An interview with a local man from Chipwi regarding the current situation following the KIA’s capture of the town, including the functioning of KIO’s administration.
Local residents said that Chipwi Township, which had been under the control of the militia and border guard force led by U Zahkung Ting Ying of Kachin Special Region-1 for a decade, is now free from the military council after being captured by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).
The joint offensive to capture Chipwi began in early September, and by 29 September, the KIA and allied forces had gained complete control of the entire town.
On 30 September, the KIA and allied forces captured Tsawlaw town, which was under the control of Kachin Special Region-1.
Fighting continues in the area after the KIA and allied forces seized complete control of the militia camp on Chiphwi-Pang War road, and the BGF’s Battalion-1002 in Lu Pi village.
After the KIA captured Chiphwi, government offices, hospitals, and immigration facilities were sealed with the inscription “KIO/KIA” to indicate the start of KIO/KIA administration.
Local residents reported that an informal meeting took place in early October between some church officials in Chipwi and KIO administration officials to discuss the functioning of the KIO government administration.
Since the battle for the town’s capture, thousands of residents from Chipwi have fled to safer nearby areas. In light of these developments, the Kachin News Group (KNG) interviewed a local man from Chipwi to gather the latest information about the town now under KIA control.
Q: First of all, what is the current situation in Chipwi? Could you provide the latest updates?
A: At present, we no longer hear the sounds of gunfire in Chipwi. Since the capture of the town, fighting has resumed in Pang War, but the situation here remains calm.
Q: Since the capture of town, have there been any airstrikes by the military in recent days?
A: For two or three consecutive days after the capture of the town, there have been flying and shooting at night. Bombs dropped by the junta forces landed in various wards, causing explosions that resulted in some civilian casualties.
Q: Has the KIO begun its administration? How does it operate?
A: Shortly after the town’s capture, an informal meeting was held to discuss KIO governance. The sure point is that no actions have been taken yet. KIO officials outlined their administration plans, and we expressed our needs during the meeting. Relevant officials have now arrived to initiate the administration.
Q: Have all the residents of Chipwi returned to the town? What is the current situation?
A: Some residents have returned to the town, but many still hesitate due to fears of potential airstrikes. The elderly, pregnant women, and children have not come back. Those who have returned make up less than half of those displaced. The reason why they returned home is to safeguard their homes. The sounds of gunfire and weapons have stopped, but we still worry about the risk of airstrikes.
Q: Local residents are still worried and have not yet returned to the town. Meanwhile, the KIO government’s administrative machinery is preparing to restart. What is your view on this situation?
A: At present, in my view it still needs to meet our expectations. They haven’t made any preparations yet, so I think we’ll need to wait a bit longer. Since there is still fighting in the area, it’s difficult to determine whether the situation is good or bad.
Q: How would you like the KIO government to address security concerns?
A: At present, the only thing we are afraid of is aerial bombing. The rest is not that much. That’s why they don’t dare return home. Since the KIA has captured and taken control of these areas, I believe they have a responsibility to ensure the security of the people.
Q: What is your view on the KIA’s battle to capture the area dominated by the militia and BGF?
A: The battles to capture are taking place not only in Chipwi and Pang War in Kachin State but throughout Myanmar Since this area was not under KIO/KIA administration, I think a change has to happen.
Q: Kachin ethnic groups, including Lachik, Lawgore, and Lisu, primarily reside in the Chipwi, Pang War, and Tsawlaw areas. What might happen if the KIA continues its fight to capture the camps?
A: I think that KIO/KIA will also find a solution to this situation. I’ve heard that negotiations are planned between the two armed forces, but there are differing views on this. If the militia and BGF ultimately refuse to negotiate, I think fighting will escalate. We, the people, certainly do not want that to happen.
Q: What do you think the KIO/KIA should do?
A: It would be best if both sides engaged in thorough negotiations. In my view, this is the most effective approach. In addition, the KIO/KIA should aim to avoid creating divisions among ethnic groups. It would be beneficial if they could find solutions that honor the religious and cultural traditions of all communities involved.
Q: Finally, what are your views on the ongoing intense fighting in Chipwi and Pang War?
A: We want the fighting to end as quickly as possible so that people can return to their normal lives.
Sent by KNG