KALAY-The Chin State Government will be providing rations to the locals, internal displaced persons (IDPs) and government staff for one week, according to Soe Htet, a spokesperson of Chin State Government Committee.

Rations were sent to the displaced civilians via Sami Township, Chin State, on April 24th under military escort.

“Due to the regional situation and torrential rain, there had been difficulty of transport access. However, the vehicles loading with rations arrived in the battalion on April 28th,” said Soe Htet.

Likewise, 830 rice bags, edible oil, salts and some beans and pulses had been sent to Chin State on April 19th by using 11 vehicles.

Although plans were underway to send more rations to Chin State, they were delayed because there were no drivers and lack of security.

Due to ongoing clashes occurring in Paletwa Township, Chin State, there has been difficulty of transport access.

Moreover, locals and IDPs including government staff are in serious need of food.

“There are 1,055 displaced households comprising 4,760 family members in Paletwa Township. Those IDPs are now taking shelter at five IDP camps and some are sheltering at their relatives. In Sami Township, there are 662 households comprising 2,778 family members. In Sami and Paletwa Townships, there are a total of 1,772 households with 7,538 family members. There are over 8,000 IDPs in downtown. As those IDPs are in need of food, the government together with home and abroad wellwishers is going to provide rice, edible oil, salt, bean and pulses to Chin State. We have planned to send 1,000 rice bags being provided by the WFP to Paletwa Township via Sami Township,” said Soe Htet.

“At present, rice bags arrived in the local regiment in Paletwa Township. A ceremony to handover the rice bag was held on April 29th. Those rice bags will be distributed to the locals under the guidance of the Township authorities. Currently, we have enough rice,” said a local.