The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) has begun preparations for the implementation of its administrative mechanisms in Chipwi town, Kachin State, after the capture of the town by its armed wing, Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the junta-run offices were closed.
A local from Chipwi said, “After controlling all police stations and military outposts in Chipwi, on 1 October, the KIA and joint forces started writing ‘KIO/KIA’ in red paint on government-related administrative offices, immigration offices, courts, and other locations, and closed them down.”
“We no longer hear gunshots in Chipwi; it’s quiet now. The KIA is now closing all government offices by writing KIO/KIA names in red paint to start its administration. I haven’t seen the Kachin flag raised yet,” the resident added.
Under the KIO government, there are plans in place to reform the administrative system and implement education and healthcare services as soon as possible, according to KIO administrative officials.
On 1 October, KIO administrative teams reportedly held informal discussions with local people through various religious communities about the village administration system.
A Chipwi resident said that during the informal meeting, the KIO discussed reforming the local administrative system and had a two-way conversation about the administration system the people want.
“Yesterday, they called everyone and talked about administration. Mainly, they discussed the administrative system KIO plans to implement and the format people want. It wasn’t very formal, more like an informal discussion. It covered the town’s administrative system, education, healthcare, everything,” the resident explained.
The KIA and joint forces took control of all areas of Chipwi town on 29 September and are now working to start the administrative mechanism.
On the evening of 1 October, about four hours after the meeting between KIO administration and the public, the military’s fighter jets bombed Chipwi town at least four times, the resident added.
As the KIA works towards the implementation of its administrative mechanisms, the military junta, having lost control of the entire Chipwi town, continues to conduct almost daily air raids and bombing attacks.
Due to these ongoing air attacks by the military, most Chipwi residents are still displaced in forest areas, afraid to return to town due to fears of air raids.
Some Chipwi residents are also worried about potential counterattacks from the military council and the possibility of intense fighting resuming in the town.
Due to the battle to capture Chipwi town, the KIA has temporarily closed the Myitkyina-Chipwi road section and the road from Chipwi to Pang War.
Chipwi town is located 88 miles from Myitkyina city and 40 miles from Pang War, within the controlled territory of Kachin Special Region 1.
Sent by KNG.