Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) Vice Chairman General Sumlut Gun Maw called for unity in the revolutionary effort during a meeting with several armed groups in northern Shan State.
During their visit to northern Shan State, the KIO delegation led by General Gun Maw held separate meetings with the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP).
The KIO delegation arrived in Namhpatkar and Namhkam towns in Kutkai Township in early April.
According to KIO spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu, the meetings had no specific agenda and were simply informal discussions between the armed groups.
“The KIO delegation held separate meetings with leaders of the MNDAA, TNLA, and SSPP, during which it urged all armed resistance groups to move forward together on a unified revolutionary path, avoid actions that would burden local communities in northern Shan State, and continue to support and encourage one another,” Colonel Naw Bu said.
The KIO delegation told the TNLA and MNDAA that it was aware of recent tensions between the two groups and urged them to build mutual understanding and respect rather than engage in disputes.
The KIO also met with the Namhpatkar Steering Committee, local church leaders, and community-based organizations on the evening of April 4. On April 5, the delegation met with locals following a service at the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) church.
The KIO also emphasized that Namhpatkar is a multi-ethnic area where diverse cultures and literature flourish, and stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups.
A Namhpatkar resident told KNG that the KIO delegation acknowledged and praised the presence of various ethnic schools in the region.
This was the first time General Gun Maw visited KIO-controlled Namhpatkar Town and met with locals.
A political analyst said General Gun Maw’s visit to northern Shan State is expected to help ease tensions among armed resistance groups and foster greater mutual understanding.
“I believe this visit will benefit Myanmar’s peace process. First, it will help reduce tensions between armed resistance groups. Then, it will support follow-up efforts to bring those groups together,” he said.
The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the armed wing of the KIO, captured Namhpatkar on January 24, 2024. Around 3,000 households currently live in the town.
