Kantarawaddy Times
Due to a high number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) settling in some towns of southern Shan State, the rental prices have increased more than before, leading to difficulties for Karenni IDPs.
“Recently, IDPs from the Lashio have also arrived, and now it’s becoming a situation where those who can pay will secure a place. Here, the lease for renting the house is at least 6 months to a year so it is difficult to manage,” said an IDP from Loikaw who is staying in Taunggyi.
Meanwhile, the rising prices of basic food items have also left the IDPs struggling to afford their daily needs.
Due to the consequences of the 1027 Operation in the northern Shan State, IDPs from those regions are seeking a place in Taunggyi and some other cities in the southern region.
After the start of the 1111 Operation, Karenni IDPs have been taking shelter in monasteries in Nyaungshwe, Inle, Ayethayar, and Taunggyi in southern Shan State.
“Now there’s no home to return to. The monastery we stayed in before is no longer accepting us. Even though we’ve paid six months’ rent, with all the other costs rising, I get depressed,” said another IDP from Loikaw.
In Shan State, some landlords have increased the rent from 200,000 kyats per month to 300,000 kyats. The IDPs from Loikaw mentioned that they must sign at least a six-month lease.
IDPs staying in monasteries receive some aid, but those renting homes do not, according to a female IDP from Loikaw who is staying in Ayetharyar.
“We haven’t even received a single bag of rice since we started fleeing. We’ve registered our names, but we don’t know why we haven’t received anything yet,” she said.
It is said that rental prices vary from place to place. IDPs from Loikaw in Shan State townships are making ends meet by selling goods at markets, selling traditional foods, and working as day laborers.
Although there are ongoing battles in Loikaw, Karenni State, some Loikaw IDPs in Shan State have returned home due to the rising rent and living costs.
