Fighting between the Burma Army and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has intensified since the group’s political wing; the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) hosted an ethnic summit in Maijaiyang attracting 17 of the country’s 21 armed groups.
During an official press conference in late July—only days before the summit took place in eastern Kachin State—Burma Army spokesman and chief of military security affairs Lt-Gen Mya Tun Oo said the army didn’t approve of the gathering—apparently reiterating concerns of Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing that it could undermine peace efforts for the upcoming Union Peace Conference (also called 21st Century Panglong Conference).
It’s unclear if the fighting that has broken out mainly in Tanai and Hpakant in Kachin State is a punitive measure taken by the Burma Army against the KIO for hosting the summit.
Lt-Col. Naw Buu, information officer for the KIA, said Burma Army offensives against KIA Battalion 14 under Brigade 2 in Tanai are on-going.
In Hpakant, tensions remain on high alert after Burma Army troops haven't retreated from positions near KIA Battalion 6’s Brigade 2.
Local religious organisations and the KIO have rescued many of the miners that were trapped in gold mines in Hpakant Township. Some mines in this area are controlled by the KIO and have closed since the fighting started.
The displaced miners and villagers are being sheltered in monasteries and churches in nearby Shaduzap village.
U Aik Sai, a miner that was rescued, said that many people are still trapped in the mines. Flooding has reportedly hindered rescue efforts.
Reporting by Network Media Group
Translated by Thida Linn
Edited by BNI staff
