Thousands of civilians who fled to Hsenwi to escape the fighting that erupted after the Three Brotherhoods launched a major offensive across northern Shan State desperately need basic emergency rations, including water.
“There have been no donors who have come to provide us with food rations,” said a woman who is sheltering at Kyaung Kham Buddhist monastery in the town. Some individuals risked their lives to return to villages amid the fighting, bringing back some rice to cook for everyone, but it wasn’t enough, she said.
Following the attacks by the Arakan Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and Ta’ang National Liberation Army on State Administration Council (SAC) camps on Friday, approximately 1,700 individuals sought shelter at the monastery, while 1,500 are residing at Kang Weng, Kyaung Hsai, Shwe Myin Tha monasteries, and at Htattaw pagoda.
“We are concerned about our security and obtaining food rations,” the source explained, citing the challenges of donors reaching them amid ongoing fighting in the town. Additionally, few dare to leave the monastery compounds, as some are in proximity to SAC camps.
The woman said they can’t even collect the bodies of civilians killed in Hsenwi for cremation.
Among the deceased are U Sam Htun, originally from Kyaung Kham in Mang Mai village-tract, killed by SAC shelling on October 28, and U Sai Phu from Kong Haw village-tract, killed by regime shelling the next day.
Compounding the situation, phone and internet services have been suspended in the town since October 26, with the exception of Mytel. However, the company is owned by the Burma army, and the service is sporadic at best.
