On 29 March, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) besieged Lwegel, a border town on the China-Myanmar border in Momauk Township in Bhamo District in Kachin State and warned the remaining military council troops in the town to withdraw peacefully.
Until 3 April, the military council soldiers did not withdraw from the town. On 4 April, the KIA sealed off immigration office, intelligence office, hospital and the administrative office and then removed the flags.
While the KIA troops are besieging Lwegel town, the Chinese government has pressured KIO/KIA to avoid fighting at the border gate. So, the KIO/KIA has warned military council soldiers to withdraw from the camps.
Currently, military council soldiers are hiding in the camps in Lwegel town as they are besieged by the KIA troops. Some soldiers and police members in plain clothes are hiding in Lwegel.
The KIA troops have sealed off a police station and government offices in Lwegel. Residents say that 80 percent of Lwegel has been taken over by the KIA because they are moving around freely in KIA military uniforms in the town.
The Kachin News Group (KNG) conducted an interview with a local man from Lwegel, about the current military activities of the KIA troops in the entire Lwegel and whether the KIA has controlled the town and the latest situations.
Q: Now we can see that the entire town of Lwegel is under the control of the KIA. Has KIA really controlled Lwegel?
A: In a conversation with the KIA members here, some of them said that the government flag had been taken down and the Kachin national flag has been hoisted. It is not like that. For instance, the flags at immigration office, township administration office, hospital and police station were taken down. We have not taken complete control of the town yet. The Kachin national flag has not been hoisted yet. It can be said that the KIA can capture the town. However, they can’t do so as the army remains in the town. They said that the Kachin flag will be raised only after all camps have been captured.
Q: How many military council troops are still left in downtown Lwegel? Where are they hiding?
A: Soldiers remain in the big camp near Sun Family fuel station. I saw soldiers in the camp when I passed in front of it this morning. I don’t know how many soldiers remain there.
Q: There are reports that soldiers and policemen in plainclothes are hiding in guesthouses and hotels in Lwegel. What is the latest situation?
A: That is possible. It’s hard to guess because they are not wearing military uniforms. All the soldiers can’t stay in the camp. Recently, I heard some houses sent food to them. The KIA has warned them about it. I think they will not do it again.
Q: Are the locals worried about the fact that the soldiers and police are still in civilian clothes? How do locals prepare for it?
A: It can be said that the locals are no longer worried and afraid of the Burmese soldiers. Because they don’t carry weapons anymore. They are on the run. Locals don’t worry too much.
Q: Now the KIA has been trying to take over the town for more than one week. Until now, the KIA has not fully controlled it. May I know your view on why the KIA faces such a delay?
A: Because as we have been talking about it the past few days. Lwegel is a town on the border. I think the KIA has made some agreements with the Chinese government. I think it is not appropriate if the sounds of mines and weapons come out on the Chinese border. So, the KIA is maintaining the situation. I think the KIA is trying to quietly take over it rather than making a loud voice. The KIA would have captured it a long time ago with the use of weapons. In the current situation, the KIA is working with China through mutual understanding.
Q: Which measures shall the KIA take to quietly capture the entire town?
A: I think under the current circumstances, the KIA will try to starve junta soldiers inside the camp and force them to raise the white flag. I think junta soldiers are still able to resist as they have rations left inside the camp. They will come out of the camp if rations run out.
Q: So, can we say that now the KIA is monitoring inside and outside the town?
A: Yes. The KIA is keeping a watchful eye on them. The whole town is surrounded in order that the junta soldiers can’t move.
Q: Another thing is that all locals have fled the town for fear that fighting may occur. Have they all returned to the town now?
A: Most of the displaced have returned home. All locals taking shelter in the churches, villages near Lwegel and houses of relatives are said to have returned to home.
Q: What are the concerns of those who have returned to the town as the KIA has not yet been able to fully control the town?
A: The KIA has captured and sealed off the government offices. Everyone has come to believe that the KIA’s administrative system has started. Therefore, we can say that there is no more concern for the locals. How long will it take to operate Lwegel under the KIA’s administrative system.
A: I think it will not take much time. Because there is only one army left. In my view, it will take about one week.
Q: So, how important is Lwegel as a border town?
A: Lwegel is the largest Chinese border entry point not only for Myanmar but also for Kachin State. I heard that the government’s annual revenue is over 100 million USD. This is a rough estimate.
Q: On the other hand, how will the military council troops take measures not to lose Lwegel to the KIA?
A: The army is unlikely to abandon such an important town. However, the KIA’s military strategy is no longer the same as in the past. The KIA’s weapon power is better now. However, it is highly likely that the military will abandon it even though it doesn’t want to lose it to the KIA.
Q: Finally, add the military situation in Lwegel.
A: Now local residents don’t worry about it anymore. As there is only one military camp left, they are monitoring the seizure of that camp. As far as I can see, the people are doing what they have to do. The situation has returned to normal. One thing is that some people near the military camp are still worried. The KIA is trying to avoid the shootings.
Sent by KNG