File Photo
Mizzima
Despite the Myanmar Military Council’s efforts to encourage displaced people in Kawkareik Township, Karen State, and Kyaikmaraw Township, Mon State, to return to their original locations, the majority of residents have yet to do so.
Escalated fighting has occurred in Kawkareik Township since 1 December, 2023, and in Kawtbein Village near the Gyaing River since 23 March, where the military regime has conducted airstrikes, deployed heavy artillery, and employed naval forces, leading residents to seek refuge in safer areas for an extended period.
After the conflict had ceased by the last week of April in both townships, the Military Council began urging residents to come back to their homes.
Karen State Chief Minister Saw Myint Oo, appointed by the junta, visited Kawkareik Town on 28 April, engaging with residents who stayed behind to safeguard their houses and encouraging them to facilitate the return of family members who had fled the region, as reported by the residents.
“Residents of Kawkareik Town gathered at Dawna Community Hall on 28 April morning, following a summons by local administrators. During the event, the Chief Minister addressed the attendees, urging us to contact family members who had fled the ongoing conflicts. He also pledged financial assistance of 200,000 Kyats per household for resettlement. However, despite these assurances, residents reported not receiving the promised funds. Nevertheless, many are anticipating returning home. Approximately 200 individuals have expressed their intention to return, hopeful of receiving aid,” said a resident of Kawkareik.
Presently, only about one-third of Kawkareik’s population remains within the town limits.
Similarly, the military authorities are actively encouraging residents of Kawtbein Village in Kawkareik Township, Karen State, as well as in Tarana, Thankalaung, Dhmmatha, Kawtpauk, Kawtthet, and Kawt Palaing villages in Kyaikmaraw Township, Mon State, along with settlements. However, according to local sources, most of the residents are not interested.
Residents of Dhmmatha village in Mon State expressed apprehension about cohabitating with military personnel stationed in their area, leading to widespread evacuation and abandonment of the village. While some neighbouring villages like Kawtthet and Kawtpauk have caretakers, not all residents have returned to these locations.
According to internally displaced people (IDPs) who fled Kawkareik, houses in Kawtbein Village, Kawkareik Township, Karen State, as well as in Tarana, Thankalaung, Dhmmatha, Kawtpauk, Kawtthet, and Kawt Palaing villages in Kyaikmaraw Township, Mon State, have been vandalized, with reported instances of theft.
