(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement on Wednesday are deeply saddened to learn that two volunteers from the Myanmar Red Cross Society were wounded on Tuesday when a convoy transporting displaced families came under fire.
The eight-vehicle convoy, which was marked with the Red Cross emblem, was evacuating civilians displaced by fighting in the Kokang region of northern Shan state.
One volunteer suffered head wounds and the other abdominal wounds. They were taken to Kunlong public hospital, where one of the volunteers underwent surgery overnight, and later transferred to Lashio hospital. Their medical condition is described as stable, said the ICRC and RC in a common press release.
Professor Tha Hla Shwe, President of the Myanmar Red Cross, said: "It is very sad to hear that our Red Cross volunteers were wounded while carrying out a strictly humanitarian function to help the victims of this fighting. The volunteers and convoy were marked with the protective red cross emblem. They should be respected and not be the object of attack." The Myanmar Red Cross is providing assistance to more than 3,000 people displaced by intense fighting that broke out in Shan state in early February. Large numbers of displaced families have arrived in Lashio, Pyin-Oo-Lwin and Mandalay.
Red Cross volunteers are also donating blood to injured people in Pyin-Oo-Lwin. In addition, they are providing household items and family kits to those displaced and in need.
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