Humanitarian Situation Update in Kachin State (15th June 2017)

Joint Strategy Team | June 15, 2017

Fighting between the Government Armed Forces and the Kachin Independence Army has been taking place in Tanai Twonship in the Western part of Kachin State since 3^rd June 2017, continues around N’Ga Ga village. As a result of this fighting, people from N’Ga Ga  and surrounding villages, Nam Kham and Kawng Ra, have evacuated to Tanai town since 6^th June 2017. Migrant workers from the amber and jade mining areas have evacuated elsewhere through other towns, namely Namati and Moe Kaung, where they temporarily stay in monasteries or return home from the train stations there with support from the Kachin State Government.

The situation is increasingly tense in Daru (Tonemani) area as well, and about 60-80 displaced households are on their way to Tanai town and currently staying at La Lum Zup village. They have requested churches in Tanai to pick them up. Despite being asked to leave the amber and jade mining areas by 15^th June 2017, some miners remain working there.

The 1,500 IDPs previously reported to be stranded due to blockage of access to waterways have evacuated to Tanai safety. However there remain concerns regarding civilian movement and protection. Four out of five access points to the government-controlled area (GCA) are blocked; only Dai Hpa access point is clear. Dum Bang and Zathu Sup check points in the GCA area are restricting transport of rice, oil, and fuel. Parts of Ledo Road in the KIO-controlled area (KCA) are also closed from 7pm to 5am.

The multi-religious-denomination relief committee in charge of IDP affairs in Tanai has determined that the IDPs affected need to be provided with humanitarian assistance for some time in a camp setting. As of 14^th June evening there are a total of 210 IDP HHs or 769 IDPs (336 M, 427 F) who are spread across four church compounds, with the largest number of them staying at KBC, RC, and AG churches.

NLD and state government have provided the affected population sheltered in churches and monasteries across newly conflict affected areas with some basic food assistance – approximately 225 bags of rice, oil, salt, and drinking water. Local humanitarian organizations are also responding to the needs of the affected IDPs and are providing basic food and NFI assistance. Markets in Tanai town continue to be functioning and cash transfer remains possible for the time being. However, market price for basic commodity have gone up due to restricted basic foods and fuel item to Tanai.

Humanitarian access to the affected population and their protection and safety are of grave concerns, immediate humanitarian response  is critical for the IDPs and civilians in the conflict-affected areas of Tanai Township in Kachin State.

 The Joint Strategy Team (JST): 15^th June 2017-06-14

Contact: Gum Sha Awng (Mr.) at gum.sha.awng@metta-myanmar.org Mobile: +95 95192913

Joint Strategy Team Members: Bridging Rural Integrated Development and Grassroot Empowerment (BRIDGE), Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC), Kachin Development Group (KDG), Kachin Relief and Development Committee (KRDC), Kachin Women Association (KWA), Karuna Mission Social Solidarity (KMSS), Metta Development Foundation (Metta), Nyein (Shalom) Foundation and Wunpawng Ninghtoi (WPN).