By Kantarawaddy Times
Across the country, many homes have been destroyed due to various reasons, including arson and destruction by the military council during the ongoing conflict. In Karenni State, the number of destroyed homes continues to rise, and a local woman from Dee Maw Hso, speaking on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, expressed the need for compensation for those affected.
“Even if full compensation isn’t possible, at least half of the people’s needs should be met, whether by organizations or the government. This would provide them with the strength and resources to start anew,” she said.
In Loikaw and Dee Maw Hso townships, over 100 homes were destroyed between July and August 2024 due to heavy artillery and arson by the military council, according to records from the Karenni Nationalilities Defense Force (KNDF).
In July 2024, more than 60 homes were destroyed in a fire caused by the military council in Mainlone Quarter, Ywar Tan Shae Village, Loikaw Township. In August, three houses in Dee Maw Hso Township were destroyed by artillery explosions, and over 40 homes were burned down due to arson.
Currently, due to the ongoing insecurity in the area, it has not been possible to repair homes or provide compensation to affected residents, except for those staying in IDP camps, said U Banya, Deputy Secretary-2 of the Interim Executive Council (IEC).
“These homes must be properly restored during the transition and reconstruction period. If not, it is the responsibility of the upcoming government to ensure these homes are rebuilt,” U Banya stated.
A local woman from Dee Maw Hso also urged the military to stop destroying homes, noting that they are built through hard work and sacrifice.
“It’s not easy to build a home, but it’s easy for them to destroy it. For those affected, their home is a place of warmth and family attachment, and the military council is destroying that. Destroying someone’s home is a grave injustice. I hope they experience the same suffering,” she said.
According to a report from Data for Myanmar on September 10, over 101,463 civilian homes across the country have been destroyed by arson and other forms of destruction by the military council.
