Internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Karenni State who sought refuge in Nyaungshwe Township, Shan State, are being pressured to return home despite persistent safety concerns and an uncertain future.

Since the launch of the “11.11” operation on November 11, 2023, more than 8,000 IDPs have arrived in Nyaungshwe. In February, the military council convened with the township administrator and aid groups to mandate their repatriation, setting a timeline for departures to IDPs who had taken shelter in monasteries are now being asked to vacate. Many cannot afford to rent housing, leaving them with no choice but to return home despite the risks.

“Those staying in monasteries have been told to leave. But with fighting still ongoing, returning home is terrifying. Many of us don’t even have the money to rent a place,” a female IDP still in Nyaungshwe told SHAN.

While some have reluctantly left, others remain stranded in makeshift camps, unable to afford transportation or fearful of the volatile conditions in their hometowns.

“No matter how much pressure they put on us, some simply can’t leave. Some are searching for rentals, but most have nowhere to go. People from Demoso, for instance, have no homes left,” she added.

For those who have returned to Loikaw, the situation remains grim. The military council has imposed restrictions, barring IDPs from staying in certain areas, including city entrances and some neighborhoods. Many have been forced to take refuge in monasteries, struggling to rebuild their lives with little to no resources.

“Some areas are completely off-limits, maybe due to landmines or past clashes. Many of us are still living in tents at the monastery. Everything we owned has been stolen, and we have to start from scratch,” a woman who recently returned to Loikaw shared.

Meanwhile, IDPs who remain in Nyaungshwe continue to face mounting challenges. With little to no outside support, they are left to fend for themselves, grappling with the uncertainty of what comes next.

As the military council tightens its grip on displaced communities, the future remains uncertain for thousands caught between war, displacement, and forced returns.