Military tensions are increasing between the Military Council and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) due to the regime’s troops planning to establish an army base in Namsangyang village, situated along the Myitkyina-Bhamo Road in Waingmaw Township, according to KIA frontline sources.

The Military Council convoy which had delivered rations in Narhpawt in early February, and the military column from Sinbo, are gathering in Namsangyang to establish new bases at two separate locations, KIA sources said.

A person close to KIA told KNG, “In early February, they had planned to cross from Namhsan to Narhpawt. We had initially located them and monitored their movements. However due to concerns expressed by the local people about potential conflict, we decided to allow them to cross by car. Both sides continue to monitor each other's situation now”, a person close to KIA told KNG.

The Military Council is currently deploying hundreds of troops to Dum Bang Bum, near Khala village, as well as to the Pan Daung intersection, which is located not far from Namhsan bridge. This move has resulted in a significant increase in military tension in the area.

From the start of February, the Military Council had planned to take control of these two strategic points. However the deployment of Arakan Army (AA) troops has exacerbated the already tense situation.

“ The Army had previously been stationed in Dum Bang Bum. However, when the AA was deployed in that area, it led to increased military tensions with the Military Council”, a local said.

Namsangyang is the closest village to the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), situated approximately 10 miles away, along the Myitkyina-Bhamo Road.

In January 2019, after seven years of displacement caused by the conflict between KIA and the Myanmar Military, 17 families of local residents were finally able to return to their homes.

KIA and the Military Council reached agreement on five key points, which included a commitment from both sides not to establish military camps within or around residential areas. This was to ensure that returning families could settle in safety ,and with the dignity they deserved.

Concerns have been raised by Namsangyang residents, as approximately 500 troops from the Military Council are currently deployed in the surrounding areas of the village. This has left many fearing that the conflict could reignite at any moment, leading to further displacements and a new crisis.