More government troops deployed around Laiza

Thursday, 20 October 2011 21:12 Phanida   

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) - The Kachin Independence Organization has reported a build up of Burmese government troops around their headquarters in Laiza, in northern Kachin State.

KIO spokesman La Nang told Mizzima  that government soldiers had deployed the area around Laiza with at least 16 battalions and that fighting in the area had intensified.

In an area 15 miles from Laiza near the Sino-Burmese border, military offensives have reportedly been launched by Infantry No. 40, 141, 142, 260, 37, 21 and Light Infantry No. 121, 381,383, 384, 388, 438, 290, 389 and 386 under the Burmese government’s Northern Command, a total of about 1,000 Burmese soldiers.

Kachin fighters in training. Photo: Mizzima

On Wednesday, 10 battles between government troops and Kachin forces broke out around Nam San Yang and Aung Ja Villages. Fighting was also reported between the two sides in Kutkai in neighbouring Shan State.

KIO military sources said the government deployed 500 soldiers from Bhamo by river and 100 soldiers from Myitkyina by train on Wednesday. The government also was reported to have deployed troops in Daw Pone Yan Township, bringing armoured cars and 120 mm and 150 mm recoiless canons.

Spokesman La Nang said they were not too worried. "We are not resisting in a [fixed] location or stronghold. There are our troops in Kachin State, Northern Shan State and [other] the areas where Kachin people live."

La Nang said it was impossible to root out the KIO completely. "We will resist against any government troops who enter our areas,” he added.