China requested to grant shelter for Shan refugees

Refugees from Namkham (Photo: HL/SHAN)

The Shan State Army has asked the government of China to give momentary housing for the refugees who were forced to leave their homes because of the heavy fighting between the Burmese military forces and the Shan State Army, SHAN news reported.

According to Lt-Col Zawm Mong, SSA commander said: "On humanitarian grounds, we would like to request the Chinese government to accommodate the refugees. Now, the refugees are not only from 19 villages located on the Mao (Shweli) Valley but also other villages such as LoiHohso.

We would like to request NGOs, INGOs and other Shan organizations to help those refugees."

SSA commander Lt-Col Zawm Mong said that there are 19 affected villages from Mao (Shweli) Valley and villages like LoiHohso. The request from the Chinese authorities came because of humanitarian reasons. They are also seeking assistance from the INGOs, NGOs, and other Shan organizations to render service to the refugees.

The Military Operations Command (MOC) #16 of the Burmese army with over 400-troops attacked RCSS/SSA Task Force 701 based in Nawng Ma area on Sino-Burma border early this week, the report said.

He further added that the help they can offer is only 7%. There is no even refugee center at the Sino Burma border area. He is also requesting the Chinese government to stop questioning the refugees but instead to extend any help or support.

Namkham resident disclosed that people from those of Nawng Ma tract and Nawng Sawm tract to LoiHohso areas on the other side of Mao River at the Sino-Burma border are in dire need of food and medical supplies.

Original source: http://www.betweenonline.com/2013/05/14/china-requested-to-grant-shelter-for-shan-refugees/