The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) issued a warning urging people not to act as informers, tipsters or spies for the junta.
Battalion 12 under KIA Brigade 11, which mainly operates in Kachin State’s Shwegu District, issued the warning, according to a notice released by the group.
In the statement dated June 23, the KIA warned all locals living in Shwegu District, as well as migrant workers involved in gold mining and mineral extraction, not to become entangled with or maintain ties to the junta.
The KIA also warned that anyone with existing links to the junta must immediately cut all connections following the notice's release.
It stated that those who continue cooperating or associating with the coup regime in defiance of the warning would face effective action and punishment.
Earlier, on June 17, the Kachin People’s Defence Force (Kachin PDF) also warned Shwegu Township residents to stay alert after reports that junta troops operating in the area were attempting to gather intelligence by disguising themselves in uniforms resembling those of KIA and allied PDF fighters at town entry and exit points.
The Kachin PDF urged civilians to be wary of the junta’s deception tactics and to avoid going near regime troops.
Since early May, junta columns have been pushing into Shwegu Township, triggering near-daily clashes with the KIA-led coalition.
During those clashes, the junta has reportedly been carrying out daily aerial bombings and drone strikes.
On June 8, the KIA announced travel restrictions on the main highway linking to Shwegu, along with other routes where fighting was taking place. It also warned civilians still in Shwegu to evacuate the town as quickly as possible.
The KIA further cautioned that if people failed to comply, it would bear absolutely no responsibility for any consequences.
On June 23, the Social Punishment Shwegu group also posted a warning on social media, saying resistance forces do not issue unnecessary statements without reason. It said notices directed at locals are released because fighting could spread into those areas, and they are intended to give civilians time to make necessary preparations in advance.
