By Kantarawaddy Times
The Interim Executive Council (IEC) of Karenni State has announced that it will take responsibility for assisting Karenni IDPs currently in Shan State who decide to return and resettle under the administration of IEC.This was confirmed by U Banya, the IEC’s Deputy Secretary (2), in an interview with Kantarawaddy Times.
Karenni IDPs in Shan State are facing increasing pressure from the Myanmar military junta to return to their places of origin by March.
“To be clear, we want our people to return to areas under our control. If they come back to live under our governance system, we will take full responsibility for them. However, it is important to note that we are unable to provide any support to those returning to areas controlled by the military junta,” U Bayan stated.
While the IEC cannot assist IDPs living under the military junta’s administration, it is committed to helping those who return to areas governed by the Karenni people’s governance system.
Reports indicate that IDPs in Shan State continue to face pressure to return, though this does not apply to every township. However, some towns have stopped accepting new IDPs altogether.
A representative from a Pa-O youth organization confirmed that Karenni IDPs, along with displaced person from other ethnic groups, are being denied entry into certain towns.
“The township facing the most pressure is Nyaung Shwe. There are also Karenni IDPs in Pinlaung and Hsihseng. Currently, rather than forcibly repatriating existing IDPs in Pinlaung and Nyaung Shwe, authorities have instead ceased accepting new arrivals. This policy applies not only to the Karenni people but to all displaced individuals in these areas, as new IDPs are no longer being accepted,” the representative stated.
Since 2024, particularly during active clashes between resistance forces and the military, authorities in some areas have stopped accepting new IDPs, citing security concerns rather than direct orders from the military junta.
A displaced woman from Loikaw currently taking refuge in Nyaung Shwe stated that although there have been no direct threats of violence, the pressure to return remains strong.
“It’s not like we are being threatened with violence, but we don’t really have a choice. They’re making it clear that they won’t allow IDPs to stay any longer,” she explained.
For those who return and resettle under the Karenni people’s governance system, the IEC has pledged to continue providing assistance, ensuring that displaced people can reintegrate into their communities and livelihoods.
As of now, ongoing conflict following the military coup has displaced an estimated 300,000 people in Karenni State. While some have managed to sustain themselves through nearby farming and agricultural activities, many still face significant challenges and urgent needs, according to organizations assisting displaced persons.
