Kachin battles rage on as Burmese army’s military operations continue in Kachinland despite calls to halt offensive campaigns. A KIA frontline soldier says KIA makes every effort to hold on to every piece of territory it has controlled for decades though heavily bombarded by Burmese army.

KIA’s 3^rd Battalion under 1^st Brigade on Sunday encountered Burmese army soldiers under infamous 88^th LID between Sadung and Lahpai village. Burmese soldiers of 88^th LID reportedly looted Sadung local market on Aug 4 as the market day held once every five days.  The soldiers took whatever they want from the market and when some shop owners asked for money, those soldiers showed their guns and knives, said a Sadung villager.

A local source reported that KIA’s 15^th Battalion under 3^rd Brigade deterred advancing Burmese army’s 237^th LIR near Chyahkan Dap village on Aug 4 at 11 am. On the same day, KIA’s 5^th Brigade soldiers fought against Burmese army’s 320^th LIB between Mung Mu and Nawng Nang village.

On Aug 3, a fierce battle took place between KIA’s 15^th Battalion and Burmese army’s 319^th LIB at Lung Rawng Kawng junction near Tapein power plant where renewed fighting began on June of last year. Another battle took place near Loije hill between KIA’s 27^th Battalion and Burmese army’s 320^th LIB on Aug 3 at 7:30 pm.

The war between Kachin Independence Army and Burmese government army has lasted for more than a year but a feasible solution for the conflict is still not in sight. KIO continues to call for a meaningful and constructive political dialogue. Burmese government has so far objected to implement genuine political talks with ethnic nationalities though offered and signed a numbers of cease-fire deals with different groups.