As this revolutionary period persists, a Kachin Independence Organization (KIO/KIA) official has advised the people to exercise caution as the possibility of continued fighting remains in Kachin State.
On June 9, which marked the 12th anniversary of the resurgent battle, Colonel Naw Bu, the information officer of KIO/KIA, made this statement.
Colonel Naw Bu shared, "It has been 12 years since we started fighting and working to avoid war. At present, there is no assurance that fighting will cease entirely. As we have been avoiding war for a long time, we are facing difficulties from all sides. Those under the KIO's control should focus on returning home and farming as much as possible. I would like to advise that building houses should be considered a secondary priority."
Colonel Naw Bu highlighted that it has been 12 years since the resurgent battle in Kachin State displaced many individuals, leading to their status as internally displaced persons (IDPs). He urged the IDPs residing in areas under the control of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) to consider returning to their homes and concentrating on agricultural activities to rebuild their lives.
According to Colonel Naw Bu, there are reports of difficulties faced by IDPs under the control of the Military Council, as they are being pressured to return to their homes.
He expressed, "I have received information that the troops of the Military Council are pressuring IDPs to return home. This will pose significant challenges for them. When we reflect on the revolutionary journey, as complete independence has not yet been attained, difficulties like fleeing from war may persist. Therefore, I want to emphasize the importance of exercising caution and preparedness in advance."
Colonel Naw Bu advised the IDPs who are hesitant to return to their original homes to seek out farmland and settle in their current locations. He also mentioned that the KIO has established a dedicated village for IDPs where they can be resettled.
On June 9, 2011, a resurgent battle erupted between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the military in Kachin State, resulting in over 100,000 people being displaced from their homes.
