The Kachin Post

November 20, 2003— Burmese Army has scaled up its encroachment into the control area of Kachin Independence Organization in northern Burma, amid entering the 10th anniversary of ceasefire agreement between two groups, according to the KIO sources.

Burmese battalions have stationed strategic place near the KIO military bases including its headquarters. A new Burmese Army outpost has placed recently on route to the KIO’s 3rd brigade from Chinese border, said a military officer from that brigade. The brigade controls the organization’s main income conduits where it levies taxes form border trade.

Kachin Independence Organization signed ceasefire agreement with Burmese military government in February 1994. After the agreement it had lost controlling its main source of income areas including the Pha Kant jade mine. Recruiting its new members and collecting war fund had been ceased by the agreement.

A KIO officer, who is in condition of anonymity, said other three KIO brigades have also faced Burmese army intrusion by stationing the army posts near its bases. Three brigades based in Kachin State and one based in northern Shan State.

Over 50 Burmese army battalions have been stationed in Kachin State under the northern command. The number is three times higher than the number before the ceasefire agreement reached.

“We are concern that Burmese army is ready to fight as our [KIO] army being weak,” said a KIO officer.

KIO controlled 60 percent of Kachin State and over 300,000 people live under its rule before the ceasefire.