Kachin leader ready for talks with regime in Myitkyina; UN report says senior military figures involved in torture

Kachin leader ready for talks with regime in Myitkyina

The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) Deputy Chairperson Gunmaw Sumlut claimed that the regime in Naypyidaw requested a meeting with the KIO online, but that he refused twice preferring to hold in-person talks in the Kachin State capital Myitkyina. This follows meetings he held with the National Unity Government (NUG), the Chin Brotherhood, and the Yaw Army, at undisclosed locations on Aug. 9. 

Salai Yaw Man, the Chin Brotherhood spokesperson, told DVB that the talks with the KIO leader were meant to discuss possible “strategic” cooperation with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). Naw Bu, the KIA spokesperson, told DVB that he was not informed of any meetings between the KIO and the NUG, Chin Brotherhood, or Yaw Army. None of the resistance groups disclosed details of the talks. 

Gunmaw confirmed meeting for the first time with the Chin Brotherhood, which operates in Chinland, and the Yaw Army, which operates in Magway Region. In Kachin State, Sumprabum, Injangyang, Shwegu, Chipwi, and Tsawlaw, as well as Mabein in northern Shan State, are under either full or partial KIA control. These six towns are among 63 townships placed under martial law by Min Aung Hlaing on July 31.