Tension between Tatmadaw, KIA mounts in jade-rich township
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Village elders have been trying to reduce escalating tension between the Union government army and Kachin Independence Army (KIA) near Kansee village in jade-rich Phakant Township since October 14, local residents told Daily Eleven yesterday.
Village elders, religious leaders and local members of the opposition National League for Democracy say they are working together to prevent civilian casualties should a conflict flare.
“Village elders have visited army officials to negotiate with them to prevent any harm to civilians. A major said no civilians will be hurt,” said Sein Min, a member of the NLD in the township. No heavy clashes have occurred yet, he added.
Some village residents have fled to avoid being caught in crossfire as village elders try to negotiate with both sides to prevent a clash, Sein Min said.
Local residents say the two sides are gathering forces on opposite sides of a stream near the village.
“We heard that the government army told the KIA to retreat from the area. We have no idea what the cause of the tension is,” religious leader Be Toojar said.
The Tatmadaw is trying to gain control over the jade-rich area where the KIA has been charging taxes on jade miners since mining officially resumed there about one-and-a-half months ago, some local residents said.
