KIO and Burma government agree to deescalate tensions

KIO Chairman Zawng Hra (left) and Burmese president Thein Sein

Peace talks held in the Kachin state capital Myitkyina on Thursday ended with both the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) and the government delegation signing a joint agreement to lessen tensions.

Kachin peace talks continue in Myitkyina

KIO Vice Chief of Staff Sumlut Gun Maw (left), Burmese government's Chief negotiator U Aung Min (middle) and Sumlut Gam of leader of KIO delegation (right).

Peace talks between Burma's government and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) began yesterday in Myitkyina, one day after hundreds of Kachin well-wishers turned out to greet the KIO delegation's arrival in Myitkyina.

Unclear if UN's Nambiar will attend Kachin peace talks

Mr. Nambiar

It remains unclear if the UN secretary general's special envoy for Burma Vijay Nambiar will attend peace talks between the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) and the government which are set to take place in the Kachin state capital tomorrow.

Burma army and KIO battle near UWSA territory

KIA troops who resist the offensive of Burmese government's troops in Mongkoe area in Northern Shan state.

Fighting between government forces and troops loyal to the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) took place near an area controlled by the United Wa State Army (UWSA) in Shan state last Wednesday, according to KIO sources.

Kachin Peace talks set for Myitkyina next week

More Burmese troops have been sent to Kambaiti road before May 28 talk in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin state.

The next round of peace talks between Burma's government and the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) will take place next Tuesday, according to Kachin sources familiar with the negotiation process.

Kachin Peace facilitator unsure when talks will continue

Lamai Gum Ja, a member of the Peace Talk Creation Group (PCG), a committee of Kachin businessmen and community leaders involved in the Kachin peace process, told a Burmese newspaper last week that he is unsure when the next round of Kachin peace talks will take place.

Burma's armed conflict will delay Shwe pipeline admits government official

A Chinese truck loaded pipelines is crossing Burma border at Jeigao. Photo: Kachin News Group

A senior official from Burma's Ministry of Energy admitted to Reuters last week that the continued conflict in northern Burma between government forces and ethnic armed groups has delayed the Shwe pipeline project from going online.

Two arrested in Kachin state after Muslim shops attacked

Hpakant jade-rich town in western Kachin State.

Two people were arrested last week after two Muslim owned shops were burned in Kachin state's Hpakant region. According to press reports the two individuals detained were Buddhist.

Kachin IDP camp damaged by wind storm

The wind storm caused serious damage to structures at Bum Tsit Pa camp near Mai Ja Yang

Last Friday afternoon a major wind storm damaged shelters in internally displaced persons camps located in the Mai Ja Yang area, controlled by the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO). Family shelters, latrines, meeting halls, a church and a school were seriously damaged at 4 different camps Nhkawng Pa, Bum Tsit Pa, Hka Hkye and Lana Zup Ja.