By Myo Thia / MPA
Local administrators appointed by Myanmar’s military junta are facing accusations of discrimination in distributing aid to earthquake evacuees in Mandalay Region’s Chan Mya Thazi Township.
The officials, who oversee the relief camps, are reportedly withholding full aid packages—such as bedding, mosquito nets, blankets, pillows, tarpaulins, and cash assistance—from evacuees who do not possess official camp ID cards. Those without cards typically receive only a meal box and bottled water.
“Only those with cards get aid,” said one quake survivor sheltering at a camp in Chan Mya Thazi. “Without a card, you’ll only get rice and water if a donor hands it to you directly.”
Camp ID cards are required to stay overnight in the camps. Administrators, who control the registration process, issue the cards only to those officially approved to remain.
“When I went to register, they said the list was closed,” said another displaced resident. “They refused to add more names, even though I had all my household documents.”
Residents report that pro-junta ward administrators and their volunteer aides are prioritizing aid for registered individuals and their acquaintances, while ignoring others.
“They help people with cards or those they know,” said Ma Aye Myint, a local resident. “The rest of us are left out.”
Following the recent earthquake, thousands of families in Mandalay remain displaced. Many of those without registration are struggling without basic necessities like tarps, blankets, mosquito nets, and financial aid.
“I want the aid to go to everyone in need—regardless of race or religion,” Ma Aye Myint added. “We urge donors to give directly to the victims instead of through officials. Right now, we’re being left behind.”
Amid growing frustration, locals are calling on donors to bypass ward administrators and distribute aid directly to those in need. However, concerns have also arisen over some individuals repeatedly collecting aid intended for others, complicating grassroots relief efforts.
