The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) operations to seize Junta bases along the Waingmaw-Sadung-Kan Paik Ti Road, led to worried residents are building temporary huts near the border with China as a precautionary measure against potential clashes spreading to Kan Paik Ti.
“They are building temporary tents near the border stone pillars with China, preparing in advance for any possibility”, a Kan Paik Ti local told MNJ.
While the authorities and town elders have not yet issued evacuation instructions, locals are proactively making plans for such a scenario.
In the past, when clashes erupted, locals would seek refuge in the Peace Cave located in Chinese territory near the border. However China no longer permits such actions.
The KIA has successfully taken control of five Junta bases on June 11, including the Gawsetyang (13-Mile Gate) base, the Lahpai militia encampment, the Bwamtaung militia encampment, the Dinggar base, and the strategically important Sadung tactical command, all situated along the Waingmaw-Sadung-Kan Paik Ti Road.
Kan Paik Ti is situated east of Sadung town and serves as a trade hub between China and Myanmar. According to the 2014 census, it has a population of approximately 8,600, consisting mostly of Junta troops, their families, militia members, and Border Guard Force (BGF) combatants.
Lwegel, another border trade town between China and Myanmar, was seized by KIA in the second week of April.
The ongoing KIA offensive targets Kan Paik Ti, and its capture would place both China-Myanmar border trade towns under KIA control.
