A civilian home destroyed by clashes in Hsihseng Township, Shan State (PNLA News and Information Department)
Mizzima
Six internally displaced people (IDPs) were injured and at least a further six were injured by junta artillery fire, in Hsihseng Town in southern Shan State on 19 February.
The IDPs were originally from Hsihseng Town but were sheltering at IDP camps outside the town. They were hit by junta artillery fire as they were travelling back to Hsihseng Town in three cars to collect some of their belongings at about 6:00 a.m. on 19 February, according to the Pa’O Youth Organisation (PYO).
“Around 6 o’clock in the morning, the Military Council started firing artillery and shells landed on the IDP cars near Wartaw Village in Hsihseng Town. The village houses were completely demolished, and the cars incurred damage”, said a PYO official.
A person assisting the IDPs explained: “They returned briefly to retrieve some belongings which they intended to sell later to pay for daily necessities. Some were collecting paddy to sell, while others were getting rice to eat.”
Though there is currently no fighting in Hsihseng Town the junta is still firing artillery into the town which is burning down and damaging houses, according to locals.
This has caused many to flee from Hsihseng Town to the forest and IDP camps in Hsihseng Township where they are grappling with food shortages.
“Many grassroots people from Hsihseng are experiencing food scarcity. They are currently jobless due to the ongoing battles, and because they fled the conflict, they find themselves starving. Some are forced to subsist on porridge, while others have resorted to recooking dry rice”, said the person assisting the IDPs.
Some of the displaced have also sought shelter in other towns and townships.
According to a 14 February statement by the PYO, 70,000 residents have fled fighting in six wards, 65 villages, and 13 village-tracts in Hsihseng Township.
