The Western and the North-east regions of Burma have been racked with turmoil in recent weeks, as armed underground movements have stepped up their activities against the Burmese government.

In the Sagaing Division of the country, the Kuki militants have started regrouping in order to intensify their armed struggle. Intelligence from that region indicates that the Kuki militants have created links with the other India's North-east militant outfits operating out of Sagaing and Kachin. Their activities have forced the Military Junta to respond by stepping up their security measures in the region.

Highly-placed sources today claimed that the Kuki National Army (KNA) have started subversive activities in throughout Sagaing, causing great concern to the Burmese Junta. The KNA is fighting for a separate homeland for their community.

There are approximately 50,000 Kuki people living in the Sagaing Division. But they have been deprived of all but the most basic public services and as a result the Kukis are highly disappointed with the Burmese government. The KNA has started mobilizing youth in order to launch a vigorous armed movement against the alleged repression and suppression by the Junta.

The sources claimed that the KNA had held a meeting near Bokan in Sagaing last month during which the leadership decided to carry forward their armed movement in association with Indian underground organizations.

"In response to the actions by these underground organizations, key Junta military leader General Khin Nyunt has decided to launch a massive operation to suppress the activities of the ultras", the sources added.

It may be recalled that the Junta killed five National Socialist Council of Nagaland–Khaplang (NSCN-K) members last year, as well as conducting raids on the hide-outs of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) . Moreover, after the agreement between India and Burma to crack down the militant camps, the Junta has intensified it’s patrolling along the international border.