A clash broke out between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) battalion 8 and a column of Burma army troops from Namtu in northern Shan state, according to a senior KIA official based in the area.
The 30 minute firefight was near Na Yawng village in Nampaka Township. The area that is controlled by KIA Battalion 8 - under 4th brigade - is also close to the path of twin oil and gas pipelines. When the pipeline is operational (later this year) it will deliver oil and gas from Burma’s western Arakan state to China's Yunnan district.
A KIA officer that spoke with KNG on condition of anonymity said that fighting happens every time they see troops in the area.
“The gunfire happened soon after we encountered the government forces. The clashes will continue if Burmese troops do not stop their operations.”
The Burma army unit was assigned to patrol the pipeline corridor, according to the officer. After the fighting ended the government withdrew to Mung Maw in Namtu Township, where infantry battalion 41 is based.
About a week ago, dozens of fresh government troops were dispatched to Pangsai (Kyukok) and Mongkoe. The territory is partially controlled by KIA battalions 36 and 38, according to Zau Seng a KIA affiliated civilian militia commander that is based in the area.
The clashes between the KIA and government show no sign of stopping despite a 5 point agreement that was inked during the end of May peace talks. Although the fighting is brief it isn’t helping to build confidence that the government is interested in establishing peace in northern Burma.
