By Kantarawaddy Times
After the State Administration Council (SAC) once again blocked all roads to Karenni State following heavy clashes with resistance groups in the capital town Loikaw, it is difficult to transport rice to displaced camps in the region from Shan State.
“Many internally displaced persons (IDP) camps have run out of rice and (other) food rations. SAC has blocked all transportation roads into Karenni State, and it’s really hard to find rice to buy,” a male volunteer IDP in western Demoso Township conveyed to Kantarawaddy Times.
The military regime isn’t allowing any food to be delivered to Karenni State through its military checkpoints in Pinlaung, Soung Pyaung, Hmawbi, Loilin in southern Shan State, as well as food to other areas of southern Shan. This has caused massive inflation in both states, and in some areas there’s no rice to be found.
“People have to eat corn instead of rice,” said a volunteer explaining how they’re not receiving any in the Nan Hpe area and the other village tracts of Bawlakhe Township. For some families all they get is one meal a day.
At the same time, the army has prevented rations from reaching the state; more people than ever before are displaced by fighting. Unfortunately, this also coincides with a reduction of donors.
Of the approximately 350,000 IDPs in Karenni and southern Shan states, the majority are staying in Demoso Township.
