Myanmar Spring Chronicle – May 14 Scenes
MoeMaKa, May 15, 2024
Deaths due to Weapons, Food Shortages of Displaced Persons, and the Sea of Troubles Faced by People Across the Country
When reading the daily news, one regularly sees reports on clashes among armed forces, the seizure of weapons and territories, victories, and withdrawals. Each day, there are also stories about civilians being arrested, the military council’s forces detaining and killing people, expanding conflict zones, towns and villages being burned, and exorbitant customs fees for transporting goods.
Additionally, incidents of people dying from heavy weapons strikes are happening throughout the country. The number of displaced persons is rapidly increasing, leading to severe food shortages and lack of access to medical care due to the destruction of clinics and hospitals. It is not an exaggeration to say that this is the most difficult time to survive.
Currently, it is hardly surprising that war refugees are facing food shortages, as these problems are widespread across Myanmar. Similarly, reports of people dying from heavy weapons that fall on village houses are almost daily. When conflict breaks out, people have to flee their homes, jobs, and livelihoods. Sometimes they have time to carry necessities; other times they must flee within hours with just the clothes on their backs.
In sudden military raids on villages, people often flee with only one piece of clothing. Their houses, utilities, rice, and food are often burned down. When battles occur in cities, residents may take some belongings, but food is typically scarce. Initially, people may think they will return home in a few days, but this often extends to months. It is common to hear about people being shot and killed while returning to their villages to feed their animals or retrieve food.
There have been numerous incidents where war refugees from Hsihseng Town were killed or seriously injured by bomb drops while temporarily returning to town for food. Unarmed civilians face the dire choice of either starving to death or risking their lives to retrieve food.
It is no longer surprising news that war refugees are facing food shortages in various regions. The ability to help them is becoming less and less evident. Although reported in the news, there are fewer organizations and individuals able to donate compared to normal conditions. Helping each other has become difficult as every town and village faces hardships. Additionally, amid battles, checkpoints, and blockades, there are risks of goods being confiscated and transporters being arrested, resulting in fewer cross-border aid deliveries.
It can be said that the public is currently facing immense suffering. Community-based aid is dwindling, and the government is exploiting the people to strengthen its power rather than providing assistance. The people of Myanmar are enduring the most challenging times. While the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus urges the Military Council to allow international humanitarian aid, no armed group is permitting it during the war. Cutting off food and communications is a tactic used in armed conflicts, exacerbating the difficulties in accessing food and humanitarian aid.
Currently, less than 50 percent of Myanmar’s areas are free from armed conflict. Even in these areas, people face lawlessness, rising crime, exorbitant war-related customs, and declining employment and income opportunities. The suffering in conflict zones is significantly worse, with people living under the constant threat of losing their lives or enduring extreme crises.
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