NAYPYITAW- Government had agreed to meet Northern Alliance Army, including Kachin Independence Organization/Kachin Independence Army (KIO/KIA), after holding the Union Day, says San Aung from Peace-talk Creation Group(PCG) based in Myitgyina Township, Kachin State.

The Northern Alliance Army is composed of four ethnic armed groups: Arakan Army-AA, KIA, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army-MNDAA and Ta’ang National Liberation Army.

Since December 2016, the Northern Alliance has been in fierce military confrontation with the army (Tatmadaw) in the towns of Muse, Mong Ko, Pang Hseng, Namhkam and Kutakai in Shan State.

“We didn’t know the meeting’s date yet. I think the date will be held after holding the Union Day. Government agreed to hold the talk with northern alliance,” said San Aung.

The National Reconciliation and Peace Center-NRPC and the KIA held an informal meeting in Kunming, China, on January 21st. During the meeting, KIA reported the - NRPC three ethnic armed groups, which are members of Northern Alliance, wanted to participate in the discussion, together with the KIA.   

The NRPC agreed to the participation of three ethnic armed groups and had sent their approval to the KIA, according to San Aung.

At present, the AA is at war with the military in Northern Rakhine State since by the end of 2018. Likewise, clashes between military and AA took place in Paletwa, Chin State leaving casualties between both sides.

The Information Ministry released a statement yesterday saying that hundreds of locals are now fleeing to safer places. Likewise, the AA also reportedly provided refuge for about 200 nationals including Arakanees and 38 students from Paletwa Township, Chin State to Bangladesh on February 3rd.