Mounting casualties in Kokang as fighting intensifies

One army officer, who did not reveal his name, said there may soon be heavy fighting. Witnesses have reported regular sightings of military conveys carrying weapons, equipment and soldiers arriving in the region. Kokang is under martial law.

The government declared a state of emergency and a 3-month martial law in the region on February 17, following heavy fighting with Kokang rebels since February 9. Among the supporters was Lower House MP Kyaw Ni Naing from Laukkaing constituency.

“Soon peace and stability will be restored to the region through the unity and cooperation between the army and the Kokang race. The fighting occurred between Chinshwehaw and Laukkaing. We are totally opposed to such extremism," he said.

Asked to comment on the declaration of the martial law, National League for Democracy (NLD) chairperson Aung San Suu Kyi said: "The army itself has a duty to safeguard the country and people. It depends on the procedures. The rule of law cannot be neglected in any kind of administration. It should be done within the framework." 

On Wednesday, no one was allowed to enter Laukkaing. Due to security concerns, pedestrians and vehicles were only allowed to use Lashio-Kunlong motor road from 5 am to 5 pm.

Fighting has been reported in Chinshwehaw Township, and gun fire has been heard in Narti. Local residents say they fear an escalation of fighting in Laukkaing, Chinshwehaw and Kunlong. The majority of residents in Laukkaing and its nearby regions are Mainland-born Chinese and Myanmar people who come to the region, working in sugarcane fields and poultry farms. Some are involved in gambling and drug trading businesses.

More than 20 people dead of gunshot wounds were discovered in Laukkaing, Kyi Myint and other witnesses from the area said. 

"I saw 17 dead people near the seven-tiered building," Kyi Myint said. "And all dead bodies are covered with sheets. I also saw at least five dead bodies near the gambling place."

Civilians have also been fired on elsewhere. The military said Kokang rebels on Tuesday fired on a Red Cross vehicle carrying refugees, leaving one dead and one wounded and also attacked a rescue convoy, injuring two Red Cross workers. Both incidents occurred between Laukkaing and Chinshwehaw. Rebels deny they are behind the attacks.

The middle-aged victim killed in the attack is a sugarcane worker from Magway Region, and the injured victim, 20 from Lashio, works in gambling, he said, adding that the car was abandoned and its passengers continued to Chinshwehaw by foot. 

The Red Cross has temporarily ceased rescue operations in the township.

"We have reported the rebel attacks on the Red Cross members to the regional government and will inform other organisations," a Red Cross member said. "We stopped our rescue operations based on the circumstances.

"The situation may become worse as the rebels attack even Red Cross members. About 1,000 workers have been stranded in Laukkaing and near the China-Myanmar border."

The Red Cross is attempting to coordinate with the army to rescue stranded workers in Namhsam near the border. Due to the ongoing fighting, residents are fleeing their regions, and many migrant workers are going back home. Some victims take refuge in Mansu monastery and the relief camps in Lashio.  

Meanwhile, China has opened refugee camps on its side of the  border, say those attempting to rescue civilians caught in the middle of the battles. Witnesses also report that China have increased its border guard force.

Heavily armed vehicles and Chinese soldiers have been seen at Chinshwehaw near the border, they say, adding that they have erected their national flag.