By Ra Wai / MPA
Many displaced residents from Pale Town and nearby villages in Sagaing Region remain unable to return to their homes, citing fears of retaliation and violence by military junta forces.
According to the People’s Administrative Team in Pale Township, resistance forces launched attacks on Pale Town between November 11 and 14. In retaliation, the military carried out extensive airstrikes and deployed reinforcements, forcing residents from the town and nearby villages to flee for safety. While the military regained control of the town on November 14 and some displaced residents have begun returning, many remain too fearful to return.
A member of the Pale Township People’s Administration told MPA, “Residents of villages near the town fear sudden military incursions, arson, and violence against civilians. Such incidents have occurred in other townships, fueling their apprehension.”
Displaced residents from villages three to four miles away from Pale Town have reportedly started returning to their homes. However, residents of Pale Town itself and villages such as Mya Kone, Ah Lel Bon, Chaung Kan, Aye Kone, Zaung Chan Kone,Gyoe Gyar U, and Thea Taw have not yet returned as of today.
The official added, “Many displaced individuals remain scattered. It is difficult to determine the exact number of people still displaced.”
On November 23, the junta forces in Pale Town carried out an unprovoked attack, setting fire to and destroying Ah Lel Bon Village near the town.
The Burma National Revolutionary Army (BNRA) announced on 17 Nov that in their operations of Pale Town, they captured 25 soldiers of military junta , nine members of the resistance forces were killed, and 11 others injuried. A significant quantity of arms and ammunition was also seized.
