In an effort to prevent junta-aligned militia troops from reaching Hpakant Township in Kachin State, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied People’s Defence Force (PDF) have blocked the road connecting Kamaing Town and Hpakant since 10:00 a.m. on April 23.
“Some troops from the junta-aligned militia group led by Min Zay Thant have already reached Hpakant. In addition, more forces are reportedly halfway there, so the KIA and PDF have jointly blocked the route,” said a resident of Namya Village, Hpakant Township.
Hundreds of members of the Sharduzut militia group led by Min Zay Thant, stationed in Warazut Village Tract, recently began departing Kamaing and marching toward Hpakant Township. Some have already reached the Lone Khin Village Group in Hpakant Township and are beginning to take up deployment positions.
Battalion 6 of KIA Brigade 9 announced that it would close the Kamaing–Hpakant Road in response to ongoing military activities by the junta.
The KIA and PDF jointly set up roadblocks near Namya Village, close to Kamaing, closing all vehicle passage indefinitely and preparing for possible ambushes.
Junta troops and allied militia groups in Lone Khin Village are also conducting strict checks on pedestrians and passing vehicles.
“There’ve been no clashes so far, but there is still a risk that fighting could begin with the onset of or during the rainy season. It is also possible that some understandings or arrangements have been made between leaders on both sides for mutual benefit. Ultimately, however, civilians bear the real consequences,” said a Hpakant resident.
In recent months, clashes between the KIA–PDF coalition and the junta have occurred frequently in Lone Khin and Hmawsizar villages within the Lone Khin Village Tract. Specifically, resistance forces have sought to take control of junta positions on the hilltops near Hmawsizar Village.
