Resumed fighting occurred between the military and BGF (border guard force) and the breakaway DKBA (Democratic Karen Buddhist Army) in September resulting in few travellers going from Hpa-an to Kawkareik and Myawady, said local bus drivers. 

“At the border town of Myawady, daily-wage earners are facing difficulties as import decreases. What’s more, fighting has resumed and small merchants dare not go round. They go only if important matters arise. At present, we are not safe yet. I had to go back home these days as there was no traveller,” said a bus driver. 

The fighting started in the Methawaw region in early September in 2016, forcing over 5,200 people from over 30 villages to stay at IDP camps in Myainggyingu. And they are still there. 

Resume fighting broke out on September 2 after an unknown group killed two military personnel while on security duty at a communication tower on old Myawady-Kawkareik Road and planted a mine under the dead bodies that also caused the deaths of one army captain and one soldier. There had been skirmishes until September 5. 

“We are now troubled by both Covid-19 and war. Few people are around even in town areas in Myawady and Kawkareik. We are all facing difficulty with our living conditions,” said a local resident from Myawady.