During the ongoing fighting and military tensions between the Warazut militia and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Ja Htu Zup village on the Danai-Ledo Road, Kachin State, it has been reported that the militia arrested five locals.
Following the KIA's attack on Warazut militia leader U Min Zay Thant's home and three camps on the morning of 8, the militia retaliated with these arrests.
The clashes erupted when the KIA 2nd Brigade troops initiated gunfire on a militia camp, which was under the Military Council, in Ja Htu Zup village. The KIA also targeted their tax collection gate, a camp in Sanpya village, and a camp located on the road leading to the gold mining site.
"Five local residents were apprehended, including a Peter, who was arrested and his hands bound behind his back. Peter was taken into custody. They confiscated all the phones found in their homes. A woman was detained for posting the word 'victory' on Facebook. All of them were arrested from their respective residences," said a local.
According to reports, some of the arrested individuals are being charged under Section 505-A, and they are currently being detained in the militia group's camp located in Sanpya village. Residents have also mentioned that a member of the KIA was also arrested on the same day as the battle. Following the fighting, tensions persisted between the Warazut militia and the KIA until July 12.
In addition to casualties on both sides during the battle, residents have reported that the brother of the militia leader also lost his life.
As the village lacks security, an increasing number of villagers are choosing to leave and seek safer locations for their own well-being and safety.
"Ever since the conflict began, we have been making preparations to flee, but circumstances prevented us from leaving. Now the villagers have started to evacuate, leaving only the militia groups behind. Unfortunately some villagers are unable to leave as they have been summonsed by the militias. The militia groups have also been conducting drone surveillance throughout the day, adding to the villagers' distress.
The drone surveillance has been ongoing since the coup, but the situation has escalated recently, making it even more challenging for the local population," said a local woman.
According to residents, during the battle on July 8, artillery shells exploded within the compound of the Baptist Church in Ja Htu Zup village, resulting in damage to the church and nearby houses.
The battle occurred between 4:00 am and 8:00 am on that day, resulting in casualties on both sides. The KIA suffered casualties, as did five members of the militia and one civilian.
The Telegram channel of the Warazut militia shared a picture showcasing the bodies of three KIA soldiers and the weapons seized during the battle on July 8th. The channel also reported that some of their militiamen were killed, while two others sustained injuries
