hardship. We can’t even repair our damaged house,” said one displaced woman who recently returned home.

Those who have not returned have taken shelter in Htee Maw Kell village, and some are living in temporary huts in nearby mountains and forests.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News