Burmese military invades Yebyu with a large force: Villagers worried

June 12, 2023

HURFOM: On June 4, 2023, a massive number of Burmese military troops invaded Yebyu Township, Tenasserim Division and established a base between Ah Lae Sakhan and Yar Phu villages. Villagers are worrying about the possibility of armed clashes.

On May 31, 2023, fighting took place between the Burmese military and the joint forces of the Karen National Liberation Army near Ah Lae Sakhan and Hlae Gate villages. Since that incident, the military has reinforced its troop presence.

“The military suffered a huge loss during the previous fight. That’s why they brought troops to be stationed from Ah Lae Sakhan to Ma Yan Chaung. The village Administrator has warned us not to go to the plantation and not to tap rubber. The villagers are afraid and dare not go anywhere. They’re also afraid that armed clashes will break out in their area,” said a local villager.

Most villagers rely on plantation work for their livelihood and the current situation is creating a huge hardship.

“Now we have to plant seeds, to harvest seasonal fruits and vegetables in the forest and to start our plantation and farm work during the rainy season. But the military is stationed in our plantation and no one dares to go there. We rely on our plantation for our income. Now we can’t go to work, so there is a problem for our livelihood,” said a villager.

Due to the armed clash that took place on May 31, 2023, villagers from Ma Rog Chai, Hlae Gate and Tel Chaung villages fled from their homes and have not been able to return.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News