KIO talks proceed as Burma army jets fly low over Myitkyina

As representatives of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) sat down with government negotiators for the first day of talks in Myitkyina on Tuesday, two military jets flew over the Kachin state capital at a very low altitude. The roaring sounds of the Chinese built jets could be heard inside Majoi Gawknu hall where the peace talks were taking place, according to witnesses. The fly over took place sometime after 1 PM on Tuesday afternoon.

Residents of Myitkyina report that the sight of military aircraft flying over the town is not uncommon however it is rare to see them flying at such a low altitude, as happened on Tuesday. Eyewitnesses who saw the fly over suggest it may have been done on purpose to intimidate those attending the talks.

As for the talks themselves Lamai Gum Ja, a member of Peace-talk Creation Group (PCG), a group of Kachin businessman involved in supporting the peace process, told the Kachin News Group that the first day of the talks focused on a number of issues including a proposed plan to jointly monitor troops on the front line. Yesterday the talks discussed plans to resettle internally displaced people.

Chinese diplomats and the UN Special Envoy to Burma Vijay Nambiar attended the talks as observers. Also attending the talks were the leaders of several Kachin political parties and cultural organizations. Many of Burma's armed rebel groups attended the talks as observers as well, this included the Karen National Union (KNU), New Mon State Party (NMSP), Shan State Progressive Party/Restoration Council of the Shan State (RCSS), United Wa State Party, Chin National Front (CNF), Pa-o National Liberation Organization (PNLO), National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF) and All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF).

Amy troop reinforcements arrive in southern Kachin state
A large numbers of troop reinforcements have been dispatched to Bhamo (Manmaw) in southern Kachin over the past few weeks, according to Kachin Independence Army (KIA) officials. Most of the troops have been deployed to areas partially controlled by KIA battalion 12 and 27 (under 3rd Brigade) in Shwegu and Mansi (or Manje) townships, according to a senior KIA officer who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Two military boats carrying troops arrived in northern Saigaing Division Katha port on Sunday evening. Both the ships were expected to be headed north to Kachin state, said an official with KIA Battalions 27.

Although tensions between the KIA and army troops have increased in Mansi and Shwegu over the past two weeks, KIA leaders in Laiza have ordered their troops to avoid any clashes whilst the peace talks take place. The peace talks are expected to finish on Thursday.

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