Refugees by the hundreds from Katsu Yang village located between Waingmaw Township and Laiza headquarters of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) have sought refuge in a Buddhist monastery in Waingmaw Township, said residents.
Skirmishes between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and Burmese troops occurred from 3 a.m. till 5 a.m. Over 300 refugees from Ga Ra Yang, Gangdau Yang near the battle field fled to Waingmaw Township.
“A lot of war refugees have been sheltered in Waingmaw Monastery,” said a resident of Waingmaw.
Earlier the KIO said there are more than 10,000 refugees who fled to the China border in the eight-day civil war between the KIA and Burmese troops.
The KIA’s list compiled yesterday night stated that there are 2,291 refugees in Laiza, more than 300 at KIA brigade 3 based Ura Bum-Hpyin Shan village, 4,238 refugees in Loije, over 2,000 in Manwin village and over 300 refugees in Maijayang, according to Salang Kaba Doi Pyi Sa KIO civil administration department officer.
The Burmese Army tightened security in all cities in Kachin State after the war started.
“At this moment all traffic police are carrying guns, all road, gates and bridges are manned by soldiers” said residents of Myitkyina, capital of Kachin State.
Residents are not going out after 6 p.m. because the areas are teeming with Burmese soldiers carrying guns. They are patrolling around the quarter. The whole city is enveloped in silence.
The Border Guard Force (BGF) transformed from the former New Democratic Army-Kachin NDA-K led by Zahkung Ting Ying is forcing local youths to join the army in Waingmaw Township. Ten persons from each quarter are to be enlisted after the civil war started between KIA and Burmese troops, said quarter chief from the township.
Burmese troops are recruiting young people for the people’s militia, said the source.
