{"id":67395,"date":"2013-06-22T18:16:53","date_gmt":"2013-06-22T18:16:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.freeburmarangers.org\/?p=58990"},"modified":"2013-06-22T18:16:53","modified_gmt":"2013-06-22T18:16:53","slug":"not-free-or-safe-talks-bring-reduced-fighting-and-more-aid-but-thousands-remain-displaced","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.freeburmarangers.org\/my\/2013\/06\/22\/not-free-or-safe-talks-bring-reduced-fighting-and-more-aid-but-thousands-remain-displaced\/","title":{"rendered":"NOT FREE OR SAFE: Talks Bring Reduced Fighting and More Aid, but Thousands Remain Displaced"},"content":{"rendered":"

NOT FREE OR SAFE: Talks Bring Reduced Fighting and More Aid, but Thousands Remain Displaced<\/strong><\/h1>\n
18 June 2013<\/address>\n
Kachin State, Burma<\/address>\n

Thousands of villagers in Kachin State and northern Shan State have been displaced from their homes for nearly two years by Burma Army advances and see little hope of an imminent return. This is in spite of ongoing talks between the Burma Army and Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) to resolve the conflict which has continued for over two years since 9 June 2011.\u00a0 While fighting in Kachin State is greatly reduced, clashes continue in northern Shan State as the Burma Army advances against Shan, Ta\u2019ang and Kachin positions there.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Free Burma Ranger teams recently visited five Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps in the KIA’s 3rd Brigade area, providing medical care and Good Life Club children’s programs in each camp. \u00a0All together in these 5 camps live about 5,155 people, a fraction of the over 100,000 who have been displaced since 2011 in northern Shan and Kachin States.\u00a0During this mission, the Government of Burma and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) held talks and released a statement on 30 May 2013, in which they “agree to undertake efforts to achieve de-escalation and cessation of hostilities” but did not agree to a formal ceasefire.\u00a0 IDPs staying in the camps said they wanted to return but could not do so while the Burma Army was still in and near their home villages.\u00a0 According to a leader at one IDP camp, “If we have safety and freedom in our land we can go back, but now we are not free or safe.”\u00a0 The Government\/KIO statement mentioned agreement “to continue discussions” on repositioning troops but made no concrete plan.<\/p>\n

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A Burma Army soldier looks out from Sakan Gyi Camp, located 6km from the nearest IDP site<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The IDPs’ home villages feel like ghost towns; they are full of dilapidated homes and farms after two years of abandonment.\u00a0 A few people have chosen to return to their villages despite the risks.\u00a0 In Ma Gi Gun Village, eight of 48 families had returned after initially fleeing in December 2011 when the village was attacked by Burma Army Light Infantry Division (LID) 99.\u00a0 Ji Tawng, age 33, returned in May 2012 and since then has had to run from the village four or five times whenever Burma Army patrols came close.\u00a0 She said that living in the abandoned village is difficult and she does not feel safe, but prefers living in her home to living in the IDP camp.<\/p>\n

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Ji Tawng stands outside her home and points to bullet holes from Burma Army attacks in December 2011<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are few reports of fighting in Kachin State since the Government\/KIO talks.\u00a0 On\u00a014 and 16 June 2013 in Northern Shan State, fighting took place between KIA soldiers and Burma Army troops from IB 242 and Burma Army proxy forces. The fighting occurred between Loilawm and Yinglar Villages in the KIA 4th<\/sup>Brigade area of control in Northern Shan State, which is adjacent to Kachin State.\u00a0In the KIA 3rd<\/sup> Brigade area near La Kat Ko Village, on 5 June 2013, a KIA landmine exploded when a Burma Army unit moved in close proximity to a KIA position.\u00a0 On 8 June 2013 beginning at 10:10pm until 2:00am on 9 June, near Nam Hu in northern Shan State, there was a clash between a KIA local militia unit and Burma Army Infantry Battalion (IB) 128 that started when the KIA detonated a mine in response to Burma Army movement.\u00a0 On 10 June, IB 128 advanced on the militia\u2019s position at Hpai Kawng, and the groups fought from 2:30pm to 3:20pm.\u00a0 Two Burma Army soldiers were killed.\u00a0 At 3:30pm, the Burma Army fired 60mm mortars from Kawng Sahte on the KIA position.\u00a0 Also in northern Shan State in June, there was one clash between the Burma Army and the Ta\u2019ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) near Man Loi Village in Namsam Township, and another clash between the Burma Army and TNLA on 14 June near Long Gam Village in Kutkai Township.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow in our time of need you have come again\u201d; 98-year-old Kachin man to an FBR team leader.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

