Due to the threats and artillery attacks by the junta forces in the southern Myanmar regions, such as Mon, Karen, and Tanintharyi, led to a significant increase in the number of displaced persons (IDPs) in September, according to the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HUFORM).
The report by HURFORM reveals that while there were over 32,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mon, Karen, and Tanintharyi regions in August, the figure rose to 52,380 in September, with nearly 20,000 IDPs increased within a month.
It is reported that, during the census taking, the junta military forces, which are expanding their influence in the region, have increasingly used heavy artillery to recklessly target residential villages.
As the junta military has been daily attacking these villages with heavy artillery during the ongoing census taking, the number of war refugees has been increasing in 26 villages within KNU Brigade 6 territory, places where the majority of the residents are Mon people, according to Nai Awe Mon.
“The military council has been increasing their forces to maintain control over the territory. It’s an expansion of military operations to claim dominance in the region. Security measures have intensified, using the election as an excuse. Along with the increase in military forces, there has also been more reckless shelling with heavy artillery. They deliberately target areas even when there is no conflict. It’s not just ground troops; naval forces and airstrikes are also involved. This reckless shelling happens daily, leaving people in constant fear. As a result, the number of IDPs is growing as people are forced to flee their homes on a weekly and monthly basis,” said Nai Awe Mon, a Program Director of the Mon Human Rights Foundation.
Moreover, during the population census, the junta troops have been continuously shelling villages like Kawkareik, Min Ywa, and Dhammatha along the Gyaing River basin and banning locals from leaving areas of residence.
Under the guise of suppressing resistance forces, the junta has been using heavy artillery and airstrikes to intimidate the civilian population, with the attacks becoming more frequent at night, according to a local man from Kawkareik.
“The sound of their artillery is much louder than before. I don’t know if it’s because they’re using longer-range weapons, but they start firing every day around 7 PM and continue until midnight,” he said.
Meanwhile, IDP aid groups are doing what they can; however, long-term food and medicine shortages are leading to a crisis, as resources are running out.
HUFORM also reported that junta troops are occupying houses, looting personal belongings, and acting with impunity in the region, preventing civilians from returning to their homes and forcing them to continue fleeing.
