Youths are organizing flash protests in support of Kachin Independence Organization/Army (KIO/A) while the ethnic armed organization (EAO) is fighting with Burma Army in Kachin and northern Shan states.

The flash protests began after the KIO/A attacked a Burma Army camp in Mohnyin District on March 11, which followed the death of several protesters who were shot dead by security forces in Myitkyina several days earlier.

According to a protester who requested anonymity, protests have happened in Myitkyina, Waingmaw and Namti. On the banners and signs she said that they wrote their support for the KIO/A because the EAO is standing with the people and asked for the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) to align itself with Burma’s EAOs.

CRPH was established by politicians elected during the 2020 race after the military regime seized power from National League for Democracy during a coup on February 1.

She said many people have been displaced by fighting between Burma Army and KIO/A. At the protests they’re asking for people to help the villagers.

“We also want to show our opposition against military regime that has committed violence against the people,” she told KNG.

KIO/A released a statement on February 17 pledging its support to peaceful demonstrations against the military regime. The EAO also told media outlets it would protect protesters if security forces attacked them.