Conclusion of Aid Delivery to Lailenpi
Some followers may remember how a couple of months ago, we sent out an urgent request to support those people in Lailenpi, Chin State, who have been affected by violent conflict, including those who were displaced by the military's actions, which included bombings and looting. The aid request focused on essential needs like food, shelter, and medical care for civilians seeking refuge, particularly as many fled towards the Indian border. We are so humbled by the extraordinary response that came back, and we applied these generous funds to our local partners. Given safety concerns and communication limitations, it took some time to receive the full report. We are now sending their update here, with great appreciation for those who stood in solidarity! We also invite you to hear the voice of one Chin elder in expressing his enormous gratitude and what it meant to him to feel this support.
In times of emergencies, such as natural disasters, conflicts, or pandemics, access to food becomes a critical concern for affected populations. Emergency relief for food is a crucial component of humanitarian aid, aiming to ensure that individuals and communities have access to sufficient and nutritious food during times of crisis. Our team visited the residents of Lailenpi, their designated refuge villages and border of India-Myanmar, and provided non-food item aid, medical assistance, food aid, and transportation assistance, which was generously provided by the extraordinary Better Burma nonprofit.
On November 19, 2023, the clash between the sit-tat and the civilian alliance force of CNA & CDFs erupted in Lailenpi Town forcing all the villagers to flee from their homes without carrying any of their belongings to search for safer places. The fight was followed by the fighter jet’s indiscriminate bombardment that lasted for four days, killing one civilian, and damaging over sixty homes, including churches and schools. Two elderly also lost their lives because of the fight since there was no access to medical assistance where they were hiding.
The displaced villagers were spread to nearby farms and villages. Later while some have sought safety in India, the majority are sheltering in Myanmar. As they hastily evacuated, leaving all their possessions behind, they needed extensive help to cover their immediate needs.
On November 24, 2023, the military base was taken over by the civilian alliance force after intense drone bombardment inside the base killing three militants, including the commander, and the rest had fled to India. Despite the successful takeover of the military camp, the villagers remain reluctant to return home, underscoring the ongoing need for humanitarian assistance. Their hesitation is rooted in the lingering fear of potential fighter jet bombardments and persistent concerns regarding safety and security.
As of December 1, 2023, 1,885 Lailenpi villagers sheltered in 19 neighbouring villages and 698 to India, border villages of Myanmar. The humanitarian assistance needs were food (rice, oil, curry, etc.), non-food items (blanket, clothes, mat, etc,), shelter (tarpaulin), and health assistance.
People here are dealing with a number of issues, particularly related to food, children's education, and health, as a result of the conflict and tension that permeate the entire country.
The majority of people are farmers, and 90% of them rely on their farms. However, since the coup, they have been unable to carry out their work as freely and effectively as they once could be due to numerous time travel restrictions and the lack of income generation. In Chin State, the government sector has failed, a large number of teachers have joined the CDM (Civil Disobedience Movement), and there is inadequate management that affects the students in their studies.
People had nowhere to go for check-ups, and the logistics became a health risk since many hospitals were closed and there was no HR in the hospital because the majority of health professionals joined CDM. And even in cases where some CDM volunteers in the community, there are still insufficient supplies of medical supplies and equipment. One Paracetamol tablet can be difficult to find in some villages, which presents a number of difficulties and could eventually become a significant problem for the rate of morbidity and death in the community.
I am pleased to report that thanks to this help from our overseas donors, our team was able to promptly respond with life-saving assistance, providing essential aid such as food and healthcare to the displaced villagers amidst the dire circumstances faced by the people of Lailenpi. The organization's committed staff ventured into remote areas, tirelessly distributing grants during the 10-day Emergency Response period. The organization considers itself fortunate to have been able to stand by the people of Lailenpi during their most vulnerable time. More than 50 were treated by volunteers of healthcare providers. Epigastric pain, fever, common cold, diarrhoea, acute upper respiratory infections, and general weakness are the most common illnesses found.
We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support received from our donors which came via Better Burma, which has been instrumental in addressing the urgent needs of the Lailenpi community during this challenging time. Your generosity enabled us to provide critical aid, including food, medical assistance, and shelter, to those displaced by the conflict. The positive impact of your contributions on the lives of those affected cannot be overstated. Our team's ability to deliver timely assistance amidst the crisis was made possible thanks to this unwavering support. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to humanitarian aid and solidarity with the people of Lailenpi.
