The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) has confirmed that the head of the Burma Army’s Northern Command sent a message to them through mediator the Peace-talk Creation Group (PCG) demanding that they cut ties with the Arakan Army (AA) on March 20.

Three days later, the government declared the AA a terrorist organization.

NMG spoke with Col Naw Bu, the head of the KIO’s information department about the KIO’s response, as well as what these circumstances mean for future peace talks and political dialogue between the government, military and members of the Northern Alliance of ethnic armed groups. The members of the Northern Alliance include the AA, KIO, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army.

The KIO has also reported the military’s message to them to the Federal Political Negotiation Consultative Committee, a negotiating body of which it is a member. They have not received a response.

Did the KIO reply to the Northern Command after receiving this message through the PCG?

We sent a message to the head of the Burma Army’s northern command. First, the KIO wants to move forward with political dialogue. Second, the military’s way of taking action against the AA is not the right solution. We have responded to them with these two points, in our opinion.

The head of the Northern Command urged the KIO to cut ties with and move the AA out of KIO’s headquarters in Laiza. Is it going to impact on peace talks between the government and Northern Alliance?

The Northern Alliance wants to continue political dialogue. It depends on the Burma Army. If they accept it, we are ready to negotiate with them.

What has the AA said to the KIO?

I don’t exactly know what they said to the central committee. I haven’t heard any information about it.

Does the AA have their headquarters in Laiza? How do they live there?

No. They don’t have their headquarters in Laiza. They only have a training ground there. Their troops are not present in Laiza.