“These [KIA bases] are not [located] in the Kachin State, but in the Shan State so they (the Tatmadaw) refuse to recognize them. Also, they are a little concerned over more complications due to the existence of many ethnic armed organizations in that area," said Col Naw Bu, information officer of the KIO/KIA.

The KIO said the KIA Division 4 area is controlled by U Mahtu Naw, who broke away from the KIO/KIA.

"When our leader U Mahtu Naw from Division 4 broke away, they (the Tatmadaw) remarked that Division 4 no longer exists. Since they have remarked like that, this is probably why they don't recognize Division 4," Col Naw Bu explained.

The Tatmadaw delegation stated that they did not recognize the KIO’s divisions in Shan State during an informal meeting held in Dali of Yunnan Province in China on February 1, as said by the KIO.

The KIO released a statement on the meeting between the KIO and the Tatmadaw on February 8.

According to the statement, the Tatmadaw gave pressures to the KIO to remove the KIA bases including the KIA's 14th battalion base and refused to recognize the existence of some KIA divisions.

"Maybe [the Tatmadaw] gave the pressures for territorial control. When they discussed the topic on reducing the fighting, they discussed about the stationing of the military bases. Some of these bases have to be withdrawn by both the Tatmadaw and the KIA. I heard that the issue about the 14th battalion was included when they discussed under this topic," said Col Naw Bu.

The KIO responded that they need to continue the discussion on these issues.

According to the statement, the KIO said it has earnestly discussed not only the issue on the ongoing clashes, but also the issues on reducing the fighting, all-inclusiveness in the peace implementation, and the building of a federal union in accordance with the Panglong Agreement and the Panglong pledges.

Fighting resumed between the KIA and the Tatmadaw since 2011 and clashes continue to break out despite attempts to achieve peace.