"The illegitimate military junta’s troops raided Lay Kay Kaw in Karen State on December 14 and arrested between 30 to 60 people, including two members of Parliament, Mr. Wai Lin Aung and Dr. Pyae Phyo. Armed fighting between the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and the junta’s troops erupted on Wednesday morning, December 15, 2021, at Lay Kay Kaw after the troops refused to leave the area. Fighting continued and erupted at Mae Toe Ta Lay, near Laykaykaw, on December 16. Due to the ongoing armed confrontation between the junta’s troops and alliance of KNLA troops, nearly 3000 civilians fled Lay Kay Kaw prompting refugee outflow to Thailand's border. As of today, reports indicate at least 2,503 people (804 men, 910 women, 348 boys, 441 girls) have crossed the border while many are still trapped inside the country. NUG’s contacts on the ground also confirmed mortars landed at Thailand’s side almost hit the locations of the refugees. Influx of refugees expected to increase as the escalation of violence continues. Lay Kay Kaw is a civilian area under the control of KNU/KNLA Brigade 6 near Myawaddy at the border of Myanmar and Thailand. It has been a safe zone for civilians fleeing the junta’s ongoing crimes and atrocities against the civilian population of Myanmar. The incident in Karen State in the last two days is another example of the junta’s continued disregard for Myanmar people's welfare and human rights. It has continued to terrorize civilian population across Myanmar since the illegal coup. This month, a junta’s truck blatantly rammed into civilians protesting in Yangon, killing at least four people while burning 11 civilians in Sagaing region to death. Similarly, civilians were also reportedly burned alive by the junta’s troops in first week of December in Chin State two while thousands remain displaced by the relentless arson and attacks by the junta. Since the coup, United Nations estimated roughly 15,000 people in Myanmar have fled to the Indian border to avoid the junta's persecution. As the humanitarian condition and security situation continue to deteriorate due to the illegal junta’s barbarism and self-serving goals, the National Unity Government (NUG) in Myanmar urgently call for the following: 1. We appeal urgently to the international community, especially the Thai government, UNHCR and INGOs to deliver an emergency humanitarian response to the IDPs and refugees. Provisions of food, clothing, medicine are urgently needed and can be delivered through local groups responding to the refugees. Furthermore; we urge the international community to call for de-escalation of violence strongly. 2. We also would like to request the government of India for continues humanitarian support and cross border access for Myanmar people seeking refuge at the border. It is unfortunate that the civilian population bears the burden the junta’s atrocities. The current incident in Karen State and the continues fighting in different part of Myanmar is reminder how the failed coup is directly and inevitably impacting our neighboring countries. The junta’s atrocities must end as soon as possible thus, we urge the international community to impose stronger pressure against the junta and help restore the civilian government. The military junta is a terrorist organization by national and international law’s definition, as indicated in the latest policy brief of the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar. Since the coup, the junta responded with violence, killing more than 1,000 civilians, arbitrarily detaining more than 8,000 people, looting and destroying civilian properties, and violating international human rights and humanitarian laws in its offensive operation against ethnic areas. Lastly, the National Unity Government and the people of Myanmar express deep appreciation to the Kingdom of Thailand for opening up the border and allowing the refugees to get to a safe zone. We express our sincere gratitude to the Thai officials and first responders on the ground for extending assistance to those who crossed the border. We also express our sincere appreciation to the government of India and officials of India’s Northeastern states for continues assistance to our people at the border..."