Throughout 2009, Kawkareik became unstable due to the level of joint military operations by SPDC and DKBA troops. Some villagers have fled across the Thai-Burma border and others are still hiding in the jungle as a result of attacks on villages. There is also an increase in forced labour in the area. Because of the operations of the DKBA and SPDC troops, the BPHWT health workers often faced delays in the implementation of their activities. Details of human rights abuses recorded by the BPHWT health workers include:
• On 2nd May 2009, villagers in Kaw Lar Me village were forced to leave their village.
• On 6th March 2009, four houses in Htar Oo Kee village were burnt down by DKBA troops led by Bo Nel Lel Hein.
• On 29th June 2009, 20 villagers were arrested by DKBA.
• On 21st November 2009 at 9 pm, DKBA troops came into Wa Ba Lay Hta village and killed one villager from Hsaw Ka Pu village.
• On 21st January 2010, SPDC troops from Light Infantry Division 410 ordered 40 villagers from Yaw Thit village to carry the soldiers’ rations.
• On 21st January 2010, the leader of DKBA Battalion 907, Naut Kan Mwe, ordered villagers to work without remuneration to rebuild a road and a bridge near Min Thaw bridge.