Blog Elements – Page 490

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Kachin Aid Group Halts Humanitarian Work After Threat by Myanmar Army

June 18, 2018/in News

An evangelical Christian organization based in northern Myanmar’s Kachin state has stopped its humanitarian work in areas controlled by an ethnic militia in the conflict-ridden region after the Myanmar military warned that it would take action against the group for associating with an illegal entity, an official from the NGO said Friday. The Kachin Baptist […]

The 7th Anniversary of the Renewed Kachin War: An Update

June 14, 2018/in News

Today is the 7th anniversary of renewed war in the Kachin region. On June 9, 2011, the war between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Burma Army (BA) was reignited after a combined force of the BA’s 437th Light Infantry Regiment and 348th Light Infantry Regiment troops launched an attack on the KIA 15th Battalion’s Bumsan post in Sanggang, located near Taping hydropower plant in Momauk Township. It effectively ended the 17-year ceasefire that had […]

Kachin Aid Group Halts Humanitarian Work After Threat by Myanmar Army

June 18, 2018/in News

The 7th Anniversary of the Renewed Kachin War: An Update

June 14, 2018/in News

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Kachin Aid Group Halts Humanitarian Work After Threat by Myanmar Army

June 18, 2018/in News

The Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC), headquartered in the state capital Myitkyina, has helped civilians displaced by fighting between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and Myanmar forces since hostilities resumed in June 2011 following the breakdown of a 17-year bilateral peace accord.

A surge in the clashes this year in the long-running civil war between the KIA and Myanmar army has displaced more than 7,400 civilians in Hpakant, Tanaing, and Injangyang townships since early April, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The fighting forced more IDPs into camps between Myanmar-China border posts Nos. 6 and 8 in Waingmaw township in Myitkyina district, joining some 5,000 others already living there, according to the KBC.

The Myanmar army said KBC members delivered food supplies to the newly arrived IDPs in the area in early May.

“The refugees are in danger during this rainy season,” Rev. Hkalam Samson, the KBC’s general secretary, told RFA’s Myanmar Service. “That’s why we have been helping them.”

Colonel Thura Myo Tin, Kachin state’s security and border affairs minister, sent the KBC a letter dated May 21, telling the organization to stop going to the border camps to help the IDPs or risk being charged under Article 17(1) of the colonial-era Unlawful Association Act because the camps are in KIA-controlled territory, he said.

“Actually, every border area in Kachin state is KIA-controlled territory,” Hkalam Samson added.

‘Not helping the KIA’

The Unlawful Association Act was used during Myanmar’s decades of military junta rule to detain those linked to rebel groups, and it continues to be used to jail people in Kachin state for allegedly being in contact with the KIA.

It sets out prison terms of two to three years and a possible fine for being a member of an “unlawful association,” making contributions to one, or assisting its operations.

The KBC — the main domestic aid organization in Kachin state — has been helping IDPs for seven years, along with United Nations agencies and the International Committee of the Red Cross, Hkalam Samson said.

“We all are helping all IDPs,” he said. “We are not helping the KIA.”

The KBC is planning to send a response to the ministry, he added.

Intensified clashes between the KIA and Myanmar forces this year have raised questions about the military’s possible role in hindering the government’s efforts to end the country’s civil wars and forge lasting peace.

Since 2011, more than 100,000 civilians have been displaced in Kachin state, many of whom have been unable to return to their homes as the conflict continues.

Reported by Kyaw Thu for RFA’s Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.

RFA News

The 7th Anniversary of the Renewed Kachin War: An Update

June 14, 2018/in News

Lance Corporal Gawmo Chang Ying, a KIO liason officer in Sanggang was arrested, tortured and killed by BA troops. At the request of the KIO’s Central Committee, Chang Ying’s body was returned to KIA troops on June 10, 2011, and it was found that he had suffered multiple bruises, stab wounds, and bayonet wounds. Chang Ying had reportedly been shot three times even after death.

The KIO requested the BA to stop sending troops and transporting military hardware to the Kachin frontlines following the Sanggang incident, but the BA ignored the KIO’s request. On June 12, 2011, the KIO Central Committee gave orders for KIA forces to open fire on BA troops as a defensive measure.

Conflict Update

According to KIO official sources and local frontline updates, there have been 3862 clashes between the two sides, which involvedsoldier on soldier combat, artillery and landmine attacks, from June 11, 2011 to May 31, 2018.

