9 February

Union Minister Dr Win Myat Aye of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and responsible personnel made a camp closure survey trip to the Myaing Gyi Ngu special zone in Sonenathamyaingswe city, Kayin State in accord with a national strategy for the resettlement of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the temporary shelter camp closure.
First, Union Minister and party paid obeisance to Presiding Sayadaw Baddanta Ashin Nyaneita of Myaing Gyi Ngu special zone and raised his explanatory submission to the Sayadaw on the systematic camp closure and resettlement of the IDPs in line with a national strategy.

The Sayadaw was then presented with the offertories and K 47,529,000 were given to 5,281 internally displaced persons, who are now in the area, for their one-month rice.

Next, the Union Minister met the heads of 24 villages, whose villagers are escaping from conflicts, and explained the measures to be undertaken for the betterment of the ethnic nationals and next generation children at present in the temporary shelter camps. The Government is implementing the resettlement and camp closure national strategy to create the best future for the IDPs in Kayin, Kachin, Rakhine and Shan States, he added.

The implementation work will facilitate to revitalize their secured, dignified and independent lives. Selection of resettlement sites should be whether their original lands or the nearest lands or other appropriate lands with their consents. Local ethnic national IDPs should consider in this regard. The Government, since taking its responsibilities, is giving priorities on the affairs of ethnic nationals and internal peace. Development depends on stability. Peace in Kayin State indicates a role model. Peace and stability should be sustained. Our common aim of building a democratic federal Union we should endeavour to achieve equities among all national races. Our nation is a united entity and we should collaborate and work together with Union spirit towards our benefits.

Then, Kayin State Chief Minister Daw Nan Khin Htwe Myint called for a collaborative implementation to have more appropriate and better conditions and sites for the IDPs considering the next generation youths.

The Union Minister and party then proceeded to the Myaing Gyi Ngu and Ayelinthayarkwin temporary shelter camps and met the ethnic nationals.

At the meeting, the Union Minister said: “Many children are seen here in the camps and the future of these children is important for our future development. To develop the growth of their brains and bodies both, our ministry is providing the pregnant mothers and under-two-year old children with cash assistance and education programme, which benefit Kayin State as a priority. Elder persons (85 years old and above) and persons with disabilities are similarly provided. To survive and work in society, we need to obtain education, technologies and vocational subjects. The Government is supporting the necessities for this purpose. The Government is planning to resettle the ethnic people, who are now in the temporary shelter camps, and create employment opportunities for them towards their durable development. You all take your roles and discuss the necessities.”

Afterwards, Kayin State Chief Minister explained the work plan to conduct vocational training for the ethnic nationals.

The Union Minister then provided 261 students with school uniforms; camp dwellers with clothes; a patient hit by mine with 2 lakhs kyats; and children with nutritious snacks.

The Union Minister also coordinated with the responsible personnel to fulfil the necessities following the inspection of the designated resettlement place in front of Kyauksakwin and the loom workshop where loom weaving trainings will be conducted.

In the afternoon, the Union Minister and party watched the status of constructing an ex-drug addicts building of the Department of Rehabilitation in Pha-An

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The Union Minister then encouraged the ex-drug addicts, who are attending the village-based rehabilitation training, at the Dhamawizayaranthi Paro Monastery in Pha-An. He also urged them to not return to the circles of drugs and try hard to give good lessons for the next generations. Thirty one trainees are attending the training. —MNA (Translated by Aungthu Ya)