Displaced villagers fearful of returning due to ongoing military presence

May 19, 2025

HURFOM: On April 28^th, 2025, an armed clash broke out in Min Thar and Nat Kyi Sin village tracts, Yebyu Township, Tenasserim Division. The fighting resulted in the death of an adult man and injured a child. Six houses were also destroyed and burnt down.

More than 1,000 residents from eight nearby villages fled from their homes as result of the fighting.

Although there are no longer any active armed clashes near the villages, displaced villagers are still unable to return home due to the military presence in their village.

“The regiment has stationed itself in the village, and residents are worried about the potential for armed clashes. There are lots of villagers in the displaced camp, so we have had a problem with accommodation. We don’t know when we can return home. But some villagers have returned home,” said a displaced villager.

Most of those displaced have taken shelter in Pauk Pin Kwin village, in the mountains and at relatives’ houses.

The military junta imposed movement restrictions in Yar Phu village, Yebyu Township and planted landmines near rubber plantations. They have also banned the villagers from going to their rubber plantations.

“We’ve been away from the village for nearly 20 days, but we still dare not go back to the village. I think all of our betel nuts in the plantations were stolen,” said a displaced villager from Nat Kyi Sin village.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News