The Kachin Independence Organization vows to secure its territory in a ‘systematic way’

The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) commemorated the 65th anniversary of Kachin Revolution Day at its headquarters in Laiza on Thursday. Laiza is located on the Myanmar-China border 63 miles (101 km) south of the Kachin State capital Myitkyina.

“We are looking for ways to turn our victory on the battlefield into political success,” N’Ban La, the KIO chairperson, said during a speech to mark the 65th Kachin Revolution Day on Feb. 5.

The KIO armed wing, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), has been fighting alongside resistance forces since the Feb. 1, 2021 military coup, and collaborates militarily with the National Unity Government (NUG), a group representing lawmakers elected in 2020 but ousted in the 2021 coup. The NUG armed wing is the People’s Defense Force (PDF)

The KIO was established by a group of Kachin intellectuals in October 1960. The KIA was formed on Feb. 5, 1961 with only around 100 members. Kachin Revolution Day commemorates this date each year.

The NUG sent a congratulatory message to the KIO on Kachin Revolution Day, stating that it recognizes and appreciates its leadership in the resistance to military rule in Myanmar. The KIA has supported the formation and training of PDF units under NUG command since 2021.

The KIA launched a statewide offensive against regime forces on March 7, 2024.

N’Ban La called on all Kachin people to support its anti-drug and anti-cyber scam activities in KIA-controlled territory, which includes Sumprabum, Injangyang, Chipwi, Tsawlaw, Panwa, Kanpaiti, Sadon, Dawthponeyan, Sinbo, Myohla, Mansi, Momauk township, as well as the Myanmar-China border town Lweje and Mabein Township in northern Shan State.

Kachin’s Sumprabum, Injangyang, Chipwi and Tsawlaw were among 63 townships placed under martial law by Min Aung Hlaing on July 31.

The Kachin State capital Myitkyina is under regime control. Fighting over control of Bhamo, Waingmaw, Hpakant and Mohnyin townships between the KIA and regime forces is ongoing. The military’s 2025-26 elections were held in 14 out of 18 Kachin townships. The Union Election Commission (UEC) was unable to hold polls in four out of the 18 constituencies in Kachin State due to fighting.