At one IDP site 894 men, women and children were gathered to join us in a Good Life Club and medical program. Our Kachin, Karen and Karenni Rangers sang, gave medical and dental care, performed educational programs and played with the children.<\/p>\n

As we were greeting the IDPs at the beginning of the program, a bent-over old man walked in, leaning shakily on a stick.\u00a0He was beaming and said, \u201cThanks so much for coming, I am so happy, I am so happy you Americans came again. You helped us when we needed it in World War II and helped us be free of the Japanese oppression. Now in our time of need you have come again.\u201d As he shook our hands and thanked each of us I asked him how old he was. \u201cI am 98 years old and thankful to be able to be here,\u201d he answered.<\/p>\n

Halfway through the program he grew tired, motioned me over and said, \u201cI am too old, I love this but need to rest, and please excuse me”. He got up shakily but could only manage a few feet leaning on his stick before he was out of breath and strength and dropping to the ground, began to crawl. I went to him and lifted him up. I held him up and helped him get to his plywood, bamboo and tin shelter about one hundred years away. Upon arriving at his shelter he lay down, panting in front of the opening. After a short time, he sat up and smiled and told me, \u201cThank you so much.\u201d<\/p>\n

I was touched and also felt sadness and concern – sadness that we could not help him very much, and concern that some people were now considering sending military advisers to the Burma Army, the very army that had displaced him. He helped the US during World War II, loves Americans and trusts us.<\/p>\n

It is good that the US and international community are involved with Burma, and there should also be an equal and just involvement with the ethnic groups at every level. If the international community is going to engage with the Burma Army, the 98-year-old Kachin man and his people need us to engage with them as well.<\/p>\n

I prayed with him and then he prayed for me, a long, powerful prayer. As he prayed I felt I was in the presence of God and one of His special people. I saw that though his body was frail and wasting away, his spirit was strong and rose out of him. A great soul was here and he shone brightly. His humility, faith and joy lifted me up as I walked back to the program. I thanked God for the privilege of knowing this man and seeing the power of his soul.<\/p>\n

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98-year-old Kachin man who helped America in World War II<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the same time in a different part of the camp, a group of young Kachin spoke of the same issues with two of the Rangers. \u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While exploring the area, we met several young Kachin volunteers who were working in the camp.\u00a0 They had come from government-controlled cities and had taken risks by crossing the battle lines to help the IDPs.\u00a0 There was a 31-year-old civil engineer from Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, who took a leave from his job to build a school and a water system for the camp.\u00a0 There was a 24-year-old woman from Bhamo, who was volunteering with a charity building toilets and delivering aid.\u00a0 There were other volunteers: a teacher, a medic, a relief administrator; all in their twenties and early thirties.\u00a0 I was impressed with all of them: all smart, educated, idealistic and taking risks to do something good for people in need.<\/p>\n

We explained to them that the U.S. Government is considering extending certain types of training to the Burma Army\u00a0and we asked them what they wanted to say to members of Congress about it.\u00a0 They said the US is welcome to get involved in\u00a0Burma, but if\u00a0they will only get involved with the Burma Army that will encourage the military to increase its oppression. The Burma Army will use US involvement to its own advantage.\u00a0 If the US wanted to engage not only with the Burma Army, but also with the ethnic resistance groups, then it could be a good thing.<\/p>\n

They said that even in the government-controlled cities in Kachin State, most people support the KIO and KIA because they want there to be an organization and an army that stands up for them against the government.\u00a0 They said that there is, of course, a diversity of opinions and some people see the KIO as a negative influence, but most see it as their representatives standing against the oppression of the government.<\/p>\n

One of the volunteers said, as a final comment, that what she really dislikes is that there are governments in the world that love their people and work to help them, but the Burmese government only takes away from the people to help themselves.<\/p>\n

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Thousands of Kachin people greet the KIO delegation as it arrives in Myitkyina for talks with the Government of Burma (Photo – KIO)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

IDP Camp Information<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Below is a compilation of information on each IDP camp that was visited, based on interviews from camp leaders and IDPs.<\/p>\n

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Hka Hkye IDP site<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hka Hkye<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Population: 341 people from 86 families, from six villages<\/p>\n

