In the beautiful Mae Hong Son’s Muang district, nestled in the idyllic Tambon Pang Moo, sits a temporary shelter. Now, it has witnessed a sudden increase in inhabitants due to intensifying conflicts in the neighboring Kayah State, located precariously on the border with Mae Hong Son. The tranquility of this temporary shelter was disrupted when the provincial administration of the area announced the return of a group comprising 591 people who had tentatively returned to their homeland, only to be forced back into their Thai refuge.
An insider from the Karenni Army sheds light on why this group of people had to abandon their freshly-reinstated homes so abruptly. Myanmar troops had launched a brutal attack on a refugee camp situated on the Myanmar side of the border, discharging an onslaught of deadly mortar shells. This hostile act triggered a rush of 591 individuals, who had only recently started to settle back into their homeland, to make a hasty retreat back to Mae Hong Son.
The influx of these individuals has resulted in a significant increase in the total number of Myanmar residents who have sought refuge in Mae Hong Son — the official count now stands at a staggering 2,544 people. An ongoing survey of the relocated populace reveals that Khun Yuam district has given refuge to 583 displaced Myanmar nationals. Meanwhile, the districts of Mae Sariang have also opened their arms as a sanctuary – two villages within this district now house 488 and 882 displaced individuals respectively.
But this isn’t where the story ends. A highly-placed source within the Karenni army narrates a tale of valor and retaliation. Joint Karen resistance groups, driven by a surge in resoluteness, have escalated their attacks against the oppressors — the Myanmar forces in Shan State. A testament to their success is the strategic usurping of as many as 17 army bases that belonged to the Myanmar army. Not only that, their bravery extends to the successful takedown of 98 Myanmar soldiers, and an astounding capture of 32 personnel so far.
While the circumstances leading to these figures are dire, the story of resilient resistance by the joint Karen groups showcases the indomitable fighting spirit of humanity. The tale serves as a reminder that peace is a universal right, and every individual deserves to experience life without the fear of violence or displacement.
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