Mizzima
Myanmar junta army raids in Salingyi Township, Sagaing Region had caused over 10,000 residents to flee their homes in fear by 17 January.
Groups of about 100 junta soldiers are going from village to village in Salingyi Township carrying out raids, according to a resident of Salingyi Township.
An internally displaced woman said: ”The Junta column is conducting raids from village to village in the eastern part of Salingyi. The residents of these villages are forced to flee.”
She went on to explain how this had badly impacted the lives of many villagers, including those who work as labourers. She said: “The daily wage for general laborers was only 3000-4000 MMK, and now, as villagers have to leave their villages, they are having to spend around 40,000 – 50,000 MMK on transportation, leaving them cash-strapped and in difficulties.”
A junta raid on Sarhtone Village in Salingyi Township at about 7:00 a.m. on 17 January also led to a two-hour clash with defence forces that led to the deaths of eight junta soldiers and injuries to a further four.
The villagers have fled from the villages of: Sarhtone, Latpankyun, Tawkyaung, Htanpu, Htanzin, Shwekone, Natsat, Natkyun, Hpaungkatar, and Ayekone.