People began arriving: Mid-2012.\u00a0 People from Hka Hkye Village fled on 16 November 2011 after repeated Burma Army harassment.\u00a0 According to one villager, \u201cIf we are in Hka Hkye [Village], they must come and oppress us.\u00a0 This is why we decided to leave for a safe place after harvest on 16 November 2011.\u00a0 We hid around the small river and overheard gun shooting.\u00a0 Most of the bullets were firing close to us.\u201d\u00a0 On 24 November 2011, villagers fled across the border to China but the Chinese authorities forced them back, so the IDPs set up this IDP camp in cooperation with the KIO.<\/p>\n

Support: Karuna Myanmar Social Services (Karuna) and Wunpawng Ninghtoi (WPN) provide support for the camp.<\/p>\n

Health: Karuna provides basic medical assistance in the camp.\u00a0 Many people suffer from diarrhea.\u00a0 Seriously injured people are sent to Loije for care.<\/p>\n

Education: School for K-5 is provided.\u00a0 Older children must go to Mai Ja Yang for further education.\u00a0 WPN is responsible for the school.<\/p>\n

Prospects for returning home: Hka Hkye IDP Camp is right next to the Chinese border and only a few kilometers from Hka Hkye Village, but is far enough away from the Burma Army that they are not bothered there.\u00a0 Villagers feel they cannot return home while the Burma Army is still there.<\/p>\n

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Mules move relief supplies to help IDPs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nam Lim Pa<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Population: The camp has 894 people from 11 villages in the hills surrounding Nam Lim Pa.<\/p>\n

People began arriving: 22 January 2013, but people have been displaced since 9 July 2011.\u00a0 Fighting started 9 July 2011 in this area and villagers ran then.\u00a0 In some of the villages there was fighting, in others the fighting was close to the village.\u00a0 First the IDPs hid in the jungle, and through 2011 and 2012 the KIO sent support to the hiding areas.\u00a0 On 22 January 2013 this camp was opened near Nam Lim Pa Village and the IDPs were moved here so that services such as schools and clinics could be provided to them.<\/p>\n

Support: The camp is primarily supported by Karuna. \u00a0United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and World Food Program (WFP) visited on 17 July 2012 and distributed tarps, family kits and medicine.\u00a0 The international awareness resulting from the UNHCR\/WFP visit is an additional reason why the KIO felt it was safe to bring the IDPs together in a camp; the Burma Army is less likely to attack given this international exposure.<\/p>\n

Health: The KIO supports a clinic in the camp.<\/p>\n

Education: The first people to be moved to Nam Lim Pa were students in 2012, so they could attend school.\u00a0 However, the very young children remained with their families.\u00a0 This year they will open a K-2 school in the camp, so young children can attend school and stay with their families.\u00a0 Grades 3-8 attend school with Nam Lim Pa village children and board at the school.\u00a0 There are 28 teachers.<\/p>\n

Mai Awng, one of the teachers at the school, was teaching five children in her home on 20 July 2011 at 8:45am when a Burma Army mortar round hit the house.\u00a0 One child was killed and others were wounded.\u00a0 She also was injured by shrapnel, and the wounds are still visible on her back nearly two years later.\u00a0 She continues to teach IDP children.<\/p>\n

Needs: Security.<\/p>\n

Prospects for returning home:\u00a0 The camp leader said they are waiting to hear more about the negotiated agreement and what it means.\u00a0 \u201cIf we have safety and freedom in our land we can go back, but now we are not free or safe,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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Kachin teacher wounded in Burma Army mortar attack that killed one of her students<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

La Na Zup Ja<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Population: 2623 people from 63 villages, 40 of which had fighting inside the village<\/p>\n

People began arriving: 30 November 2011.\u00a0\u00a0One person now living in La Na Zup Ja IDP Camp, Tsumhka Gam Bu, age 73, from Hinbuk Hka Pra Village, reported that his daughter, Tsumhka Roi Tawng, 32, had been shot dead by Burma Army soldiers from LID 99 on 4 December 2011.\u00a0 She had given birth 19 days earlier, and was hiding in bushes when the soldiers attacked the village.\u00a0 Another woman from the same village, Lashi Labya Tawng Mai, age 25, was raped and killed by Burma Army soldiers, and her body was found, undressed, in the bushes.\u00a0 Her mother, a widow, was shot in the buttock and was treated in a hospital in Bhamo Township. These incidents were previously reported by FBR<\/a> in January 2012.<\/p>\n

