New Army base forces Karen villagers to flee their homes

Posted on January 24, 2010
Filed Under Burma news, Karen news | 1 Comment

Affected area source: Partners

At least 1,000 Karen villagers have fled their homes in the last week after the Burmese Army set up a camp nearby. The Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG) confirms the villagers from Kheh Der village tract, Kyauk Kyi Township, Nyaunglebin District in Karen State fled after soldiers from Light Infantry Battalion 367 arrived in the area.
KHRG also reports the soldiers have killed two villagers. One was killed when he attempted to retrieve food from a hiding place near the village.  Also killed was Saw E, headman of Tu Ghaw village, who also served as a KHRG researcher in the area.
The junta has been attempting to consolidate control of the area since launching an offensive in early 2006. Thousands of villagers have been forced to relocate to government controlled lowland areas, while thousands more are subject to targeted attacks by the Burmese Army, who shot villagers on sight, while destroying farms, villagers and food stores.
The Irrawaddy quotes the Committee for Internally Displaced Karen People (CIDKP) as warning the villagers lack sufficient food, medical care and other basic necessities.
Saw Steve, a CIDKP team leader said, “It is very cold in the jungle right now, and they don’t have enough blankets.”
“To make matters worse, they are afraid to light fires at night because they don’t want to be seen by the Burmese army.”

Flleing villagers source: Partners

Partners Relief and Development are working to send relief supplies to the area. To make a donation, visit their website.

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  1. Tweets that mention New Army base forces Karen villagers to flee their homes | Words of Life -- Topsy.com on January 25th, 2010 6:36 am

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