Mu Traw District Situation Update: Militarisation, indiscriminate shelling, displacement and landmine contamination in Bu Tho Township, May to July 2020
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This Situation Update describes events that occurred in Bu Tho Township, Mu Traw (Hpapun) District between May and July 2020. The Tatmadaw[1] sent more troops and ammunition to the local areas, resulting in several skirmishes with the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA).[2] The Tatmadaw shelled civilian areas and farms in response to KNLA attacks, and also arbitrarily detained villagers and village leaders in one of their camps. Both the KNLA and the Tatmadaw planted new landmines. Local villagers now feel unsafe, and some communities have faced displacement and have seen their freedom of movement restricted because of the presence and activities of Tatmadaw soldiers. Access to healthcare remains difficult for villagers living in remote areas, and COVID-19[3] travel restrictions have delayed the start of the academic year