The people in three IDP camps in the Kachin Independence Army/ Kachin Independence Organization (KIA/KIO)-controlled Laiza of Kachin State are digging trenches, as the fighting between the KIA and the army has intensified since the coup locals reported.

A local from Laiza said: “The people themselves are digging trenches in Waikaing, Jyanyaw and Phoneloneyan camps. They are digging them for protection if the fighting escalates beyond Sadon Township.”

There are 1,242 households and 6,635 populations in the Waikyaing IDP camp in Laiza.

The Arakan CSOs strongly denounce cruel killings, arrests and tortures of people with the abuse of power, and share the grief of all the families who have suffered losses.

Jayyan IDP camp has a population of over 8,000 and Phoneloneyan, over 3,600.

The authorities are checking the lists of populations in the wards in Laiza Township.

“The situation in Laiza is stable. The IDPs are concerned about the conflict escalating. We cannot say exactly what will happen. There was fighting in Sadon yesterday. The shooting has been reported in the border areas,” the local continued.

Recently fighting was taking place between the KIA and the army in Sadon in Kachin State, according to locals.

In March, the fighting between the KIA and the army continued in Inganyan, Mohnyin, Hpakant, Kamaing and Sadon Townships and on Tanaing-Ledo Road. The military tension is growing, locals said.

Due to the fighting in Inganyan Township, more than 200 people fled to the IDP camps in the Palana region in Myitkyina Township.

Military artillery shells fell near Zai Awng IDP camp in Laiza in December 2017, leaving some IDPs injured.