There were 663 clashes between the KIA and the BA in 2011, 879 clashesin 2012, 224 clashes in 2013, and 155 clashes in 2014.

Fighting between the KIA and the BA escalated after the NLD was elected as government in 2015. In 2015, there were 634 clashes, 740 clashes in 2016, 361 clashes in 2017, 206 clashes from January to May in 2018.

BA troops from at least 108 Infantry battalions from Myitkyina-based Northern Command, Mandalay-based Central Command, Monywa-based Northwestern Command, Pathein-based Southwestern Command, Danai-based Regional Operations Command, Mogaung-based 3rd Military Operations Command, Bhamo-based 21st Military Operations Command, Hpegon-based 7th Military Operations Command, Sagaing-based 33rdLight Infantry Division, Pegu-based 77th Light Infantry Division, Magway-based 88th Light Infantry Division, Meiktila-based 99th Light Infantry Division, and Tennesserim-based 101st Light Infantry Division currently deployed in Kachin State.

In northern Shan State, thousands of BA troops from at least 90 Infantry battalions from Lashio-based North Eastern Command, Kyaukme-based 1st Military Operations Command, Hpugyi-based 4th Military Operations Command, Kyigone-based 10th Military Operations Command,Theinni-based 16th Military Operations Command, Lau Kai-based Regional Operations Command, Hlegu-based 11th Light Infantry Division, Aungban-based 55th Light Infantry Division, Pyay-based 66th Light Infantry Division, Pegu-based 77th Light Infantry Division, and Magway-based 88th Light Infantry Division are currently being deployed.

Human rights abuses and arbitrary killings (2011 – 2018)

1. An estimated 124 innocent civilians have been tortured, killed by BA forces.

2. 34 Kachin women have been raped.

3. About 300 innocent civilians have been rounded up and imprisoned.

4. 78 received permanent injuries, as a result of suffering torture at the hand of BA troops.

It is likely that there are many more unreported cases of torture, rape and imprisonment.

Destruction and occupation of churches, monasteries, childcare centers, schools, clinics (2011 – 2018)

The following are the numbers KLN obtained from KIO official sources, and local aid organizations:

311 churches damaged or destroyed

24 Buddhist monasteries occupied or left damaged by BA troops

134 childcare centers damaged or destroyed

122 schools damaged or destroyed

264 clinics damaged or destroyed

IDP Situation

Kachin local faith-based and aid organizations report that about 130,000 villagers and residents have been displaced since the renewed war began in June 2011. They are living in 165 camps in areas controlled by both the Burmese government and the KIO.

In 2018 alone, over 6,000 persons were internally displaced and forced to move to IDP camps. KLN has obtained some updates on the latest IDP situation. The following are the IDPs and camps added in 2017-18 due to BA offensives in central Kachin state.

Myitkyina

(1) Jaw Masat IDP Camp Numbers of IDPs (489)

(2) Trinity IDP Camp Numbers of IDPs (724)

(3) Tanghpre IDP Camp Numbers of IDPs (1223)

Waimaw

(1) Qtr.2 Lhaovo Baptist Church Numbers of IDPs (49)

(2) Maina AG Hpyen Yen Dabang Numbers of IDPs (52)

(3) Shangaw/ Hka Wan Dabang Numbers of IDPs (194)

(4) Maina KBC Hpyen Yen Dabang Numbers of IDPs (89)

Chi-hpwi

(1) Lhaovo Baptist Church (LBC) Numbers of IDPs (215)

(2) Chi-hpwi KBC Camp Numbers of IDPs (198)

Danai

(1) Tanai Dabang Nnan Numbers of IDPs (268)

(2) Kamai Hpyen Yen Dabang Numbers of IDPs (142)

Hpa-kant

(1) Lawa Hpyen Yen Dabang Numbers of IDPs (145)

Moegawng

(1) Namti, Lambraw Yang KBC IDP Camp Numbers of IDPs (308)

(2) Zup Mai Yang IDP Camp Numbers of IDPs (219)

(3) Namti AG Hpyen Yen Dabang Numbers of IDPs (83)

(4) Namti RC Hpyen Yen Dabang Numbers of IDPs (104)

(5) Myo Oo RC Hpyen Yen Dabang Numbers of IDPs (174)

Njang Yang

(1) Tayang Zup Hpyen Yen Dabang Numbers of IDPs (114)

Momauk

(1) Momauk Numbers of IDPs (82)

Destroyed and Abandoned Villages

To date, 405 villages have been damaged in the Kachin region since the renewed war began in June 2011. From Jan to May 2018, about 50 villages were abandoned and the villagers forced to live in IDPs camps and relatives’ houses. The following is the latest list of abandoned villages in Danai, Sumprabum, Kamaing, Mogaung and Hpakant townships in 2018.

