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“There will be no guarantee for the security of the public if the military council fires shots by taking cover of the village. The public may suffer the evil consequences of the war.” Pastor Aung Aung, a local from Putao

An interview with a local about the military situation in Putao.

April 11th, 2022

The military tensions between the military council and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) remain high snear Lonesharyan and Tanjar villages in Putao Township.

Locals fled to safer places due to the fighting in early February. They returned to their homes two years ago due to the restoration of peace. The KNG interviewed pastor Aung Aung, a local from PutaO about detailed situations.

Q: We have heard the news that there are increased military operations near Lonesharyan in Putao. May I know your view on the current military situation there?

A: The military troops don’t use Swanparabwan road. The military convoy uses Khaunglanphu road via Chiphwe and Sawlaw. I think the military columns are from the north. The military carried some troops by the YH flight. The military is also active in Lonesharyan. The military troops are stationed at the churches. Now the military troops are stationed at the gates.

Q: May I know the number of soldiers from the military council in Tanjar, Wadat and Singatbwan?

A: As far as I know, the military sent the troops which returned from Swanpiyan. There are around 100 troops in Wadat village. The number of soldiers increased by around 50 in Swanpiyan and 50 in Shingatbwan. There are around 300 soldiers here.

Q: Can it be said that the number of troops has increased more than before?

A: Yes. The number of troops has increased by twice.

Q: We have known that the KIA is stationed near this area. Can you tell me what will happen as the camps are located in close proximity, and the military tension remains high.

A: Recently, the military increased deployments of troops in Tanjar to attack the KIA and the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) in the forest. In addition, the KIA and the PDFs will respond as the troops are active. I think the war may resume.

Q: Can it be said that the war may resume?

A: Yes. There may be refreshed fighting. The military may continue its offensive after a break and reinforcement.

Q: Do you have anything to add about it?

A: Some villagers from Swanpiyan returned to their homes thanks to the coordination by the Kachin National Consultative Assembly (WMR), the Kachin Peace Talk Creation Group (PCG) and the Myitkyina Christian Council (MCC). There are around 40-50 troops of the military council there. Some people returned to their homes although they were afraid. The coordination group made an agreement with the KIA and the PDFs to avoid firing in the village. They have nothing to do with fighting outside the village. They will not take responsibility for it.

Q: Can the fighting which occurs outside the village have an impact on the public although there is no fighting in the village?

A: There will be no guarantee for the security of the public if the military council fires shots by taking cover of the village. The public may suffer the evil consequences of the war.

Sent by the KNG.

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