Residents have stated that the coup regime is constructing a large military base to station a tank and artillery battalion being built on more than 20 acres of land adjacent to Namphyet village at the entry point of Danai Township on the Danai-Ledo road in Kachin State.
According to residents, the ongoing construction of the military base, capable of accommodating approximately 4 battalions, is evident through various activities observed in the area. They have noticed the construction of a wall, the planting of perennial plants, and the establishment of an altar. These developments are taking place on roughly 20 acres of land, situated approximately 500 feet away from the village.
A resident, who preferred to remain anonymous for security reasons, informed KNG that certain local elders took the initiative to meet with the commander of the 390th Light Infantry Battalion stationed in Namphyet village. The purpose of their meeting was to request the cancellation of the construction plan for the military base due to its proximity to residential homes.
"Despite our strong objections to constructing a military base near our village due to its proximity, our concerns were dismissed. Their response was adamant that we no longer had the right to object, citing their presence in the area for the past three-four years. They emphasized that the location in question was where the contract had been signed. Furthermore they issued a notice, explicitly stating their refusal to accept any objections," he said.
According to local sources, once the ongoing construction of the military base is completed, it will serve as a formidable stronghold for tanks, air force, and artillery units of the 390th Light Infantry Battalion, which has been stationed in Namphyet village for the past two years.
In 2021, the military designated the area as military land, and construction of the military base commenced in May of this year. However, the local residents have expressed their opposition to this development and have started protesting against it.
"The villagers are fearful because the military base is being established within the village. Its close proximity to the houses, being just furlongs away from the road, adds to their apprehension. Given the small size of the village, there are scarce resources left for its inhabitants. Such developments should not take place, especially when it is already difficult for the village to expand. Therefore if possible, I urge for the cancellation of this project," said a Namphyet resident.
Due to the close proximity of the military base under construction, which is only 10 miles away from areas such as Nambyu, Namhkam, Ingamgar, Gahsharyar, Payinhmaw, Monghkun, and Lapukha, where the 14th and 43rd KIA battalions operate under the 2nd KIA brigade, there is a perception among locals that the military's intention behind building the base is to establish control over those areas.
"Concerns arise because the KIA-controlled Awng Lawt village can be accessed from this location. With four battalions stationed in that military base, my worries escalate. If they establish their presence here, there may be no need for military operations; they could potentially launch artillery shells from this proximity. This leads me to believe that the construction of this military base is specifically aimed at targeting the KIA,” said a local.
Furthermore, the residents of Tingkauk and Awngyar villages, along with Namphyet village on the Danai-Ledo road, are living in constant fear of potential arrests, beatings, and even fatalities due to the suspicions in the region.
Local reports suggest that due to the establishment of the military base, certain residents in the village express a desire to relocate. However, it is said that the military has imposed restrictions, preventing them from doing so.
According to sources, the land on which the military base is being constructed was previously seized by the Yuzana Company from the local residents. Following Yuzana Company's departure from the Hukawng area in 2021, it is said that the military reclaimed the land and initiated the construction of the military base.
The land was once known as the old Namphyet village. However, after the Yuzana Company's arrival in 2007, reports suggest that the company seized the land from the local residents and subsequently designated it as farmland.
There are a total of five checkpoints and military camps along the route from Namphyet village to Danai township. These include Light Infantry Battalion 390 stationed in Namphyet village, Light Infantry Battalion 382 located in Tingkauk village, Infantry Battalion 260, and the 5-mile camp situated in Kawngyar village.
Presently, the mentioned battalions are under the command of the Danai Regional Operations Commands (ROC), also known as Da Ka Sa in Myanmar. Local residents are expressing their belief that these military operations are part of a strategic plan aimed at exerting control over the 2nd KIA Brigade in the Hukawng Valley.
