Dozens of families escape Myanmar violence
Reuters
2013-01-19
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Burmese children attend school in the Je Yang refugee camp in Kachin State.
Dozens of families have escaped violence between the Kachin Independence Army and Myanmar government forces.
On Saturday, authorities said they were abiding by a ceasefire passed by parliament that was set to take effect early Saturday, although rebel fighters had not yet committed to the truce.
But the promise of a ceasefire has not allayed fears of refugees living here, just 20 kilometers from the latest fighting.
(SOUNDBITE) (Kachin) LAIZA RESIDENT MARAN TU SAYING:
"We are worried for our safety, even since arriving in the camp. If the Burmese attack the post over the mountain, artillery could drop in the camp."
Twenty months of fierce battles between the government and rebels has displaced tens of thousands, with aid and food at camps like this one dwindling fast.
Dozens of families have escaped violence between the Kachin Independence Army and Myanmar government forces.
On Saturday, authorities said they were abiding by a ceasefire passed by parliament that was set to take effect early Saturday, although rebel fighters had not yet committed to the truce.
But the promise of a ceasefire has not allayed fears of refugees living here, just 20 kilometers from the latest fighting.
(SOUNDBITE) (Kachin) LAIZA RESIDENT MARAN TU SAYING:
"We are worried for our safety, even since arriving in the camp. If the Burmese attack the post over the mountain, artillery could drop in the camp."
Twenty months of fierce battles between the government and rebels has displaced tens of thousands, with aid and food at camps like this one dwindling fast.
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