(01) Hpala

(02) Zang Nawng

(03) Yin Chyin

(04) Lawk Gam

(05) Myaw Maw Pa

(06) Na Law

(07) Lawng Hpam

(08) Man Dong

(09) Ja Wa

(10) Aura

(11) Jubali

(12) Wulawng Yang

(13) Nai Tsing

(14) Gwi Htau

(15) Tang Bau Yang

(16) Nlawt Yang

(17) Zup Mai Yang

(18) Ja Htu Yang

(19) Sut Ngai Yang

(20) Patsip Zup

(21) Bum Nen Yang

(22) Sani Tu Yang

(23) Gum San Yang

(24) Bum Se Zup

(25) Kumtsai Taw Yang

(26) Pung Swi Yang

(27) Htara Zup

(28) Hkridaw Ga

(29) Jingma Yang

(30) Dubau Kawng Ra

(31) Tingsau Yang

(32) Hpawlam Hpya

(33) Ulawk

(34) Ndung Yang

(35) Tsa Tsing Pa

(36) Awng Lawt

(37) Zup Mai Yang

(38) Nawng Nyeng

(39) Nam Hkam

(40) N-ga Ga

(41) Nam Gawn

(42) Pawk Wa

(43) Awng Ba

(44) Ja Awng Pa

(45) Awng Len

Deaths and Injuries from landmines in 2018

From January to May 2018, 13 civilians were killed and 39 civilians were injured by landmines.

The following is a list of civilians killed or injured in 2018.

1. January, 2018 – 2 civilians injured

2. February, 2018 – 2 civilians killed, 17 civilians injured

3. March, 2018 – 2 civilians killed

4. April 2018 – 5 civilians killed, 12 civilians injured

5. May 2018 – 4 civilians killed, 8 civilians injured

Kachin News

Spring Revolution

Civil Society Position Paper on ASEAN’s Goal of a Myanmar-Owned and -Led SolutionDecember 18, 2024 - 12:11 pm
Recommendations to ASEAN and Its Member States (1) Move beyond the 5PC to achieve a Myanmar people-led and people-centered solution to the crisis in Myanmar. ASEAN’s “Myanmar-owned and -led” approach must be backed by genuine political will that aligns with and supports the collective aspirations of the people of Myanmar. (2) Cease all pressure on […]
The Airstrikes after the journey to the China of the Junta Military LeaderDecember 10, 2024 - 1:28 pm
Operation 1027 was a coordinated military attack against the junta on October 27th, 2023. It was carried out by the Northern Brotherhood, which includes the Arakan Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army. Several months later, the Three Brotherhood Alliance held three meetings to negotiate with China on January 11 […]
Human Rights Situation weekly update (September 15 to 21, 2024)September 27, 2024 - 8:26 am
Human Rights Violations took place in States and Regions from Sep 15 to 21, 2024 Military Junta Troop launched airstrikes and dropped bombs in Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Shan State, Chin State, Rakhine State, and Kachin State from September 15th to 21st. The Military Junta committed arresting, occupying the properties, threatening by using power, and […]

Multimedia

Reparation (Cartoon Animation)December 21, 2024 - 8:08 am
Human Rights Basic 4 signs Cartoon AnimationDecember 8, 2024 - 9:07 am
Human Rights Cartoon AnimationDecember 8, 2024 - 9:03 am
JusticeOctober 7, 2024 - 10:28 am

ND Burma

ND-Burma formed in 2004 in order to provide a way for Burma human rights organizations to collaborate on the human rights documentation process. The 13 ND-Burma member organizations seek to collectively use the truth of what communities in Burma have endured to advocate for justice for victims. ND-Burma trains local organizations in human rights documentation; coordinates members’ input into a common database using Martus, a secure open-source software; and engages in joint-advocacy campaigns.

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

ND Burma

Recent Posts