By Hlaing / MPA
Civilians displaced by clashes between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and junta forces in Bhamo, Kachin State, are facing severe hardships as they struggle to rebuild their lives in Mandalay.
Intense fighting erupted in Bhamo at around 5 a.m. on Dec.4, 2024, and has continued, forcing more than 100,000 residents to flee their homes.
A woman who fled to Mandalay told MPA, “The biggest challenge is finding shelter. We brought three dogs, so no one wanted to host us—not even the monastery. Renting a house requires at least a six-month lease, which we can’t afford. We finally found a place that allows monthly rent.”
Most displaced residents from Bhamo in Mandalay are staying in religious buildings, while others are pooling resources with friends to rent houses.
A woman displaced in Mandalay’s Myauk Pyin neighborhood said, “We had to flee through active fighting in Bhamo, and now in Mandalay, we’re selling goods to survive. We’re also worried about our child’s education.”
Some aid organizations are providing assistance, including family support and educational grants for displaced families.
A 25-year-old woman now in Maha Aung Mye Township shared her experience: “I stayed in Bhamo as long as I could, but by the end of January, artillery shells hit our yard, and we had no choice but to leave.”
“Now my family and I are staying at a friend’s house in Mandalay. Finding work and a permanent place to live is extremely difficult.”
In addition to those from Bhamo, some residents from Mansi, who initially fled to Bhamo, were forced to relocate again to Mandalay due to ongoing clashes, facing further hardships.
Currently, displaced persons from Bhamo have sought refuge in Shwegu, Myitkyina, Yangon, Mandalay, the KIO stronghold of Laiza, and Daw Hpun Yan Sub-Township. Many are in desperate need of food and medicine.
Bhamo is a key district town connecting Laiza and Loiji on the China border, Mabein in northern Shan State, and Myitkyina City via the Union Highway. It also links central cities like Mandalay and Sagaing through land and water routes.
According to a Jan.3 report by UNOCHA-Myanmar, more than 3.5 million people have been displaced across the country since the military coup on Feb.1, 2021.
