Residents have reported that Kachin State Chief Minister U Khet Htein Nan and Military Council member Daw Dwe Bu has actively engaged in lobbying efforts urging residents to abide by the Military Council's authority, and to steer clear of any associations with armed resistance forces.
The residents have reported that U Khet Htein Nan and Daw Dwe Bu have been making visits to Putao and Bhamo townships since early September. During these visits, they have been actively engaged in lobbying efforts to encourage residents to accept with the political direction of the Junta.
A resident of Putao informed KNG about the subjects that were addressed during the meeting with religious officials, representatives of the traditional culture group, and local residents at the town hall in Putao Township on September 18.
"They emphasized that people should refrain from engaging in activities that violate the law, and they provided an overview of the military’s perspective. They are urging people to refrain from engaging in criminal activities and to avoid any associations with armed revolutionary organizations, including the NUG.”
U Khet Htein Nan and his team devoted five days to meeting with local traditional elders in Putao and Machanbaw Townships within Putao District.
On September 14, U Khet Htein Nan and his team arrived in Bhamo Township, an area currently experiencing conflict. They met with religious leaders and members of the Bhamo-Kachin Literature and Culture Committee at the meeting hall of Mya Thida guesthouse. During the meeting, they encouraged the local residents to adopt the military's political path.
In the Dawthponeyan sub-township of Bhamo District, there has been a heightened military tension between the Military Council troops and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) since around July. As local residents flee the conflict, Kachin State Military Council teams are engaging with the affected population and conducting organizing tours.
A Kachin political analyst told KNG that the Military Council's actions could be part of a broader strategy aimed at addressing the political, social, and economic challenges it currently faces.
"I believe they are experiencing setbacks in various areas, including politics and the economy. The ongoing conflict extends beyond armed combat; it directly involves the civilian population. Without the backing and involvement of the people, their endeavors could prove ineffective. That's why I think they are actively seeking the support of the people," the analyst asserted.
The Military Council in Kachin State is currently organizing events and offering financial support to various townships and villages, but he urged the people to unite and work together to eliminate the dictatorship.
The Bhamo-Kachin Literature and Culture Committee also discussed the upcoming Manau festival scheduled for November, which is set to take place at the newly completed Manau ground in Aung Thar Ward, Bhamo Township.
A local resident of Bhamo commented, "Groups are planning religious events in Bhamo, and the Military Council is aware of these plans, so they are engaging with religious groups. In the Kachin community religion holds great importance.”
Various Christian churches have suffered military raids, and pastors have been detained and jailed for their active support of the local community issues. Trying to persuade these Kachin communities that they should accept a pro- military path runs up against many generations of military repression of the Kachin people since the 1962 coup.
