Lost souls, shattered lives, homeless hearts: The silent suffering of Myanmar's displaced
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Hsu / Thant Zin (NP News) - Sep 4
Myanmar's war refugees, displaced by escalating conflict, are living in fear and uncertainty with limited options for escape. According to interviews conducted by The Statesman, many individuals have been forced to abandon their homes due to the encroaching violence.
The escalation of violence, triggered by armed groups such as the MNDAA, TNLA, AA, and PDF, forced civilians to flee their homes, leaving behind their belongings. Many individuals lost their possessions, and in some cases, their homes were looted or destroyed. For some, returning home is not an option as their houses have been reduced to rubble by the conflict.
The situation for these war refugees is terrible. Among those who have fled to what they believed to be safer areas are people of all ages, including the elderly and school-aged children. Within these groups, there are individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds, including the impoverished, the middle class, and the wealthy.
Driven by a desperate need for survival, these refugees abandoned their homes. While the wealthy may be better equipped to cope with the hardships of displacement, the poor face increasingly dire conditions. Though they used to live in relative peace, they now struggle to survive in a harsh reality marked by displacement and uncertainty.
A displaced person from Kyaukme in Shan State shared, "We lost everything—our homes, our possessions. No one wants this war. Our homes were destroyed by the fighting. It's heartbreaking. Rebuilding is not easy, especially with the current prices of bricks. I never want to go through this again. I just hope things can go back to how they were. But for now, those still living in the occupied towns are in constant fear. As the battles continue, and money runs out, they find themselves with no place left to run."
The toll of war extends beyond economic damage, destroying hopes and dreams. A woman who recently fled Mogok told The Statesman, 'Our dreams have been shattered. If things were different, our children would be progressing through school and aspiring to become doctors or government employees. We had so much hope, but now it's all gone.'
For those who had the means, selling jewelry they brought with them has provided some financial relief. However, the situation is even more desperate for those without such resources. “The war has not only stolen our future but destroyed our lives. We are struggling to survive in this place. It's difficult to start over. My friends who once owned restaurants are uncertain about the future of their businesses. The battles have made them loathe war. If not for the conflict, we would have lived peacefully. Everything we had to hold on to has been taken away by this war,” said a volunteer assisting the displaced.
Worse still, some have resorted to desperate measures to survive the immediate crisis, taking up work they once considered shameful.
“Employment is scarce. Some girls have even ended up working in karaoke bars. Others are waiting for long periods to find jobs in their fields of expertise, like accounting. Children who excelled in school now have to change schools again and again and, as a result, they felt disappointed,” the volunteer added.
Beyond the economic and social challenges, many war refugees are struggling with the psychological scars of conflict. “Brother, I get startled even by the wind opening a door. The sound of a loud bang makes me fear that fighting is breaking out again. Sometimes, I lie awake at night, haunted by the fear of another battle erupting wherever I am. The feeling of having nowhere to go is terrifying,” shared a refugee from the Myanmar central region.
The NP News interviewed five displaced people from various regions, and when asked about their experiences, they unanimously expressed their fear of war.