There was only one-time clash that broke out between government forces and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) over the past nine months after the announcement of Tatmadaw’s unilateral ceasefire, but the renewed fighting can’t have the effect on political dialogues, said Colonel Naw Bu, the spokesperson of the KIA.

The renewed fighting occurred between the government forces and the KIA in Hsinbo Township, in No 5 Brigade of the KIA on October 14 in 2019. But detailed situations haven’t been known to me, said Colonel Naw Bu.

“The fighting took place in the area of No 5 Brigade in Hsinbo Township. Detailed information about this has not come yet. It is quite difficult to approve detailed situations. As far as we know, the fighting broke out as government forces entered their controlled post,” Colonel Naw Bu.

Asked if there was a clash broken out between Tatmadaw and the KIA, Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun confirmed a fight took place on October 14 morning.

“A fighting occurred in Hsinbo on October 14. It was at a distance of about 10 miles in the south of Hsinbo. There were about five members of the KIA and they started fighting against Tatmadaw military column with the use of small weapons. There were no casualties and it lasted for about 10 minutes,” said Brig-Gen Zaw Min Tun.

Tatmadaw issued a statement on a unilateral ceasefire and eternal peace on December 21 in 2018, stating that it has stopped military activities in five military commands. Until October 13 in 2019, there was no clash between Tatmadaw and the KIA, said Colonel Naw Bu.

“The only one-time clash won’t have the effect on political dialogues. Anyhow, we will follow the NCA roadmap and it is our stance. I don’t think the clash is an obstacle to political dialogues,” said Colonel Naw Bu.

The government peace negotiators and the representatives from four groups of the Northern Alliance entered into negotiation in Kengtung on September 17 and they agreed to meet again during this month.  

Translated and Edited by Win Htut