Myanmar: Military blocks and insects cause food crisis in the Naga Self-Administered Zone

Written on 11 September 2017. Posted in Myanmar

IWGIA is deeply concerned about the food crisis in the remote Naga Self-Administered Zone of Myanmar in the Northern Sagaing Region bordering India. IWGIA views the blockage of food supply as a gross violation of the right to food of the indigenous Naga communities in the area.

The mountainous townships of Lahe and Nanyun routinely deal with food shortages, particularly during wet season when routes are flooded, according to the Council of Naga Affairs (CNA). But this year, the situation has been intensified as the region struggles to cope with the aftermath of a measles outbreak, the destruction of more than 1,000 acres of paddy fields by insects, and military blocks on both sides of the borders cutting off supplies.

“Food shortages in the area are not only in the villages, but also in Nanyun town,” says Nanyun MP U Sein Maung. “I’ve already reported it to the township administrator but have had no response yet. Locals recently shared food with many of those who were in need.”

IWGIA is seriously concerned about the situation and the lack of respect for the lives of the indigenous communities in Sagaing region, and we call on the international community to raise the issue with the Government of Myanmar as a matter of urgency. IWGIA has appealed to relevant embassies, human rights and UN institutions to address the situation.