The most recent villagers to arrive came on 23 May 2013: six families from Manje Village.<\/p>\n

Support: Karuna and WPN provide food for IDPs, and private Kachin and Chinese individuals have also contributed funds.<\/p>\n

Health: There is one hospital for the IDPs, and also four private clinics nearby.\u00a0 WPN provides medicine for the hospital, though it is not always enough.\u00a0 There are no severe health issues at present.<\/p>\n

Education: There is a school for IDP children up to eighth grade; if parents wish to continue their children’s education they need to send them to Mai Ja Yang for high school.\u00a0 The school has 41 teachers.<\/p>\n

Needs: One current problem is that the IDPs have no source of income, so many are unable to send their children to school beyond what is offered in the camp.\u00a0 Some of the IDPs are able to find day labor jobs working in the fields of farmers living in the area.\u00a0 There is also a shortage of clothing and blankets, as well as a water shortage because the nearby river is polluted.<\/p>\n

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Good Life Club at La Na Zup Ja IDP site<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bum Tsit Pa<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Population: 832 people from 26 villages<\/p>\n

People began arriving: 7 November 2011.\u00a0 There has not been a significant change in numbers since that time; and no new IDPs have arrived for six months.<\/p>\n

Support:\u00a0 Karuna and WPN take primary responsibility for providing for the IDPs.\u00a0 A group of Chinese Buddhist monks came once to deliver 30 sacks of rice, and the UN came in March 2012 and provided two months’ worth of food and family supplies such as buckets and tarps.\u00a0 If charities cannot provide needed support, the KIO makes up the difference.\u00a0 Currently the IDPs have sufficient food.<\/p>\n

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Karen and Arakan medics treat Kachin IDPs in Bum Tsit Pa Camp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Health: There is one clinic specifically for the IDPs and another clinic for the local village, both primarily supported by the KIO.\u00a0 There are no critical health issues at present.<\/p>\n

Education: Children can get education up through fifth grade in the camp.\u00a0 Children above that level can attend school at La Na Zup Ja IDP Camp or cities such as Mai Ja Yang or Namkham.<\/p>\n

Needs: According to the camp director, there are no critical material needs.\u00a0 He commented that the IDPs are worried about when they can go back to begin working again, and also worried about what will be left of their homes.<\/p>\n

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Junior Ranger program for young IDPs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lagat Yang<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Population: 465 people from 109 families, from 15 different villages.<\/p>\n

People began arriving: 12 April 2013.\u00a0 However, these people ran from attacks in 2011 and stayed in rice fields or with relatives until this camp opened.\u00a0 One of the camp leaders ran from his home of La Ka Taw Village on 6 November 2011.\u00a0 The Burma Army began attacks near his village on that day at about 10am.\u00a0 This village is on the Bhamo Road and it is not safe for them to go home because the Burma Army uses the road.<\/p>\n

Support:\u00a0 The camp is supported primarily by Karuna and WPN, with additional support from Solidarit\u00e9s, a French organization.<\/p>\n

Health: There is a basic clinic in the camp.<\/p>\n

Education: There is a K-4 school with 80 students.\u00a0 There are 5 teachers for nursery and 6 for primary.<\/p>\n

Prospects for returning home:\u00a0 They cannot say when they can go home.\u00a0 Someone stepped on a landmine near Na Lon and Nam Hkai Villages near their homes.\u00a0 (This was the 5 June landmine incident reported above.)\u00a0 They are afraid to go back.<\/p>\n

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Ranger pulls teeth at IDP Camp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

UN aid convoy arrives<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A 10-truck convoy from the UN arrived to Mai Ja Yang to bring relief supplies on 14 June 2013, made possible by negotiations between the Government of Burma and the KIO.\u00a0 The convoy brought one month\u2019s worth of relief supplies to Pa Kahtawng IDP Camp, temporary home of 3,320 people.\u00a0 WPN and other Kachin organizations are taking care of the needs of IDPs year-round and it is not clear if there will be any other further UN shipments beyond this one-month supply to this one camp.\u00a0 While there have been positive developments such as this aid convoy, reduced fighting and continued talks between the Government and KIO, more than 100,000 people in at least 47 sites remain displaced after two years of war, uncertain when they can return home and rebuild their lives.<\/p>\n

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UN trucks after delivering aid to IDPs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

God bless you,<\/p>\n

Kachin Free Burma Rangers<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n