Kantarawaddy Times
Karenni–Shan Border – Local villagers on the eastern shore of Pekhon Lake remain unable to flee despite ongoing military clashes, as many are reluctant to abandon their farmlands, according to humanitarian aid workers on the ground.
“This is farming season, so many villagers are choosing to stay as long as they possibly can, trying to continue their agricultural work,” said one rescue volunteer.
While some villages near junta-controlled areas have been abandoned, others that remain relatively stable still have residents staying behind—often at great personal risk.
“Some groups who fear the conflict have evacuated. But it’s not a full-scale evacuation — not every village on the eastern shore has fled,” explained another male volunteer working in displacement assistance.
Local sources say most who remain are determined to preserve their crops during this critical agricultural period.
Military offensives by the Myanmar junta in the Pekhon region have repeatedly forced civilians to flee. Aid workers report facing serious challenges when evacuating people from active conflict zones.
“Evacuating people comes with many challenges. In urgent situations, especially when rescuing large groups, we have to make tough decisions — where they should flee, where to shelter them. And once the situation calms down, many want to return home again. It’s an ongoing cycle,” said one male rescue volunteer.
Since June 9, joint military operations by junta forces and the Pa-O National Organization (PNO) have displaced thousands from villages along the eastern side of Pekhon Lake. Further offensives on June 24 triggered additional waves of displacement.
Most recently, on June 30, over 200 students were evacuated by the IEC Emergency Response Team.
Currently, as the military regains control of nearby Mobye town, residents still living in the eastern shore villages of Pekhon are growing increasingly fearful for their safety.
