By Zwe Ko / MPA

Around 80 civilians, rescued by resistance forces from conflict-stricken villages in Gyobingauk Township, western Bago Region—including Thin Kha Yaing, Aye Ywar Lay, Yone Chaung, Tha Khut Pin, and U Yin Gyi—are reportedly struggling to secure essential resources for survival amidst ongoing crises. 

 A displaced man from Htone Chaung village explained that A military column of over 200 troops entered the above-mentioned villages, triggering clashes with resistance forces on 24 Oct 2024 and led local residents to flee for safety.

 “Those who could escape to towns or seek refuge with relatives did so. We were brought here by the resistance forces. People from other villages are also here—nearly 200 in total. We came without food supplies and have been sharing the rations provided by the resistance forces. It has been over ten days, and now we are just eating rice gruel to survive.”

A woman from Thinhkai Village stated that the military presence in the area remains strong, preventing many villagers from returning home.

 “We heard that the army has taken over the Kyaswa Pagoda compound in our village. We wish to return, we left all our belongings behind and do not know how long we will have to stay here. Both children and adults are falling ill. What we urgently need is rice, oil, and medicine,” she shared.

Company Commander Teza Min of the BTZM GBK PDF  based in Bago Mountain Range stated that around 200 civilians rescued by resistance forces have been relocated to a secure area, where available food supplies of the force are being shared among them.

“Our comrades are down to one meal a day, prioritizing the needs of the displaced civilians. With each passing day, more people arrive while our supplies continue to decline. We are trying to send those who can safely return to towns or other secure areas, but over 80 people still remain here. We have yet to receive support from the NUG, and we urgently appeal to donors for assistance with food and medicine on behalf of those displaced, ” Company Commander Teza Min said.

Furthermore, a political activist from Gyobingauk  Township reported that since the military column began its operations, ongoing incidents of arson, arrests, and killings of civilians have been reported in the area. 

“They set fire to ten houses in Aye Ywar Lay village and arrested around 15 villagers. We still do not know the whereabouts of those detained from Aye Ywar Lay and U Yin Gyi villages, and we have heard reports of some being killed. Additionally, 29 children attending a charity school in Thin Kha Yaing  have been used as human shields and have not yet been released,” he explained.

 According to resistance sources, at present, military columns continue to hold positions in villages dominated by resistance forces, maintaining control despite reportedly facing significant casualties. This deployment persists without any indication of withdrawal.

Following the surrender of a resistance fighter and a parliamentary representative from  Gyobingauk Township to the military council on August 26, 2022, the junta army launched an offensive into the Bago Mountain Range, resulting in the capture of at least 19 resistance fighters.