Ministry of Social Welfare Relief and Resettlement organized a virtual meeting on providing cash assistance for internally displaced persons in Kyaukme Township, Shan State yesterday.

The meeting was attended by Union Minister for Social Welfare Relief and Resettlement Dr Win Myat Aye, Deputy Minister U Soe Aung, Permanent Secretary Dr Ko Ko Naing, Directors-General, officials of Shan State Disaster Management Department, head and officials of Kyaukme District General Administration Department and representatives of civil society organizations.

During the meeting, the Union Minister said the government was working with priority on ethnic affairs and internal peace and on the developments of the states and regions depending on the development index.

He further said that development depends on peace and expressed empathy for the difficulties of the IDPs during COVID-19.

Although the government was working hard on equality, making fundamental policies and laws for self-administration, building a federal democratic Union and establishing eternal peace, armed conflicts still exist, he added.

The ministry is implementing provision of assistance, rehabilitation and resettlement for the IDPs. If the Union government, state governments, civil organizations and participants in the peace process work together, the assistance towards peace will be more effective, he said.

The conflicts that started on 3 October in Kyaukme Township, Shan State forced a total of 1,243 people of 404 households from 9 villages of 5village tracks flee their homes and shelter at the monasteries.

The ministry, as an initial assistance, provided K5. 212 million for purchasing two weeks of rice ration to the Kyaukme District Administrator and will continue providing assistance.

Then, Deputy Minister U Soe Aung reported on provision of assistance for all IDPs nationwide and cooperation with the relevant general administration departments and civil organizations in conducting rehabilitation processes including providing emergency fund for education, healthcare and vocational trainings.

The Permanent Secretary Dr Ko Ko Naing detailed about the situation of IDPs, assistance for IDPs and further action plans. —MNA

(Translated by Khine Thazin Han)