Kachin Red Cross Association to provide aid to IDPs

“We will focus on sending aid to the people in Kan Hsee village. We have learned that there are 1,459 people there. We will administer aid on a family basis. We don’t know the exact number of households. The aid includes household utensils and used items for women. The Relief and Resettlement Group and the Kachin State Government provided dry-noodles and 50 bags of rice. If in needed, the aid will be sent there. We will also be collecting the lists of victims. Road conditions may be difficult. The state government urged the army to open the sections of the road that are blocked,” said Ganic.

On January 15, clashes between the Myanmar Army and Kachin armed groups took place in the surroundings of Kan Hsee village in Hpakant region, Kachin State. About 2,000 locals from three villages sought shelter at the pagoda compound and local monasteries. When the skirmishes ended about 10 days later, the army restricted the movement of villagers. Locals were only allowed to go outside their shelters individually, according to the locals.

“The Kan Hsee road has not opened yet. The government troops sent aid to those who are trapped in conflict areas. They troops also allowed the [villagers] to move about individually or in groups of two people after security checks. We have learned that the issue about the IDPs was discussed at the Kachin State government office on January 26. At night, the security is tightened up in downtown Hpakant. Most of the businesses can’t do their work,” said township elder La Hsai from Hpakant.

After three policemen were arrested by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), skirmishes broke out between KIA and army.

Due to the clashes, sections of the road to Hpakant Township were closed for about one week, leaving hundreds of villagers trapped. The KIA informed local companies to shut down the jade industry. At present, some jade companies have resumed their work.