Military tension between the army and the Kachin Independence Organization/ Kachin Independence Army (KIO/KIA) has been growing after the KIO/KIA captured the Alawbwan military camp and other military camps in late March.

Another incident heightened tensions occurred when fighting broke out between the army and the KIO/KIA near Pankhar village in Mongyaw Station in Lashio Township in Northern Shan State on April 4th.

The army had arrested two locals, according to the Lashio-based Shwephee Myay News Agency.

Col Naw Bu, the information officer of the KIO/KIA said “There is increasing military tension. Although there is no military offensive, skirmishes continue,” But he added “we have heard the news about the army’s deployment of more troops in their frontline camps in Kachin State. There could be major fighting if the Tatmadaw launches a military operation.”

About the fighting near Pankhar village in Lashio, Col Naw Bu said “I cannot confirm it as I don’t get the information on the ground.”