The KNO in a press release on October 4 called on the UN to step in and protect innocent civilians and prevent further destruction.

According to the KNO, the Myanmar Army has been indiscriminately shelling and attacking Kachin positions since before the so-called 21st Century Panglong Conference was held in Nay Pyi Taw.

This was contrary to the words of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon when he recently hailed the Myanmar government’s peace process.

Such unprovoked attacks could have jeopardised the peace process and have been terrorising innocent civilians in IDP camps and villages surrounding areas. Several shells have exploded near IDP camps and villages, causing injury among civilians,including children.

The KNO called for the Myanmar Army to “completely from our Kachinland before any political negotiations take place to achieve lasting peace.”

“We strongly condemn the brutal killing of Mangshang Zung Myaw (2 years old), and the serious injuries caused to Lagwi Bawm Lang (6 years old) and Lagwi Ting Kyang (5 years old) from Puwang village, Hpawng Seng village tract in Muse Township,” the press release says.

“We have also learnt that vital humanitarian aid being delivered to Man Win Gyi IDP Camp, including food and medicines, was confiscated by troops,” the organization says.

They said Head of State President U Htin Kyaw, Commander in Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi “must be held accountable for such crimes and must refer to the International Criminal Court in the Hague to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity under international criminal law.”