In last month – May, there was a small conflict occurred between Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) and Tamattaw at northern village-tract, Shardaw Township. Regarding to the conflict, we would like to share the voices of some residents, who live in northern village-tract.
U Htay Reh – Daw Klaw Leh Village (Shardaw Township, northern village-tract)
If it happens again like this, it would not be OK for us to work in the field. Even if we go for work in field, we worry for our house. It is better for us if no more conflict takes place. There is no conflict occur in our village though. However, it often occurred near our village. If it happens, we also worry about it and we stay with consciousness. Especially women are more frightened than man and afraid to go to the field too.
Daw Mi Meh – Tanaw Klu Village (Shardaw Township, northern village-tract)
I feel tired. I don’t want any war again. I can’t flee anymore. I am getting old now. I have hidden in the jungle too. I don’t want to flee and hide anymore. Now the situation is a bit better as no more fight occurred. Please don’t fight again.
U Say Reh – Thiridar Village (Shardaw Township, northern village-tract)
We are getting worried by thinking about it. Now we have home and field after the return. We also work on it. So, we are getting worried and afraid by thinking about the fighting whether it would lead to war or how would it become. Every one of us are worrying by thinking how to do if it happens again as before.
U Muu Reh – Daw Tanaw Village (Shardaw Township, northern village-tract)
There is a Border Guard Force near our village. It is always in our mind and afraid when the fighting will take place again if they will base their camp here and don’t move back. They (BGF) also frequently scold our Village-chief. If they can’t manage or discuss among them, they come and scold to the village elders or villagers. They always do like this.
U Taw Reh – Daw Mu Leh Village (Shardaw Township, northern village-tract)
We got frightened when we heard about the fighting. Although it (the fighting) is a bit far from our village, what come into our mind is to flee. No one can endure anymore if it happens again like before. We have to think ahead to flee.
Daw Kee Mo – Tanaw Klu Village (Shardaw Township, northern village-tract)
I am a woman and also a widow. I always think about “how should I do if they fight again? How about my children? What should I feed them?” I am very tired and miserable. I always think and concern whether I would escape from the fight or not.
U Char Reh – Tanaw Klu Village (Shardaw Township, northern village-tract)
It is about the fight took place near Daw Leh Ku Village. We were afraid when we heard about it. It is far from us. But we got frightened even by hearing it. It is always in my concern the fight would lead worse than before. I feel a bit conformable and relaxed after hearing that the fight has stopped.