September 8th, 2022
Rising tensions between junta forces and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) have reportedly forced some 300 residents of Momauk town in Kachin State to flee.
Tensions between junta forces and KIA members stationed in the eastern and western districts of Khar Nan town erupted after some 200 junta troops from the Bhamo-based 437th Light Infantry Battalion entered Momauk on the morning of September 6th.
“The two sides are watching each other’s activities. They are only about 400 feet apart. They cannot see each other only because of the houses of Khar Nan ward and Wawan village. Fighitng may break out as soon as one of them takes a few steps forward. The two groups are separated only by about 400 feet apart,” he said.
Khar Nan ward and Wawan village border each other and currently the military council troops are stationed in two columns near Khar Nan Basic Education High School and in front of KBC Church.
Due to the situation, more than 200 people have fled Khar Nan and Wawan to seek safety in Momauk.
Khar Nan is the largest ward in Momauk by area, and about 100 other residents have temporarily moved to Kyay Nan and Alen Kawng wards.
The column of the junta’s 437th Light Infantry Battalion yesterday stopped and interrogated all the people they encountered on their way to Momauk.
Some areas of Momauk Township, including Dawthponeyan sub-township, are contiguous with the KIO headquarters. The battle of Alaw Bum in March 2021 was the fiercest.
Sent by KNG.